Despite an impressive offseason, the Dallas Mavericks continue to face skepticism from some corners. Last season, the Mavericks finished with a solid 50-32 record, advancing to the NBA Finals for the third time in franchise history. The team turned their fortunes around in the latter part of the season, going 18-9 in the final two and a half months.
Key acquisitions like Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington played a significant role in this success, bolstering the team’s interior defense and depth. Their contributions were reflected in the Mavericks’ defensive rating, which improved dramatically, making them the best defensive team in the league during the final stretch of the season.
Rookie Dereck Lively II also made a substantial impact, serving as a defensive anchor and key lob threat during the playoffs. His development as a leader will be crucial for Dallas in the upcoming season, as he is expected to take on a starting role.
Skepticism Persists Despite Successful Offseason
Despite the team’s achievements, doubts remain about their potential for significant improvement this season. Bleacher Report’s recent record prediction for all 30 NBA teams projects only a marginal improvement for the Mavericks, predicting a 51-31 finish.
One reason for this conservative prediction is the perceived toughness of the Western Conference, which many believe will be a formidable challenge for Dallas. Additionally, some analysts view the Mavericks’ offseason moves as only marginal improvements.
However, this assessment might overlook the impact of the team’s new additions. For instance, Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and one of the league’s top three-point shooters, was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal. He replaces Tim Hardaway Jr., who struggled towards the end of last season, shooting just 25 percent from beyond the arc in April. In contrast, Thompson shot 43.7 percent from three-point range during the same period.
The Mavericks also made significant defensive upgrades with the additions of Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall. Grimes, known for his defensive savvy and ability to guard multiple positions, offers a significant upgrade over Josh Green. He also brings a reliable 37.1 percent career three-point shooting percentage, and he’s been working on improving his offensive game this offseason.
Marshall, a top-tier perimeter defender, brings energy and physicality, making him a valuable asset for guarding the league’s top guards and wings. His defensive style is reminiscent of Derrick Jones Jr., but with more physicality.
A Leap Forward for the Mavericks
The Mavericks’ offseason moves suggest they are poised to improve on last season’s success. Bleacher Report’s prediction of just a one-game improvement seems conservative, as the team is likely to surpass their 2023 record and make significant strides towards another NBA Finals appearance.
Klay Thompson’s arrival in Dallas is particularly noteworthy. After 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, his move to the Mavericks marks a significant shift in his career. Although it may be strange to see Thompson in a different uniform, his presence in Dallas sends ripples throughout the NBA.
Thompson’s Return to the Bay Adds Extra Motivation
One game already circled on the calendar is the Mavericks’ matchup against the Warriors in San Francisco on November 12. This game will mark Thompson’s return to the Bay Area, adding an extra layer of motivation for the veteran sharpshooter.
ESPN’s Tim Legler weighed in on Thompson’s departure from Golden State, noting, “I don’t think Klay Thompson ever wanted to be in another uniform.” After over a decade with the Warriors, it’s understandable that Thompson might have preferred to finish his career with the team. However, the end of his tenure with the Warriors was challenging, and he sought a fresh start.
This upcoming game against his former team offers Thompson a chance to prove that he’s still an elite player. His partnership with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas creates a formidable big three, giving him the opportunity to demonstrate that the Warriors made a mistake by letting him go. Additionally, this game could ignite a new rivalry between the Mavericks and Warriors, who last faced off in the 2022 Western Conference Finals.
Legler further praised Thompson, saying, “I have so much respect and admiration for him because of how competitive he is, and the bar he’s set for himself. At times, I think he tries to make it happen too hard.”
With four championships, an NBA record for most three-pointers in a single game, and a legacy as a game-changing player, Thompson naturally has high standards. His move to Dallas presents a golden opportunity to help the Mavericks build on their recent success and make another deep playoff run.
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