So I guess the board consensus is we're down to three players- Bamba, Jackson and Porter. Will all depend on how the draft unfolds after the likely selections of Ayton/Doncic at 1/2.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

I know the big critique on him is how much he fouls. Could definitely be a problem.

I could prolly talk myself into Jaren. I hadn't really considered him because I was blindly confident the Mavs would get at least a top 4 pick.

The porter pick scares the hell outta me. He could be the steal of the draft, but he could also be an absolute nothing. I'm not sure I can stomach that risk appetite. I know the phrase, 'scared money, don't make money' but I'd go with Bamba, Bagley or Jaren Jackson (whichever is available at 5 in that order).

BTW, don't know how many of you listen to some of the Mavs podcasts out there, but the Four Pointer on the Blowout network, hosted by Mike Marshall, did a lottery night edition with Brian Dameris. Dameris was pretty convinced that the Mavs had little interest in Bamba, and he's usually pretty credible with his info. So take that for what it's worth

True Anomaly said:

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BTW, don't know how many of you listen to some of the Mavs podcasts out there, but the Four Pointer on the Blowout network, hosted by Mike Marshall, did a lottery night edition with Brian Dameris. Dameris was pretty convinced that the Mavs had little interest in Bamba, and he's usually pretty credible with his info. So take that for what it's worth

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Wow...that's news to me. I hadn't heard any new info on Bamba since last week when Jeff Wade was talking him up and he usually has some dialed in sources to the Mavs as well.

The Shank Ag said:

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Trade #5 and next years first unprotected for the #2 pick. Draft Doncic....

If not and Bamba isn't available at 5, trade down to the 8-11 range and pick up another first rounder.

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I don't think I would trade down. I might consider the two Clippers picks (12,13) in a package for Pick 5, but I don't think I would pull the trigger. However I would trade next year's unprotected pick for Doncic. Two reasons. First, the Mavs statistical profile was that of a 35 win team, not a 25 win team. Add in Doncic, plus free agency, then take away the Mavs incentive to lose and that team wins between 35-40 games. That is likely somewhere around the 12th pick. Second, early reports are a bit down on the 2019 prospects. I wouldn't be broken up about losing the ~12th pick of 2019 for Doncic. I just don't see the Mavs tanking into the top 5 next year, they would have to win the lottery. The real problem is that Doncic might well go number 1. I don't think the Suns picking Ayton is a done deal. I also don't think the Suns/Kings would do that trade anyways.

I am ready to roll the dice on Michael Porter Jr if he is there. If he is not there then that means JJJ or Bagley has dropped. I'll take Bagley over JJJ/Bamba. I also take JJJ over Bamba (who I would favor at 6). JJJ is more mobile, I would trust him defending on the perimeter much more that Bamba in today's NBA. Fans won't be too excited about him because his counting stats are low. However his advanced stats show JJJ might have some untapped ability as an offensive creator. He also had a better offensive and defensive rating compared to Bamba. He even attempted to drive unassisted from the perimeter (almost at the same rate as Bagley), something Bamba doesn't do and will never do. He is younger as well which adds to his upside. He just has a higher ceiling overall, especially as an offensive player. I'm just worried Bamba might get played off the court by certain teams unless he can improve his lateral mobility in space.

jeffdjohnson said:

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The Shank Ag said:

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Trade #5 and next years first unprotected for the #2 pick. Draft Doncic....

If not and Bamba isn't available at 5, trade down to the 8-11 range and pick up another first rounder.

---

I don't think I would trade down. I might consider the two Clippers picks (12,13) in a package for Pick 5, but I don't think I would pull the trigger. However I would trade next year's unprotected pick for Doncic. Two reasons. First, the Mavs statistical profile was that of a 35 win team, not a 25 win team. Add in Doncic, plus free agency, then take away the Mavs incentive to lose and that team wins between 35-40 games. That is likely somewhere around the 12th pick. Second, early reports are a bit down on the 2019 prospects. I wouldn't be broken up about losing the ~12th pick of 2019 for Doncic. I just don't see the Mavs tanking into the top 5 next year, they would have to win the lottery. The real problem is that Doncic might well go number 1. I don't think the Suns picking Ayton is a done deal. I also don't think the Suns/Kings would do that trade anyways.

I am ready to roll the dice on Michael Porter Jr if he is there. If he is not there then that means JJJ or Bagley has dropped. I'll take Bagley over JJJ/Bamba. I also take JJJ over Bamba (who I would favor at 6). JJJ is more mobile, I would trust him defending on the perimeter much more that Bamba in today's NBA. Fans won't be too excited about him because his counting stats are low. However his advanced stats show JJJ might have some untapped ability as an offensive creator. He also had a better offensive and defensive rating compared to Bamba. He even attempted to drive unassisted from the perimeter (almost at the same rate as Bagley), something Bamba doesn't do and will never do. He is younger as well which adds to his upside. He just has a higher ceiling overall, especially as an offensive player. I'm just worried Bamba might get played off the court by certain teams unless he can improve his lateral mobility in space.

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I'll admit I haven't watched any JJJ film, but I found Bamba to have pretty good lateral quickness? Either way, I hope the Mavs keep their picks this year and next. (Unless a ridiculous offer is presented)

jeffdjohnson said:

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The Shank Ag said:

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Trade #5 and next years first unprotected for the #2 pick. Draft Doncic....

If not and Bamba isn't available at 5, trade down to the 8-11 range and pick up another first rounder.

---

I don't think I would trade down. I might consider the two Clippers picks (12,13) in a package for Pick 5, but I don't think I would pull the trigger. However I would trade next year's unprotected pick for Doncic. Two reasons. First, the Mavs statistical profile was that of a 35 win team, not a 25 win team. Add in Doncic, plus free agency, then take away the Mavs incentive to lose and that team wins between 35-40 games. That is likely somewhere around the 12th pick. Second, early reports are a bit down on the 2019 prospects. I wouldn't be broken up about losing the ~12th pick of 2019 for Doncic. I just don't see the Mavs tanking into the top 5 next year, they would have to win the lottery. The real problem is that Doncic might well go number 1. I don't think the Suns picking Ayton is a done deal. I also don't think the Suns/Kings would do that trade anyways.

I am ready to roll the dice on Michael Porter Jr if he is there. If he is not there then that means JJJ or Bagley has dropped. I'll take Bagley over JJJ/Bamba. I also take JJJ over Bamba (who I would favor at 6). JJJ is more mobile, I would trust him defending on the perimeter much more that Bamba in today's NBA. Fans won't be too excited about him because his counting stats are low. However his advanced stats show JJJ might have some untapped ability as an offensive creator. He also had a better offensive and defensive rating compared to Bamba. He even attempted to drive unassisted from the perimeter (almost at the same rate as Bagley), something Bamba doesn't do and will never do. He is younger as well which adds to his upside. He just has a higher ceiling overall, especially as an offensive player. I'm just worried Bamba might get played off the court by certain teams unless he can improve his lateral mobility in space.

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This is exactly why I like JJJ. I'd be happy with him. I much prefer him over Bagley and Bamba. I think I'd prefer him over Porter as well, but I'm fine gambling on Porter as well.

Jackson looks good until I begin to wonder if he's even as good as Robert Williams.

Wonder if Seth Curry will be playing next year. That was a big piece of the puzzle missing

PatAg said:

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Wonder if Seth Curry will be playing next year. That was a big piece of the puzzle missing

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We probably need another tank year and a top 10 pick.

It's also important to hit on the pick this year and next year.


Cuban and deadweight Donnie tried to do it backwards the last few years. They wanted to bring a Star in free agency and build around him, but the stars are a hot commodity, there's always other teams with cap space who are interested. The free agent players who are stars want to be told they're the missing piece and the team can instantly compete for championships when they sign.


Hopefully these young guys smith, ( bamba?), and the guy next year would be enticing enough to convince a star to finally sign with the Mavericks. Dallas isn't a toxic place, they could get a star. The problem is that the front office has been incompetent with their strategy.

Bamba interviews well. He seems like a nice, level-headed kid.

Yea I think I'm in on Bamba. He'll take a couple years to develop but that actually works out pretty well for the vision 2020 tank plan.

M.C. Swag said:

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Yea I think I'm in on Bamba. He'll take a couple years to develop but that actually works out pretty well for the vision 2020 tank plan.

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That's a great name for it

Offseason is here!


With the warriors dominating the NBA landscape, I think tanking needs to be the agenda this year.


Draft the best big man you can and give him minutes to figure out how to play. The Mavericks have been a terrible rebounding team for far too long.

Bamba's shot looks good

Reading a few mock drafts it seems like Bamba and Porter are getting some buzz. I'm starting to think that at least one of them is off the board when the Mavs pick. Not impossible that both are off the board. It will be really interesting to see who slides. I'm starting to wonder if Bagley isn't the guy. I'm concerned about that guy defensively. Aside from Ayton it is conceivable that any of Bagley/Doncic/JJJ/Bamba/Porter are on the board when the Mavs pick.

I'm ecstatic with Doncic or JJJ. That is the best case scenario for me. Still happy with any of the other guys.

My order of preference would be:

1. Doncic
2. JJJ
3. Porter/Bamba
4. anyone else
5. Bagley

That Bamba video does look pretty impressive though. I guess I can see why he's moving up the boards. His shot looks good and he's a freak when it comes to wingspan and speed.

mavsfan4ever said:

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My order of preference would be:

1. Doncic
2. JJJ
3. Porter/Bamba
4. anyone else
5. Bagley

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We don't need more guards. Need big men

Get ready guys. We've all seen this before

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/m/1a1ba22a-af78-381e-8a53-1d528b0aa20f/ss_report%3A-mavs-may-be-open-to.html

Article is saying the mavs want to move down and they want to compete in the playoffs next year.

I can't wait for dirk to retire because it seems like Cuban and deadweight Donnie always use him as an excuse to try and compete every year when they have nothing instead of just trying to rebuild a freaking team.

Grapesoda2525 said:

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mavsfan4ever said:

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My order of preference would be:

1. Doncic
2. JJJ
3. Porter/Bamba
4. anyone else
5. Bagley

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We don't need more guards. Need big men

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Who is a guard? If you are referring to doncic, he's 6'8" with guard skills. He'd probably play the 2 or 3 but definitely not your typical guard. And we need everything. Our 2 is Wes Matthews...

Grapesoda2525 said:

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Get ready guys. We've all seen this before

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/m/1a1ba22a-af78-381e-8a53-1d528b0aa20f/ss_report%3A-mavs-may-be-open-to.html

Article is saying the mavs want to move down and they want to compete in the playoffs next year.

I can't wait for dirk to retire because it seems like Cuban and deadweight Donnie always use him as an excuse to try and compete every year when they have nothing instead of just trying to rebuild a freaking team.

---

Donnie should immediately be fired if we are even entertaining this.

mavsfan4ever said:

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Grapesoda2525 said:

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Get ready guys. We've all seen this before

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/m/1a1ba22a-af78-381e-8a53-1d528b0aa20f/ss_report%3A-mavs-may-be-open-to.html

Article is saying the mavs want to move down and they want to compete in the playoffs next year.

I can't wait for dirk to retire because it seems like Cuban and deadweight Donnie always use him as an excuse to try and compete every year when they have nothing instead of just trying to rebuild a freaking team.

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Donnie should immediately be fired if we are even entertaining this.

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It does baffle me.

Maybe they think they can get a good player in the draft and sign a huge free agent, but the smart move is to tank again because golden state and Houston aren't going anywhere.

In the nba, you generally want to be either really good or really bad and since we won't be good, we need to be as bad as possible.

Stay away from Porter at all costs. That "hip sprain where he can't get out of bed" is likely that L-4 disc causing sciatica.

If Bamba is gone, I think you absolutely trade down and take Robert Williams while stashing a pick for next season.

If Donnie trades down and takes Robert Williams instead of taking one of Doncic/Jackson/Bamba/Porter, I think he should be fired on the spot. I know Porter has injury concerns, but you don't trade down from a top 5 pick when you need to hit on a potential superstar in the next couple of years. Hell, I'd be fine taking Trae Young just for the popcorn factor (no way we do this though).

I like Robert Williams if you are picking in the middle or late first round, but there's no reason to trade out of pick 5. I guess I could see it if next year's draft was supposed to be extremely heavy and you felt like the pick you receive from trading down has a good shot at being a top 3 pick. Then, if you tank again, you could potentially have 2 top 5 picks next year. But that's a ton of ifs. I'd rather just pick at #5.

mavsfan4ever said:

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If Donnie trades down and takes Robert Williams instead of taking one of Doncic/Jackson/Bamba/Porter, I think he should be fired on the spot. I know Porter has injury concerns, but you don't trade down from a top 5 pick when you need to hit on a potential superstar in the next couple of years. Hell, I'd be fine taking Trae Young just for the popcorn factor (no way we do this though).

I like Robert Williams if you are picking in the middle or late first round, but there's no reason to trade out of pick 5. I guess I could see it if next year's draft was supposed to be extremely heavy and you felt like the pick you receive from trading down has a good shot at being a top 3 pick. Then, if you tank again, you could potentially have 2 top 5 picks next year. But that's a ton of ifs. I'd rather just pick at #5.

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They probably only wanted doncic and are trading down since he wont be there. This front office is really dumb I'm thinking.

I haven't heard much buzz of the Mavericks drooling over any other draft players. Just doncic.

I'm about ready to remove Porter from consideration at this point. There had better be a very good (non back related) excuse as to why he couldn't get out of bed after playing basketball for all of 3 weeks. I am getting sold on Bamba though and would put him above Bagley at this point.

1. Doncic
2. JJJ
3. Ayton
4. Bamba
5. Bagley

At this point I think the decision will probably be made for the Mavs. Very best case is that Trae Young inexplicably gets picked by ATL at #3. Second best case is either SAC or MEM grab Porter despite the risks. If neither of those things happen then I hope Bagley is not the one who slides to the Mavs. He is a good prospect but there are two big *ifs* with him. He will be great if he develops a reliable 3 point jumper and if he improves his block/steal percentages defensively.

Isn't defense part motor and drive? Bagley was literally one of the worst defenders in the league last year. Duke had 4-5 1st round draft picks and we're forced to play zone bc of how bad bagley is on defense. For someone who has all the athletic skills as you say and also has a good motor, something isn't adding up.

I've come around on Doncic. If he actually does slide as some mocks have him doing so, I'm good with Dallas taking him. He'd fit in well as a true 2/3 on this team, ready to show Wes Matthews the door. We haven't had a decent wing since Parsons, and people forget that when healthy, Parsons was pretty great as a 3

True Anomaly said:

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I've come around on Doncic. If he actually does slide as some mocks have him doing so, I'm good with Dallas taking him. He'd fit in well as a true 2/3 on this team, ready to show Wes Matthews the door. We haven't had a decent wing since Parsons, and people forget that when healthy, Parsons was pretty great as a 3

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Good luck ditching Mathews contract.

Y'all see the buzz around the Memphis trade deal?

Apparently they desperately want to unload Chandler Parsons 2yr - $50m deal and would be willing to package the 4th overall pick to do it.

Mavs have a serious opportunity here. This is the type of deal that can spark a dynasty and it would cost Dallas practically nothing.

Option 1) Offer to take Parsons+4th Pick in exchange for a second rounder this year and protected top 8 first next.

Option 2) Same as Option 1 but throw in Grizz choice of Wes Matthews+Powell or Barnes.

This team is at least 2-3 years away from contending (and thats assuming they nail the draft picks...it could be 4-5). At that point, Barnes will be 30 and a FA. Meanwhile the Mavs will be stockpiling young talent with over $70m+ in available cap space and room to sign 2 max players. I don't see Barnes being a part of that equation anyways, so as much as i love him, I'd pull the trigger on this trade for either option 1 or 2.