The Dallas Mavericks had an excellent 2021-22 NBA season, the first under head coach Jason Kidd. He was able to get the most of the roster, as Dallas turned things around big time on the defensive end of the court compared to recent seasons.
That turnaround helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors. While it is always disappointing to be eliminated from the playoffs, the Mavericks have to be happy about the direction that they are heading in. Knowing they have a superstar in Luka Doncic locked in long-term also helps.
Doncic has cemented himself as one of the best players in the league with his performance during the postseason. He is going to eventually win an MVP award as he is truly dominant on the court.
Dallas has built their entire game plan around him, as he is the focal point of their attack on offense. They surround him with players that fit specific roles and it led to 52 wins in the regular season and two series victories in the postseason, the first ones the franchise has won since taking home the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2011.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Exec Sees Mavericks As Title Threat If They Make This Move
While Dallas could have enough to win a title as currently constructed, the team isn’t going to stay put. According to Marc Stein on his Substack, the Dallas Mavericks are going to aggressively pursue adding an All-Star to play alongside him.
“Sources with knowledge of the Mavericks’ thinking say that the team, for all of Luka Doncic’s individual brilliance, remains intent on finding at least one more All-Star-caliber player to complement him, fearful that it would be too difficult to win another championship without one.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Exec Sees Mavericks As Title Threat If They Make This Move
While Luka Doncic was a one-man show for parts of this season, adding a second star was always the plan. They thought that they had the perfect running mate for him in Kristaps Porzingis, but that didn’t pan out as well as they had hoped.
With Porzingis now with the Washington Wizards, the Mavericks are going to try their hand at acquiring another All-Star this offseason. Will they check in on Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz? Maybe they can be a landing spot for Kyrie Irving should the Brooklyn Nets continue playing hardball about a long-term deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Exec Sees Mavericks As Title Threat If They Make This Move
A backcourt player will be atop the Dallas Mavericks’ list if they are unable to keep Jalen Brunson. If they re-sign him, a frontcourt player, specifically a center, could be on the docket.
