It's time for Mavericks to turn down Anthony Davis' biggest wish
The Dallas Mavericks are one of the few NBA teams that have fully committed to the double-big philosophy after trading for Anthony Davis at the trade deadline last season. While the Mavericks have committed to having Davis and one of Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford on the floor at all times during the starting lineup, the Mavericks could quickly realize that Davis isn't a four and is, in fact, better suited as a five.
Labeling Davis as a center isn't anything that would be considered new, as during his time with both the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers, Davis was often the lone big man on the floor. Even with this in mind, Davis has always favored playing the power forward position over being the lone big on the floor, and since joining the Mavericks, Davis has gotten that wish granted in his limited time on the floor when he is healthy, as well as Lively II or Gafford.
There's no doubt that the Mavericks do have one of the biggest lineups in the league, but they could quickly realize that too much size on the floor at any given time could spell bad news for Dallas' perimeter defense. Davis may be one of the few players who wouldn't want to see this change happen, but during the preseason, it was clear that the Mavericks are sacrificing perimeter defense to fulfill Davis' wishes.
Mavericks need to shoot down Davis' dream of being a power forward
Last season, the Mavericks were one of the teams that decided to fully opt into a massive frontcourt lineup at the trade deadline. It's not only clear that the Mavericks adopted a lineup similar to Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley's Cleveland Cavaliers' one-two punch, but other teams like the Houston Rockets would shift their lineups to combat Dallas' massive size.
There's no doubt that today's NBA has shifted towards more size on the floor at any given point due to the Mavericks and their huge frontcourt, especially after drafting Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick, but Dallas may need to swallow their pride and keep Davis at the five to ensure better perimeter defense.
Throughout the preseason, one of the Mavericks' biggest problems was their lack of point-of-attack defense, which led to too much pressure on the Mavericks' frontcourt. No matter the amount of shot blockers and size you have down low, eventually the defense will bend, and that is what happened to the Mavericks.
Not only would Davis accepting his fate and committing to playing the five help the Mavericks' defense, but it would also help space out the floor and allow Jason Kidd to put more shooters on the floor to surround Davis.
During the preseason, Davis was often paired with Lively II, but when he was on the floor as the lone five, his production was off the charts. Not only did this give the Mavericks more of an oppurtunity to defend around the perimeter, but with Flagg or P.J. Washington likely on the floor anytime Davis switches to the lone big, the Mavericks will still have plenty of size in the frontcourt.
By no means should the Mavericks fully bench Gafford or even Lively II in favor of laying Davis for 30 minutes at a game at the center position, but if Dallas' defense gets off to a slow start this season, Nico Harrison may want to be thinking about trading one of Gafford or Lively II to free up minutes at center.
Chicago Cubs face free agent chaos as key players consider dramatic exits!
Cubs at a Crossroads: The Uncertain Future of Free Agency
As the Chicago Cubs gear up for a pivotal offseason, questions loom large over the futures of several key players. With free agency on the horizon, the team finds itself at a crucial juncture, where decisions made could dramatically alter the landscape for the franchise.
Key Free Agents in Limbo
The Cubs are grappling with the possibility of significant departures. Notable names such as Cody Bellinger, Marcus Stroman, and David Ross are at the forefront of discussions surrounding their potential exits. Each player’s situation is steeped in uncertainty, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating on their next moves.
Cody Bellinger, who experienced a resurgence in his performance this season, has become a cornerstone of the Cubs’ lineup. His impressive stats make him a hot commodity on the free-agent market, and the likelihood of his return hinges on the Cubs’ willingness to extend a lucrative offer. Meanwhile, pitcher Marcus Stroman has been a stabilizing force on the mound, contributing significantly to the team’s pitching depth. However, with the right opportunities elsewhere, he might seek greener pastures.
The Impact of Management Decisions
The Cubs’ management faces a complex challenge. Balancing the desire to retain talent with the need to improve the roster is no easy feat. The front office’s strategy will be under scrutiny as they navigate negotiations, consider trades, and assess the overall direction of the team. The decisions made in the coming months will define the Cubs’ competitive window and could either solidify their status as contenders or lead to a rebuilding phase.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
As the offseason approaches, the Cubs’ fanbase is rife with anticipation and anxiety. Many supporters are torn between the desire to see their favorite players return and the recognition that change may be necessary for long-term success. The blend of hope and uncertainty creates a palpable tension as fans await news on contract negotiations and signings.
In a market where many teams are vying for top talent, the Cubs must act decisively. The stakes are high, and the choices made in the free agency period will resonate throughout the season to come. As the clock ticks down to when free agents can officially sign, every move will be closely watched, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the Chicago Cubs.
