The Mavs are seemingly on the rise in the Western Conference. Luka Doncic looks like a top-five MVP candidate by scoring 30 points a game while dazzling with his playmaking. Kristaps Porzingis looks healthy and is nearing his once-vaunted pseudo-All-Star ways. Dallas is as deep at every position as they’ve been since 2011, yet the team struggles in areas that opponents will expose the most meaningful games.
Doncic has separated himself from the field. He’s the engine for this Dallas team, but when that engine takes a rest, the Mavs can use lineups like J.J. Barea, Dorian Finney-Smith, Justin Jackson, Seth Curry, and Maxi Kleber. Now with Luka’s recent injury, we’ll see who can step up.
Unbalanced Roster
The Mavs have a winning formula through the first 29 games. You don’t become a top-five team in a stacked conference without it. However, when the cliches of a slower pace and a more half-court match occurs, we observe a struggling group with only one safety valve: Luka Doncic.
The NBA landscape has taught us two facts about being its upper echelon: you need efficient players that can create their shot and have a sturdy perimeter defense. Toronto did it last year with Kawhi, Kyle Lowry, and to some extent Fred VanVleet. The Warriors did it during their dynasty run thanks to Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and their stellar cast. One can see that trend in every championship team since the dawn of the modern NBA. Or you can have the best player in the world and shroud him around top-notch shooters.
Mavs In Poor Position
The problem with Dallas is they have neither. With the way Doncic plays, he can will a win. However, what happens when the defense’s sole job is to stop him and only him? He teeters on being inefficient, shooting 32.6% from three and averaging nearly five turnovers a game. In five games without Luka, the Mavs are 2-3.
From there, the pecking order falls precipitously. Porzingis is recording a strong, 17.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
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However, he is struggling from the field shooting 40.1% and is shooting a shade under 34% from deep. He also struggles to create his shot in the post and is still more of a catch-and-shoot perimeter player than one who must put the ball on the floor especially against athletic defenders.
On the next tier, the situation gets shakier. Names like Curry, Barea, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jalen Brunson slot into that coveted third scorer role.
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All are capable three-point shooters and floor spacers, but they leave much to be desired when they have to make a big play.
Mavs Have Hit Ceiling
The Mavericks are fun to watch, they climbed into the upper realms of the west, and they have a dynamic duo. As constructed today, however, they’re not competing for more than the second round. Their lack of defense and offensive firepower will be their weakness unless they make a move for guys like DeMar DeRozan, Joe Ingles, and on a lower tier, Dillon Brooks.
According to hashtagbasketball.com, the Mavs allow small forwards to score 22.5 points per game, ranking 27th in the league. A move for a two-way wing would help, as would adding another scoring option that can lighten Luka’s load (if only for the five to ten minutes he’ll be on the bench).
Dallas has a capable squad and depth at every position with some draft capital. Getting a game-changing wing could be what catapults Dallas from a pretender to a contender, even during the prime of the West’s best teams and duos. If they hold off for another year or two, they’ll be in a realm few Mavericks teams have ever been.
Their statement win over the Bucks highlights just how solid this team is even in Luka’s absence. It’s a small sample size yet bright enough to drum up serious trade interest for standouts. The Mavs may be closer to their window than most thought, but they’ll need additional help should they desire conference contention.
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