The Dallas Mavericks’ preseason has put them under the spotlight following their thrilling run to the 2024 NBA Finals. After their meltdown against the Boston Celtics, fans wonder if the team can perform adequately throughout the season. During the 2024-2025 preseason, the Mavericks’ role players were put to the test without the help of their superstars. While the preseason showed promising depth, it raised concerns about consistency and whether the supporting cast can step up when it matters most.
What the Mavericks Preseason Means for the Upcoming Season
Promising Preseason Signs
Following the Mavericks’ preseason games, there was plenty for fans to get excited about, particularly with the performances of their young players. Gifted young guard Jaden Hardy showcased immense potential with his on-ball creation abilities and shooting. Being the secondary playmaker, Hardy averaged 4.3 assists, displaying impressive facilitating capability. Shooting a remarkable 40.7% from the three-point line on 6.8 attempts, he also spaced the floor at an elite level.
While Hardy’s playmaking shined, Dereck Lively‘s influence on both ends of the floor was equally impactful. Lively continued to be an enforcer on the defensive end while being a master at executing the pick-and-roll. He also improved his offensive repertoire by adding an effective Euro step. However, the most shocking performance from the preseason came from rookie standout Jazian Gortman. Gortman shot an outstanding 57.1 % from the three-point line on decent volume (3.5 attempts per game) while being a consistent defender. By properly developing their youth, the Mavericks have become one of the deepest teams in the West.
Alongside their young players, a few experienced players impressed in preseason. Against the Clippers, Quentin Grimes scored 20 points and shot 3 of 7 from the three-point line while being a capable perimeter defender. Many believe he’s the largest Mavericks’ X-Factor for championship contention. Naji Marshall has been exceptional in the role he was brought in for, a primary point-of-attack defender. Offensively, he’s been a deft passer while shooting 43% from three on low volume. All of their role-player contributions off of the bench will make or break the season for the Mavericks.
Questions Surrounding the Mavericks’ Preseason
Due to a poor showing against the Sacramento Kings in the play-in, many fans were concerned about free agent acquisition Klay Thompson’s shooting. Those questions persist after Thompson’s inconsistency from three in the preseason’s first games. Notably, he shot just 33 percent from beyond the arc. But it’s important to remember that Thompson’s role isn’t to be a primary shot creator. It’s to shoot well from the perimeter and open up space for his teammates. Thompson’s preseason performances do a subpar job of representing his talent whenever there are competent playmakers on the floor.
But overall, the offense without Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic looked sloppy at times. The team had fewer open looks, and a few rotation pieces seemed to have tunnel vision. Most concerningly, the shooting was suboptimal, and the Mavericks’ Achilles heel during the finals was their lack of floor spacing. However, the superstars should resolve the issue by inserting themselves into the lineup once the regular season tips off.
Season Outlook
Considering the team’s strong makeup, youth, and versatility, the Mavericks’ should be one of the top teams in the race to the finals. With solid backcourt depth from Dante Exum and Hardy and the play of reliable big men Daniel Gafford and Lively, the team should surge past their predicted win record of 49.5. With a blend of promising young talent and experienced veterans, the Dallas Mavericks have the tools to build on their Finals run, but whether they can overcome lingering concerns will determine just how far they can go in the 2024-25 season.
