Dallas Mavericks: Better everything
The previous team (Cavaliers) was a franchise that made me sad for many years. Sad for their fans, their players, all of it. They recently graduated to a team I ADORE. The Dallas Mavericks are headed in the wrong direction.
Good news, Kristaps Porzingis kind of looks back! That’s where the good ends. 16-17. Seventh in the West. Another year of being mediocre. Luka is great when he’s on the court. KP has been too. The rest of the roster is mid. They’ve overcommitted on some good (not great) players. They’ve squandered trades and failed to attract free agents (sound familiar?).
They need better things. Better players. A better coach. I don’t recommend the ‘trade your future picks for a star’ route for many teams. But if you’re focused on the lottery at this point in Luka’s career, you’re doing it wrong. And you will lose him. If the targeted player is of the caliber, pull the trigger.
Denver Nuggets: Health
Man, I cannot imagine what the past two seasons have done to Denver Nuggets fans’ psyche. To their organization’s psyche. It’s not over. But it’s going to take a lot of overcoming to get back to contention.
And that’s what we’re hoping for. Jamal Murray to return and be better than ever. For Michael Porter Jr. to recover fully from his surgery. For this team to get at least one shot in the postseason at full strength and maturity.