12/21/24
January 09, 2003
Mavs set to sign Frenchman: -- but, should they not tinker with the good thing they've got going now?
More importantly, who should be traded? What sorts of teams are looking to make a move? What are your local newspapers talking about?
What does your team need to make a playoff push?
posted by jmevius to basketball at 11:47 AM - 5 comments
I'm not too worried about them adding a role player, but I'd hate to see a big trade. I admit they need a big man, but who would help them at this point?
Theo Ratliff is probably available, but he's got health problems. Kelvin Cato might be out there as well, but he's pretty young/raw. The last thing they need is some locker-room distractions, so Charles Oakley is out. Any other ideas?
posted by jmevius at 01:13 PM on January 09, 2003
Take Theo Ratliff please! The local sports radio guys are calling him the biggest corporate crook in America for taking so much of AOL's money and giving nothing in return. Actually, the Hawks have a host of problems that are mostly caused by ineptitude at the top. Didn't anyone think to buy a player who actually can play a lick of defense?
posted by trox at 01:29 PM on January 09, 2003
I think this is Don Nelson realizing his mad schemes are always on shaky ground; if his guys go cold in the playoffs, they're done, since the Mavs are built on overwhelming offense. The only way to shore up his crazy schemes (as opposed to going to a different scheme, like something with a tough as opposed to okay defense) is with like craziness. Thus the Frenchperson, who sounds like he fits right in with their system and gives them yet another scoring option. Remember, the Mavs are designed to beat the Lakers by being as unlike the Lakers as possible--five guys who can kill you from anywhere as opposed to two stars plus tough defense and intensity. Another scoring weapon gives them another way of wearing down the Lakers in the playoffs, if that's possible and if that's what it comes to. If they have to play the Kings again, I'm not sure what they'll do.
posted by Justin Slotman at 06:20 PM on January 09, 2003
Vin Baker is very much available, if the Mavs would like to try him on for size. (Hur hur hur. Size. Hur hur.) The Celts don't need to make any moves to find playoff success. They do, however, need to find Pierce's shooting touch. His ability to get to the line is masking his woes from everywhere else. Walker also needs to pick it up a notch. Also, it would help if they returned to their early offense. When Delk and Shammond Williams get into the offense, the Celtics win. When Battie and Eric Williams get touches down low, they win. When neither of these things happen -- it's bad.
posted by Bryant at 06:25 AM on January 10, 2003
I hate to see the Mavs tinker too much with what they've got. I'd really hate to see the screw it up. That said, 42% 3 pointers is impressive. I'd like to see them sign this guy, then trade him almost immediately for a valid big man. Bradley and Raef just aren't doing the deed. Even a Brian Grant type player (or Brian Grant) would be great. Maybe I'm just dreaming though. We'll see what happens.