No way. Look at Dirk's playoff numbers so far. I don't know that he has that next gear necessary for the postseason. CWebb has been dogged for his playoff #s this year, but Dirk's are worse. Plus, he's not much of a defender yet - and he's definitely not a center defensively. ------------------ I'm about to boldly go where many men have gone before.
Live, Let's add this one. Walt/Cato/LOS/Shandon/rights to Serge Zwikker for Garnett/Szczerbiak. This'll work once we renounce Dream, so it has to be a real possibility. We could even throw in a future second round draft pick, if they balk at the idea. Man, I've got to get some more of this stuff. ------------------
You obviously have not watched any MAVS games this year besides the playoffs. KG is the only 7 footer with better ball handling skills than Dirk. Dirk can break his man down off the dribble, he can shoot the fade away, shoot the 3, rebound, and plays solid defence (not great but solid). Dirk is also only 22 years old, and is the ultimate gym rat. Since he was drafted he has played not only the regular season, but also played with the German National Team, and the MAVS summer league. He has been constantly playing for three years straight. His numbers have improved every year he's been in the league. Plus most 7 footers don't completely physically mature until their late 20's to early 30's (again he's only 22). As far as his numbers in the playoffs, you also have to realize that this is the first year he has ever been in any game that is this intense. He has to learn, give him a couple more years, and then judge his playoff performance. ------------------ http://www.rapmusic.com/texasg/NewMavsLogo1.jpg
"He can't create his own shot, and he's not a great ballhandler despite his effectiveness at pushing the ball up the floor." When you shoot the ball as well as Dirk and you are taller than most forwards you are playing against you can simply shoot the ball over the opponent. But he does have some sly littl emoves to get open jumpers. He isn't a guy whose feet are glued to the floor. And I agree with the prior post about his ball handling. No he isn't a PG by any means but as far as forwards go he is near the top. Dirk may not have the natural abilities as Stevie, but Stevie surely isn't a 7 footer either.
Here are the key words everyone. would you trade: Stevie FRANCHISE for Das Wonder BOY? THE REASON DIRK IS REAL GOOD: The chemistry, him and Steve Nash together and along with Finley and having Don "I'm no Xenophobe.." Nelson, I think alot of the maturity and game skills our feeding off of his situation. Throw Dirk into Stevies and Cuttinos world of "YO MTV RAPS", and you may see him flouder. Besides I want our team to be all black at some point and we almost had it, we don't need to water down the race again ------------------ -jbond77
No way. For Mobley? Definitely. Thinking about it, the Mavs will probably be even tougher next year. They can start 3 7-footers. In a zone, that'll be pretty tough to beat. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club
I was at school so ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
Actually, I've watched MANY Mavs games this year. I wasn't implying he's a horrible dribbler, just that he's not a guy who's gonna beat you off the dribble, which is something he himself has admitted. His greatest asset is the fact that he can shoot over guys. ------------------
I wouldn't trade Francis for Dirk. IMHO, Stevie is the next great player. He might not be the best player in the league, but he will soon be the Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan, or the David Robinson to Hakeem Olajuwon. I might trade Cuttino, but VERY unhappily. Steve+Cuttino+right role players equals a title-contending team. ------------------ Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion
If only the Mavs would be so stupid as to trade Nowitski for Mobley! I'm sure the consensus here is that we wouldn't trade Francis for Nowitski. I think the interesting question is: do you think Dallas would be willing to do that trade? I think they wouldn't do it either. ------------------ RealGM Gafford Art Artisan Cakes
Let's see... Francis for Dirk? Mobley\Anderson for Kobe? Shandon\#22 for Atlanta's #6? What are ya'll smoking?!?! GET TO WORK!!!! ------------------
I wouldn't do the deal. The people in favor of such a hypothetical seem to on the ground that talented big men are rarer than good PG's. If Nowitski was a C, I'd agree... but there are *many* good PF's available now. True C's are rare... but Nowitski isn't really a C, even if Nelson plays him as one from time to time. Furthermore, he doesn't match up well with other big guys very well. His defense leaves something to be desired. It was just at the beginning of THIS YEAR that the other Mavs were calling him "Irk Nowitski." Winning tends to obscure those habits... Contrary to the statement by a Mavs fan, Nowitski is NOT great at creating his own shots. He's not bad at it... in fact, he's good with the ball for a big guy. But he's also slender for a PF, so the two seem to trade-off. He can dribble better than a Brand, but doesn't play quite as well with his back to the basket. Francis is really a more multi-talented player, which is why I'd stay with him. Francis may eventually become the perfect point. He can score, and he can also create for others. His athleticism helps him-but he also has a terrific mid-range jumper and good instincts. ------------------ I would believe only in a God who could dance. - Friedrich Nietzsche Boston College - NCAA Hockey National Champions 2001
