Perhaps for the first time in NBA history, we are entering an offseason where every team could use a major upgrade or modification. Even if the Warriors win the championship, now it is clear to everyone that the Splash Bros. + Draymond can't dominate much longer. And if the Celtics win, they shouldn't expect to make it back to big dance with this same roster, as the team could definitely use an upgrade on its frontline, even if only in the name of depth (like, what if Mo Bamba went to Boston instead?).
Entering into this offseason, with many teams, such as the Lakers or Knicks or even humbler squads like the Rockets ore Magic, it's hard to tell exactly what it is they needs. Conventional wisdom, especially in the age of superteams, dictates that you just go with the best player available. But that strategy doesn't always work, especially now that some organizations seem to be taking continuity and developing players they already have more seriously.
But Dallas is in an enviable position heading into next season. Despite being a team which, imo, are lucky they even made the Playoffs, instead the Mavs went all the way to the WCF. Then besides that, it's blaringly-obvious what type of the upgrade they need.
Sometimes I feel that Dwight Powell may be the bravest player in the NBA. It's clear that he doesn't have the body of a true center, but at the same time he backs away from no bigman. And in the long run, it may be good that he got this type of experience. Like if the Mavs are smart enough to go out and get a true starting C, that means Jason Kidd may move Powell to the 4 (if he doesn't keep a wing there instead). And Dwight playing PF would probably feel like a vacation compared to what he went through this season.
And there does seem to be some quality Cs on the market. For instance Rudy Gobert's name is being thrown around a lot, but for some reason, perhaps lack of mobility, I don't really see him on Dallas. His name was also recently mentioned in connection to the Bulls, and Gobert playing next to DeMar DeRozan especially sounds like a match made in heaven.
Also, Jusuf Nurkic is set to become a free agent, and it's tempting to picture him playing next to fellow European Doncic. That pair would definitely be a force offensively, but the Mavs' problem isn't really their offense. Their biggest problem is there being no formidable true C on their roster.
So now, it's becoming more like DeAndre Ayton is going to leave the Suns, and yes, I consent. It appears obvious that the current iteration of the Suns, no matter how good they may be, are not going to win a championship. So, they might as well rock the boat the little and see if they can put together a more favorable team. And some of their current players might as well go and test the waters elsewhere.
CONCLUSION
Ayton to Dallas would be ideal for a few reasons. One is that he's like the same age as Luka Doncic. Second, what the Mavs need more than anything a mobile C that has a defensive presence. And third, DeAndre is used to playing surrounded by the same type of players you more or less find on Dallas. And again, I know that an argument may can be made for Gobert to Dallas also. But the Mavs may well be the Western Conference team of the future (along with the Grizzlies), and Ayton fits more into their timeline.
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