Despite having the dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks were an utter disappointment. While their offense was exciting and unstoppable at times, their team defense and rebounding were glaring weaknesses all season long.
Let's start with the good news: the Dallas Mavericks' offense was one of the best in the league this season. They ranked sixth in Offensive Rating, scoring an average of 116.8 points per 100 possessions. This is largely due to the incredible performances of Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić, who have been dominating the floor with their shooting, passing, and ball-handling.
Kyrie Irving, who joined the Mavericks in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, proved to be a great addition to the team. He averaged 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 51% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. Irving has been a lethal scorer, able to create his shots and get to the basket with ease, while also being a reliable playmaker for his teammates.
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić put up MVP-caliber numbers once again this season, averaging 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.
Unfortunately, offense isn't the only thing that matters in basketball. aThe Mavericks team defense and rebounding were major weaknesses this season. They ranked 21st in Defensive Rating, allowing an average of 116.1 points per 100 possessions. Yikes!!
Just wait it gets worse… on the boards, Dallas ranked dead last at 30th in the league in rebounding with an average of 38.8 rebounds per game.
These statistics highlight some major issues that the Mavericks need to address if they want to be a serious playoff contender. Their defense has been a liability, with opponents being able to score at will, and their lack of rebounding has given their opponents too many second-chance opportunities.
While the Mavericks' over the last few years have been known for making splashy moves with offense in mind primarily from trading for Porziņģis, drafting Jaden Hardy, and trading for Kyrie. It is now time the Mavericks get serious and go into the offseason with only two things in mind…Defense and Rebounding.
Assuming the Mavericks secure the #10 seed in the draft lottery on May 16th, and re-sign Kyrie Irving to a max money deal. The Mavs next step is filling out the rest of the roster through Free Agency.
In this event the Mavericks would then be thrusted over the luxury tax. Only giving them the taxpayer mid-level exception (TPMLE) to use; $6,969,000. If General Manager, Nico Harrison, and Owner, Mark Cuban, want to make major improvements to this roster they need to find ways to get creative through either a draft night trade involving their pick or a sign and trade with another franchise to acquire their outgoing player.
In the world of sports blogging we love lists. So I put together a list of free agent players who could give an immediate boost to the teams defensive and rebounding woes.
The Long-shots
This group of players would require the Mavericks front office to make a lot of magic happen to acquire. However, with the ability for sign and trades anything is possible.
Draymond Green F/C
Jerami Grant F
Grant Williams PF (Restricted)
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
This group of players would be much easier to obtain than the last group, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. This group will take some cap gymnastics but there is a much less challenging way to obtain one of these guys than the guys above.
Brook Lopez C
Jakob Poeltl C
Bruce Brown SG (Player Option)
PJ Washington PF (Restricted)
Dillon Brooks SF
There’s a clear path
No fuss, no drama. This group of players can be had with either the full TPMLE or split up amongst 1 or 2.
Mason Plumlee C
KJ Martin SF
Matisse Thybulle SG (Restricted)
Jalen McDaniels SF
Josh Richardson SG
Jae Crowder SF
Paul Reed F/C
Bismack Biyombo C
Nickeil Alexander-Walker SG
Oshae Brissett SF
Chimezie Metu C
Danny Green SG
What moves would you make this summer if you were the GM of the Dallas Mavericks?
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