April 2020 Dallas Mavericks Wiretap

Most NBA Execs Would Start Franchise With Luka Doncic Over Zion Williamson

Apr 28, 2020 3:42 PM

A straw poll of 20 NBA coaches, scouts and executives were asked by ESPN to pick who they would choose to build around between Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Trae Young.

Doncic received an overwhelming 17 first place votes and third second place votes. Williamson finished second with one first place vote, 11 second place votes and seven their place votes. Morant received two first place votes, six second place votes, nine third place votes and three fourth place votes. Young finished a distant fourth with zero first or second place votes.

"Luka is a known quantity as a total stud," one Eastern Conference scout said, "so you have to take the sure thing."

"Luka has size and elite playmaking and shooting right this second," a Western Conference executive said. "He impacts winning. I believe his game is not only sustainable, but has the ability to continue to get better."

"Health," said a Western Conference scout when asked why he had Williamson third. "He'd be [No. 1] otherwise.

"Those other guys are going to be great for 10-plus years. There's just too much [injury] risk [with Williamson]. Now, if I want to just be great now? Take him. He's just unique and great for today's NBA."

Tim Bontemps/ESPN

Tags: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

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Michael Finley Interviews With Bulls For GM Job

Apr 17, 2020 8:59 PM

The Chicago Bulls interviewed Michael Finley for their general manager position.

Finley has spent the past seven season in the front office of the Mavericks. 

The Bulls are searching for a general manager under Arturas Karnisovas.

Tim MacMahon/ESPN

Tags: Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Mark Cuban To Meet With Donald Trump On Wednesday As Part Of Advisory Committee

Apr 15, 2020 1:42 AM

Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss reopening America with members of his advisory committee, which includes Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. 

Adam Silver is also a part of Trump's advisory panel that includes over 200 people, including all major sports commissioners. The panel will provide input to help shape the reopening of the economy.

Trump held a conference call with all sports commissioners at the start of April, with Silver saying how he would like the NBA to help restart the economy once it was safe to do so. 

"We have to get our sports back. I'm tired of watching baseball games that are 14 years old," said Trump during his briefing on Tuesday. 

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Tags: Dallas Mavericks, NBA

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