After an impressive run to the 2024 NBA Finals, a breakout season for the Dallas Mavericks feels inevitable. Significant improvements from key players could be the final piece needed to bring home a championship. With a roster brimming with youthful talent eager to establish themselves as top role players, it’s crucial to analyze the ceiling of each member of this contending team. From elite centers to skilled wings, here are the Dallas Mavericks most poised to burst onto the scene.
Predicting the Most Improved Players for the Dallas Mavericks This Season
Dereck Lively II: Future Dominant Big Man?
Following a disappointing play-in miss, the Dallas Mavericks drafted Duke center Dereck Lively II with the 12th overall pick. This proved to be a homerun selection, as his discipline and experience perfectly fit next to Luka Doncic. He made the Mavericks’ defensive rating elite due to his top-notch rim deterrence. Additionally, he was the two-way pillar and rollman that the team desperately desired since drafting Doncic. Lively showed immense maturity beyond his years in his rookie season.
Lively is rapidly diversifying his skillset. Already a deft passer, he’s adding a jump shot and a Euro step to his offensive game, showing off a confidence that allows him to stretch the floor and attack the basket in new ways. Defensively, he’s more versatile than ever, capable of guarding multiple positions while still anchoring the paint. Lively’s future is bright. If developed properly, he could not only create his own offense but also be the defensive presence that the Mavericks need for sustained success. As he refines his timing and court awareness, he could become a crucial factor in transition and half-court sets, giving Dallas a dynamic two-way force for years to come.
Quentin Grimes: The Mavericks’ Next Two-Way Star?
After acquiring Quentin Grimes via trade, the Dallas Mavericks saw the potential he showed in New York translate well to their system. While his stint in Detroit didn’t showcase his full skill set, Grimes is quickly proving himself to be a valuable addition in Dallas. His abilities to thrive as a spot-up shooter and off-ball wing make him an ideal complement to Luka. This allows the Mavericks to spread the floor and create more efficient offensive options. Grimes’ shooting and defensive skills give Dallas the reliable “3-and-D” wing they’d been seeking. It helps bring balance on both ends of the court.
Grimes’ development trajectory remains promising. Known for his catch-and-shoot ability, he’s evolving into a more dynamic player, adding secondary playmaking to his repertoire. With his basketball IQ and poise, he has shown flashes of becoming a tertiary playmaker, capable of reading defenses and initiating offense when needed. Defensively, his tenacity allows him to guard multiple perimeter positions, making him a formidable asset against top scorers. As Grimes continues to refine his playmaking skills and defensive awareness, he could become a pivotal two-way contributor, strengthening the Mavericks’ perimeter play for seasons to come.
PJ Washington: The Mavericks’ Key Stretch Big?
Acquired at the trade deadline, PJ Washington quickly showcased his value to the Dallas Mavericks. He particularly shined in games against the Thunder and during crucial playoff moments. As a bigger two-way wing, Washington’s ability to space the floor opened up the Mavericks’ offense, providing much-needed versatility in the frontcourt. His shooting and defensive acumen helped the team to create mismatches, making him an essential piece alongside Doncic.
Washington’s potential as a perimeter shot-creator adds another dimension to his game. Known for his three-point shooting, he’s shown flashes of creating his own shot off the dribble in Charlotte. That skill could make him a unique weapon in Dallas’s rotation. Defensively, his instincts and mobility enable him to hold his own against stretch bigs and quicker forwards, giving the Mavericks more flexibility in switching schemes. If Washington develops his perimeter scoring, he could settle into a steady 15 points per game, filling a key role in their championship pursuit.
The Last Word
In a season where consistency is crucial, the Dallas Mavericks are counting on key players to step up and bring stability to the roster. If they can sustain their growth, Dallas will have the balanced, reliable contributors needed to push toward title contention. With this core of emerging talent, the Mavericks are prepared to elevate themselves to a true Western Conference powerhouse.
