Coming into the season, no one would have guessed that the Dallas Mavericks’ biggest issue would be their offense. They have a perennial NBA MVP candidate in Luka Doncic leading the way and there was hope Kristaps Porzingis would get back on track again.
The team prioritized adding 3-point shooting and spacing to the roster this offseason, signing Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown. But, through the first eight games of the season, things have not gone as planned.
It is the Mavericks’ defense, which has been their Achilles heel for years, that has been carrying them to victories. They are 5-3 on the season but have a negative point differential. It is not a formula for sustained success, so the team will have to make some adjustments.
They added Jalen Brunson to the starting five, providing Doncic with the secondary ball-handler they were looking to obtain in the offseason.
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But, the second unit is weakened without Brunson’s scoring punch, creating another problem for the team.
Eventually, they will likely have to make a move to add some more firepower to the team, especially if Porzingis cannot stay healthy and productive. One potential option could be Terrence Ross of the Orlando Magic. Here is a hypothetical trade from Bleacher Report that would land Ross in Dallas.