*** Official 2025 - 2026 Dallas Mavericks Season Thread ***

175,125 Views | 2152 Replies | Last: 5 hrs ago by Guitarsoup
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 2:05p, 5/12/26
You know that we disagree on Acuff, but I think we're even farther apart on Yaxel if you think he's Ariza.

Yaxel is much better all around than Ariza. Much more skilled offensively and projects as a much more impactful defender, imo. Evan Miya had Yaxel as the best defender in college last season by a solid margin.

Ariza had a career TS% of 53.5% and Yaxel was 64.6% in college last year (61.3% in conference). Ariza was 47.4% TS in his one college year.

Yaxel is in the zip code of Paolo on offense and he's in the zip code of Draymond on defense. Evan Miya had Yaxel's defensive performance rating slightly better than Draymond's last year at MSU.
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 2:06p, 5/12/26
AG
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams
Reply Quote
2
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 2:10p, 5/12/26
Yeah different style of players for sure. Ariza is a perimeter defender where Yaxel has the switchability but is more of a defensive playmaker and backside rim protector like Coop.

Yaxel's ability with the ball is just far superior to Ariza's.
Reply Quote
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Vessel • 2:17p, 5/12/26
AG
Vessel said:
You know that we disagree on Acuff, but I think we're even farther apart on Yaxel if you think he's Ariza.

Yaxel is much better all around than Ariza. Much more skilled offensively and projects as a much more impactful defender, imo. Evan Miya had Yaxel as the best defender in college last season by a solid margin.

Ariza had a career TS% of 53.5% and Yaxel was 64.6% in college last year (61.3% in conference). Ariza was 47.4% TS in his one college year.

Yaxel is in the zip code of Paolo on offense and he's in the zip code of Draymond on defense. Evan Miya had Yaxel's defensive performance rating slightly better than Draymond's last year at MSU.

Ya because he's 3-5 years older than most of the guys he's playing against lol
Reply Quote
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 2:18p, 5/12/26
AG
Guitarsoup said:
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams

It was the first name that came to my mind. Wasn't trying to have an analytical comp argument. But thank you Soup.
Reply Quote
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 2:19p, 5/12/26
AG
Guitarsoup said:
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams

And now you have me looking it up and Ariza is listed at 6'8 with 7'2 wingspan.
Reply Quote
500,000ags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
2:22p, 5/12/26
AG
I want the Mavs to trade back. The tank job didn't pan. Pivot to asset accumulation.
Reply Quote
2
Tksymm7
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 500,000ags • 2:26p, 5/12/26
AG
I don't want them to trade back too far, as this draft is too good to simply just punt on, but I also think I am in favor of trading back at nine. The name of the game in the NBA right now is accumulating assets and then using those cheap assets around your superstar player you are maxing out paying for. We don't have picks for that model currently and I think trying to pickup an extra first in future years might be a good move.
Reply Quote
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 2:37p, 5/12/26
M.C. Swag said:
Guitarsoup said:
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams

And now you have me looking it up and Ariza is listed at 6'8 with 7'2 wingspan.

He was probably closer to 6'6" because they used to measure with shoes on. Yaxel is nearly 6'9" barefoot.

I still think Tall Draymond is a better comp for Yaxel. He can be an awesome small ball 5.
Reply Quote
2
1 edit
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 2:39p, 5/12/26
AG
M.C. Swag said:
Guitarsoup said:
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams

And now you have me looking it up and Ariza is listed at 6'8 with 7'2 wingspan.


Back then everything was inflated and now they use barefoot heights.

Kobe was 6'4.5 barefoot and Ariza was probably about 2" taller.

I think a better Yaxel comp is probably taller OG Anunoby or Nuggets Aaron Gordon
Reply Quote
1
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 2:46p, 5/12/26
Pretty solid comps but I'll say Yaxel is a supercharged version of Gordon because he can play the 5. He's an inch taller than Gordon with 3.5" longer arms. Gordon has never been able to function as a small ball 5, but Yaxel can. It's such a cheat code when you can do that.
Reply Quote
1
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Vessel • 2:58p, 5/12/26
AG
Vessel said:
M.C. Swag said:
Guitarsoup said:
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams

And now you have me looking it up and Ariza is listed at 6'8 with 7'2 wingspan.

He was probably closer to 6'6" because they used to measure with shoes on. Yaxel is nearly 6'9" barefoot.

I still think Tall Draymond is a better comp for Yaxel. He can be an awesome small ball 5.

I'm aware of that but are you aware that the NBA issue a leaue wide mandate back in 2019 to re certify player measurements for all teams? Durant famously lost an inch and his 7' foot status. Ariza was measured at 6'8, 215lbs with a 7'2 wingspan. I'm sorry my off the cuff comp wasn't PERFECT but you're acting like im insane to have the audacity of comparing the two.

And if you see his realistic ceiling comp as 'better OG Anunoby' then of course we disagree on where he should be valued. That's an undisputed top 4 player in most nba drafts. I just think his offensive and defensive package is grossly inflated by the fact he's a grown man playing against children and i have doubts about how effective he'll be when that advantage is neutralized.
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 3:14p, 5/12/26
AG
No one said ""better OG" , that only exists on your strawman

I think his floor comp is taller Thaddeus Young. I don't think he will be as good as OG or Gordon, but will be a very good versatile defender like both

While the NBA told everyone to use barefoot in 2019, many teams still haven't adjusted everything and some players were so getting changed last year. They didn't really start enforcing things until 2024 when they made all players that wanted to be drafted go to the combine to get measured. Keldon Johnson measures 6'4.75 at the combine but it's still officially listed as 6'6- his shoes height.
Reply Quote
1
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 3:15p, 5/12/26
M.C. Swag said:
Vessel said:
M.C. Swag said:
Guitarsoup said:
Ariza was like 6'6 200 lbs. Yaxel is 6'9 240 and has a 7'4 wingspan.

A 6'9 d&3 PF that can pass decently and defend multiple positions isn't a common archetype but it's needed by a bunch of teams

And now you have me looking it up and Ariza is listed at 6'8 with 7'2 wingspan.

He was probably closer to 6'6" because they used to measure with shoes on. Yaxel is nearly 6'9" barefoot.

I still think Tall Draymond is a better comp for Yaxel. He can be an awesome small ball 5.

I'm aware of that but are you aware that the NBA issue a leaue wide mandate back in 2019 to re certify player measurements for all teams? Durant famously lost an inch and his 7' foot status. Ariza was measured at 6'8, 215lbs with a 7'2 wingspan. I'm sorry my off the cuff comp wasn't PERFECT but you're acting like im insane to have the audacity of comparing the two.

And if you see his realistic ceiling comp as 'better OG Anunoby' then of course we disagree on where he should be valued. That's an undisputed top 4 player in most nba drafts. I just think his offensive and defensive package is grossly inflated by the fact he's a grown man playing against children and i have doubts about how effective he'll be when that advantage is neutralized.

Even if I grant Ariza is only slightly shorter with only slightly shorter arms, their play styles aren't that similar. Ariza was a pure perimeter player and on ball defender while Yaxel will operate much better in the help side rim area. But he did show insane switchability when necessary. Thus, the Draymond comp. Ariza averaged 2 assists per game and 0.3 blocks per game for his career. Yaxel is a far better offensive initiator and better rim protector.

I think GS said taller OG, not "better." Sure, he won't be the best defender in the league like we was the best defender in college. But it's reasonable to assume he'll consistently be competing for All Defense.

And again, Yaxel can play the 5 and shoot, which is invaluable. A lineup with Coop and Yaxel at the 4 and 5 could be demonic.
Reply Quote
2
1 edit
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Vessel • 3:27p, 5/12/26
AG
An OG and Gordon is a style of play thing. Ariza was skinny and guarded entirely on the perimeter.

OG and Gordon are strong and versatile where they defend down low or on the perimeter.
Reply Quote
1
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:43p, 5/12/26


Flemings is so back lol.
Reply Quote
1
zgolfz85
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:47p, 5/12/26
AG
impressive
Reply Quote
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:48p, 5/12/26




Wagler being infinitely better off the dribble than off the catch is hilarious and also tracks from the eye test in season.
Reply Quote
zgolfz85
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:50p, 5/12/26
AG
def an off day for acuff. that dude hit so many insane contested 3s and stepback 3s all year. wonder if that will knock him down at all
Reply Quote
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 3:53p, 5/12/26
AG
Guitarsoup said:
No one said ""better OG" , that only exists on your strawman

I think his floor comp is taller Thaddeus Young. I don't think he will be as good as OG or Gordon, but will be a very good versatile defender like both

While the NBA told everyone to use barefoot in 2019, many teams still haven't adjusted everything and some players were so getting changed last year. They didn't really start enforcing things until 2024 when they made all players that wanted to be drafted go to the combine to get measured. Keldon Johnson measures 6'4.75 at the combine but it's still officially listed as 6'6- his shoes height.

Sorry, 'taller OG' - i'm not interested in the semantics battle when you should be able to take the argument at face value (we have a fundamental gap in who Yaxel projects as his ceiling comp).
Reply Quote
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 3:53p, 5/12/26
AG
holy ****, i get it. I never should have even provided a comp.
Reply Quote
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to zgolfz85 • 3:56p, 5/12/26
zgolfz85 said:
def an off day for acuff. that dude hit so many insane contested 3s and stepback 3s all year. wonder if that will knock him down at all

Yeah, that means nothing to me for Acuff. He's the best scorer of the second group by far and his shooting sample from all season is plenty big. We know what he is offensively.
Reply Quote
1
DannyDuberstein
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:56p, 5/12/26
AG
I prefer Taller Michael Jordan as the comp
Reply Quote
7
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 3:57p, 5/12/26
AG
It's not a semantics battle. What's wrong with you today? I said I don't think he is like a skinny wing defender, because he is a 6'9 240lb PF.

I don't think Yaxel projects as a star player at all, but I do think he is a plus rotation piece that has a valued archetype for a championship-contending team.
Reply Quote
2
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 4:00p, 5/12/26
AG
Guitarsoup said:
It's not a semantics battle. What's wrong with you today? I said I don't think he is like a skinny wing defender, because he is a 6'9 240lb PF.

I don't think Yaxel projects as a star player at all, but I do think he is a plus rotation piece that has a valued archetype for a championship-contending team.

Because you are arguing to argue and it's annoying.
Reply Quote
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:06p, 5/12/26
This is draft season and we have a lottery pick. This is a happy time and we're all just trying to have fun.

Reply Quote
3
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 4:08p, 5/12/26
AG
Says the person that's taking stuff out of context and making strawmans? Ok

Sorry I disagreed with your player comp. I didn't know it would affect you that much
Reply Quote
1
zgolfz85
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DannyDuberstein • 4:10p, 5/12/26
AG
DannyDuberstein said:
I prefer Taller Michael Jordan as the comp

not good enough......it's like MJ, Lebron and Larry Bird played soggy biscuit (and all won) and then had a surrogate super baby, but better
Reply Quote
1
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 4:22p, 5/12/26
AG
Guitarsoup said:
Says the person that's taking stuff out of context and making strawmans? Ok

Sorry I disagreed with your player comp. I didn't know it would affect you that much


Because you hyper focused on a throwaway, off the cuff, comp and just ignored the actual substance of why I'm not thrilled with Yaxel as the reward for enduring a terrible season. If he becomes a borderline all star with all nba defense level player, that's a great pick. But I clearly don't think that's who he'll be (a decent glue guy on a team already built to win - that's where I got my Ariza comp).
Reply Quote
1 edit
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 4:27p, 5/12/26
M.C. Swag said:
Guitarsoup said:
Says the person that's taking stuff out of context and making strawmans? Ok

Sorry I disagreed with your player comp. I didn't know it would affect you that much


Because you hyper focused on a throwaway, off the cuff, comp and just ignored the actual substance of why I'm not thrilled with Yaxel as the reward for enduring a terrible season. If he becomes a borderline all star with all nba defense level player, that's a great pick. But I clearly don't think that's who he'll be (a decent glue guy on a team already built to win - that's where I got my Ariza comp).

That's fair and that's why I think either OKC or Charlotte could give up their two first rounders to move up to our spot.

I like him, but I'd have no problem letting someone else come up and get him to take 2 younger players towards the middle of the first.
Reply Quote
3
Guitarsoup
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to M.C. Swag • 4:33p, 5/12/26
AG
Like you're the guy that got all hyper focused on it to defend it looking up heights and weights and all that, when you could have just said "hey I just mean a power forward version" of him if that's what you think. We can't read your mind

He's not who I would go for for the Mavericks especially when you already have PJ Washington on contract. Just have to hope that PJ Washington gets back to how he played a couple years ago. Mavs obviously need higher upside. Think he makes a lot of sense for a team like Charlotte, Oklahoma City or San Antonio.

Go reread your posts. Hope everything is ok. This isn't that serious.
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
M.C. Swag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarsoup • 4:37p, 5/12/26
AG
Gtfo with that condescending ***** Seriously go back to the spurs thread man.
Reply Quote
Vessel
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:39p, 5/12/26


Decent day for him, athletically, if he's similar to Harper. Shooting wasn't great though. Those arms are also a rough look lol.
Reply Quote
2 edits
zgolfz85
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:40p, 5/12/26
AG
I want yall to kiss and make up already. you're both too good on this thread to let this continue
Reply Quote
6
NoahAg
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:50p, 5/12/26
Well that escalated.
Reply Quote
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.