The Dallas Mavericks had a really nice bounce-back season last year. Coming off a 38-win season where they missed the playoffs entirely, the Mavs drafted well, adding Derrick Lively II, and swung some win-now trades at the deadline to acquire PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. The result was a surprise run all the way to the NBA Finals, and the Mavericks spent this summer building on that success.
While I have my doubts about Klay Thompson’s fit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as well as my doubts about Klay’s overall ability to produce at this stage of his career, he’s still a proven shooting threat with championship experience. A change of scenery also allows Klay to move into a role befitting his late-career and post-injury abilities. Aside from Klay, I the Mavs made several other solid moves this summer. I love the Naji Marshall signing (he was one of my dream targets for the Kings this summer) as a versatile wing off the bench. Quentin Grimes has nice upside, and Kessler Edwards is a great value on a two-way contract. More importantly, none of their offseason moves cost them any of their key contributors from their Finals run.
I still have my doubts about Jason Kidd as a coach, and I think the Mavs may struggle to incorporate Klay into the fold. It wouldn’t surprise me if Dallas spends a good chunk of the season in the 4-7 seed range of the West, but in the playoffs the Mavs will still be a formidable team this season based on the talent they’ve assembled.
Why We Hate Them:
Luka Doncic, prepared two ways. First we get the never-ending reminders that the Kings could have drafted him but didn’t. That’s painful enough, but then we also have to deal with the incessant whining and complaining when he’s playing. Luka is an incredible, franchise-altering player, but my god is he annoying to watch. It’s the one thing that keeps me from being too hung up about him not being a King. Oh, and another thing! His flopping resulted in Monk getting injured, costing Monk his 6th Man of the Year award. Screw you, Luka.
