The Dallas Mavericks have a true generational prospect to build around. Cooper Flagg has the work ethic, intangibles, and two-way skill set and physical tools to become one of the best -- if not the best -- players in the world.
Still, this is a team sport first and foremost, and he can only do so much on his own. That's especially the case in today's three-point-happy era, where scoring has become significantly more important than a team's ability to get stops.
Considering that, Bobby Belt of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas raised one legitimate concern about the Mavs. He claimed that the team's third-best offensive player (behind Kyrie Irving and Flagg) was coach Jason Kidd before they fired him. It may have sounded like a joke, but it's actually true.
The Mavericks need to add some scorers this offseason
Masai Ujiri used the No. 9 pick to get Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. He's an enticing prospect with All-Defense potential, but he's never been known for his offensive expertise. Even as a much-improved spot-up shooter who turned heads at the combine, he's better used as a slasher and dunker.
Taking a look at the Mavs' roster, Max Christie might be the only other player who can routinely create his own shot or score off the dribble. Klay Thompson is one of the three greatest shooters ever, but he's no longer in his prime, and he's never been the most aggressive driver. As for Khris Middleton, he's been a shell of himself for the past couple of years, and he may not even return next season.
The Mavs are building a sturdy and bruising team that can probably hold its own against anyone on the defensive end of the floor. They have big, switchable, savvy defenders who can also disrupt passing lanes, run through screens, and hand guys all over the perimeter. That's extremely valuable.
That said, the NBA has become a make-or-miss league, and you just can't compete at the highest level without sharpshooters, spacing and a consistent ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc.
Kyrie Irving has arguably the greatest handles in basketball history, and he should pick things right where he left them once he comes back from injury. Still, even with Flagg driving his numbers up a notch and taking another leap in year two, Dusty May's team might be offensively handicapped as currently constructed, and the front office will have to go out there and get some bucket-getters.
Anfernee Simons, Norman Powell, or Quentin Grimes might be out of the Mavs' price range, but with multiple potential trade assets, they should be able to create enough financial wiggle room to get some deals done.
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