I was initially disappointed by the trade. I thought we would have to get some young, promising guy with a small contact as the major linchpin for Walker. But no, we got a guy they hate here in Dallas. A guy who is thought of as soft and barely better than Bradley. A guy who was way overpaid.
Folks, we are going to suck this year at first blush. Trading Twan rips the heart out of the team, the identity and much of the offense. The comparison to the Magic is accurate, having one star and a bunch of support players. The team is going to have to take months to reinvent the offense. You can't think the Cs will be any better with LaFrenz in there instead of Walker with Battie or Blount at the center spot. The team looks boring, like the Dino Radja era.
But. But. But.
Here is where the long term thinking comes in.
This trade will work if Raef plays power forward with a low post center playing along side. Who is that person? Well, Danny already got him in Kendrick Perkins. Raef can play inside or outside but can't overpower the bigger centers. He sucked here in Dallas and even lost his confidence some because the role they wanted was a rebounder and defender. Raef is a finesse player like Nowiski and need a power player next to him to expand his assets. Therefore, Raef will look horrible until Kendrick is ready to play with him to play the power role.
Long term is good if Kendrick works as planned. Raef would be a great off the ball rebounder without a center draped over him. He is already a good off the ball defender (shotblocker). He can do the pick and roll and make the pop jumper. He just can't do it as a center or if the center is going to guard him. Get a real center who can score, like Kendrick, and Raef would star. We just have to be patient.
I like long term thinking.....
Soundbite here in Dallas is Nellie saying that he is looking for Walker to not be much of an offensive weapon, only scoring about 10 points a game. He is just looking for him to distribute the ball. Little does he know that Walker will be taking 7 threes to get those 10 points. I think they are taking a huge gamble in potentially screwing up this team (Mavs). Of course, they always have the option of just sitting Walker if they don't like his play. But now they really have a problem at center. Orthello Harrington?....
I can't comment on Jiri because I haven't seen him play....
Question. I thought Danny earlier said that we were good enough to contend for the ECF this year (prior to the trade). Now he was saying something different so he made the trade. Seeing us struggle for the first five games, losing three and winning two but struggling against second teamers in those wins, might have changed his mind.....
Battie now on the block?....
With Twan and Delk gone, you got to know that Obie will turn to his teddybear, EWill. Look out Kedrick! Your playing time is now numbered. Yet again, maybe it is look out, EWill! Danny will check that move also. Don't mess with Danny....
DJessen33
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