Dallas Mavericks most immediate need remains the same
By Reid Hanson
When the Dallas Mavericks lost Jalen Brunson in free agency this summer, they lost more than a key scorer, they lost a ball handler. Months later as the Mavs set to kick off training camp tomorrow, ball handler remains their biggest need.
While the top two ball-handlers are set, the Mavs lack a true third option. Having three options was critical to Dallas’ success last season, and given the amount of mileage Luka Doncic has racked up in international ball, having a third will be critical again this season.
The good news is the Dallas Mavericks don’t need a great one. They need a role player to help carry the burden in the regular season. This role didn’t sound attractive to Goran Dragic so it’s certainly not a role for everyone. Whoever comes in to be the third ball handler has to be ok with DNPs and little-to-no playoff action (assuming the Mavs advance).
The Dallas Mavericks still greatly need another ball handler on the roster to ease the burden from Luka Doncic.
Spencer Dinwiddie is locked in as the No.2 ball handler on the team and much is expected of the veteran. The expected starter alongside Doncic is going to be leaned on early and often. It’s nice that Luka is coming to camp in the best shape of his career, but no rest this summer means Jason Kidd can’t be shy with some early-season load management.
Kemba Walker may be getting bought out in the next few days/hours. Perhaps he can be the guy to fill this role. We don’t really know if Walker has anything left in the tank these days. This might be an easy way to get the last drops of productivity out of him, or even a chance for him to show he has more than many think.
Ideally, it’s a veteran in this role. The Dallas Mavericks have a couple young options they can lean on should no outside options present themselves, but a high floor player with skins on the wall is exactly the stability Dallas needs here.
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Will something be done between now and the start of the season? I suspect so. In an effort to protect their greatest asset (Luka) the Mavs need to figure this out early.