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Dallas Mavericks Free Agency: Disappointing but not fruitless

By Reid Hanson

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the second half of an NBA preseason game against of Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the second half of an NBA preseason game against of Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Free agency hasn’t gone like many of us were hoping it would but that doesn’t mean it was entirely fruitless for the Dallas Mavericks

This was supposed to be the year everything changed for the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. No longer the aged and talent-starved franchise it’s been in the past, this edition boasted youth AND star power.

Budding stars like Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis were sure to draw other high-end talent looking to play key parts on a competitive team, right? Not exactly.

The truly elite players were never really an option for the Dallas Mavericks. We all knew that. But the next tier (Call it the Kemba Tier) were supposed to be finally attainable. And if that next level of star didn’t work out, the Mavs could always fall back on players like Danny Green and Patrick Beverley.

Alas even the third tier options of Green and Beverley alluded the Dallas franchise. It turns out Bev was less of a target than we thought he’d be and Green was more of a target than we thought he’d be. Go figure. But when Green decided to go to LA, the Mavs were left with a whole lotta nothin. And remaining options in free agency were largely dried up.

This free agency failure has caused many MFFL to sink into the familiar waters of summer depression. This sudden case of “here we go again”, is present in even the most optimistic amongst us. Now the disgruntled masses are sounding off on the certain futility of the upcoming season.

But despite their failure to bring in a third star to match with Luka and KP, the Mavs’ offseason hasn’t been a complete failure. The Mavs were able to bring in some young new blood in Delon Wright (aged 27) and signed familiar face, Seth Curry to aid in scoring. Not the star power we wanted but an upgrade to the roster nonetheless.

Flying under the radar are the multi-year re-signings of Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith. Both are ascending talents and both offer position flex for Rick Carlisle to play with. Dwight Powell also figures to have a key role in the new-look Mavs and however the starting roster shakes out, Dallas is sure to have one of the best second units in the NBA.

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Delon Wright isn’t the most exciting name to headline this summer’s haul but he matches well with Luka. The 6’5″ guard can play with and without the ball in his hands. He can also pick up the defensive slack in the backcourt and fit in a variety of situations (lineups) next season may bring.

Seth Curry brings the outside shooting this team needs and if he can build on his impressive 2018-19 season, he could be steal for the Mavs.

All of this combined with the expected organic improvement of Luka, KP, and Jalen Brunson, and this Mavs team is expected to take a significant leap in 2019.

Are the Dallas Mavericks a playoff contender now? That depends on KP and Luka. But the Mavs are in position to compete and Carlisle has plenty of extra pieces to play with. Best yet, the Mavs didn’t overspend in a panic so they can maintain some flexibility going forward.

The Dallas Mavericks rookie may be a ruby in the rubbish. dark. Next

The Mavs upgraded their roster this offseason. Not as much as we wanted but an upgrade to be sure. They maintained flexibility going forward and locked in their own role players. This summer has been disappointing but it’s certainly not fruitless.

  • Published on 07/08/2019 at 16:01 PM
  • Last updated at 07/08/2019 at 15:36 PM
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