The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in an interesting organizational position. We first provide a full scouting report and projection of Cooper Flagg. From our evaluatory conclusion of him as a prospect, we go over the complex potential paths forward for Dallas. How do they move forward having two aging (and often injured) stars, with limited draft capital and prospects outside of Flagg? To answer this question, we look to historical examples of organizations that found themselves in a similar position and how the Mavericks could learn their successes and mistakes. Finally, we go over some potential Dallas-centric trade frameworks for the 2026 trade deadline, with the ultimate goal of (to the best of their ability) setting themselves up for a future centered around Cooper Flagg.

The future is now! We go in-depth on the Atlanta Hawks with a specific focus on Jalen Johnson and Trae Young; answering the key questions that the Atlanta front office is currently facing: What is the current state of this team from a roster and salary cap perspective? What are Johnson and Young as players now, as well as projecting forward? And most importantly, what transactions need to be made at the 2026 trade deadline to best set this team up for future success?

To assist with answering these questions to the best of our ability, we provide key-player scouting reports, salary cap analysis, and plausible foundations for in-season trades.

We take a step back to analyze the last ten years of who (and what) drove winning NBA basketball and more importantly, how it has evolved over time– using the “Big” archetype as a proxy to tell this larger story. We start with the rise of “pace and space” basketball, coinciding with the demise of a specific “Big” archetype. Then, we discuss the skill sets, player archetypes and strategies that emerged from the ashes of Roy Hibbert and Al Jefferson. However, when first-shot halfcourt efficiently gets more or less solved, what becomes the driving differentiator is the floor/possession game; which in many ways is a strength of this previously antiquated traditional big man archetype…

Finally, we look at how these past-player and strategic trends could inform the future of NBA basketball.