Christmas in the NBA: What sits at the top of each team’s wishlist?
Dallas Mavericks: A maxed-out Kristaps Porzingis
Dallas Mavericks fans probably see the reports of a possible Jrue Holiday trade and would love nothing more than to get him out of New Orleans. But with their roster construction and lack of draft picks, I just don’t think it’s very realistic.
A much more realistic ceiling for the Mavericks is getting the most out of Kristaps Porzingis to where he is a championship level running mate for Luka Doncic. I’d argue that plus keeping their elite bench unit in place and maintaining future cap flexibility is far more valuable than a Jrue Holiday trade when you weigh what the cost to get him would be.
Denver Nuggets: MVP level Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has always been a little bigger and slower than what many people believe his apex form would be (trying to find a nice way to say it). But this year he looks even bigger and slower than ever before and it’s had an impact on the Nuggets this year.
I don’t want to be too dramatic about it because the Nuggets are still really good despite the fact that Jokic hasn’t been playing his best to start the season. But if they are going to be a true contender in June, Jokic absolutely has to be at his best or they don’t really stand a chance in the Western Conference Playoffs.