The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals but ultimately were eliminated by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors before they became NBA champions. Luka Doncic put together another masterful playoff run that he aims to build on in 2022-23.
Jalen Brunson departed the Mavericks in free agency, but the team remains with a strong outlook. They acquired Christian Wood and Jaden Hardy in the offseason in addition to already trading for Spencer Dinwiddie during the midseason deadline as a hedge for Brunson’s departure.
Coming off a 52-30 regular season record that earned the Mavericks the fourth seed in the Western Conference, Doncic has major goals for his team.
“Of course, we aspire to win everything. I’m ready to fight for the ring, and so is the team. Our goal every year is to win a championship,” Doncic told NBA TV. “That was our goal last season, and that’s our goal this season. But I think we have a little more respect in the league. I think we have a great team. We just have to believe.”
“We have great players on our team,” Doncic explained. “There are a lot of very underrated players that I think should be talked about more.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavs Updates
The Western Conference has emerged as more competitive with some teams gaining stars back from injury recovery while others made major moves to improve their roster. However, a player like Doncic, among the best in the league, gains the Mavericks an advantage.
If the Mavericks do indeed have some factors go their way, they could once again be a major threat come playoff time. Christian Wood buying into a sixth-man role is among the top of the list, or tightening up his defense and emerging as the star center many feel he’s capable of being. However, perhaps so will be Jaden Hardy’s impact as a rookie. Can he emerge as the third guard on the team? Above all else, Spencer Dinwiddie’s handling of the backcourt co-star role is pivotal.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavs Updates
The Dallas Mavericks remain a team to monitor throughout the 2022-23 season. There may need to be a midseason change to the roster to fully round out the supporting cast around Luka Doncic like last season, but regardless, they have intriguing pieces around him.
