The Dallas Mavericks have been pretty active this offseason.
Unlike last summer, they aren’t relying on young players to fortify their roster. Nonetheless, they did add a 2024 NBA Draft prospect. Joining in the French wave, Dallas traded No. 58 pick Ariel Hukporti for No. 51 pick Melvin Ajinça. A cousin of former NBA center Alexis Ajinça, who played for the Mavs for 10 games in 2010-11, the 20-year-old is an offensive-minded small forward with an outstanding build. As he made 35.7 percent of his 3s with Saint-Quentin Basketball last season, he may have a smoother transition to the NBA than 2023 No. 24 pick Olivier Maxence-Prosper.
Ajinça does have the potential to be in an NBA rotation one day. However, the Mavs will have Klay Thompson in their rotation from Day 1. Quentin Grimes —who Dallas acquired in the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade —will likely get consistent minutes. Naji Marshall —a tough defender who shot a career-high 38.7 percent from 3 in 2023-24—is primed to replace Derrick Jones Jr. in the frontcourt.
Active Mavs Shortlist Free Agent Backcourt Targets
According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the Mavs are now looking to fortify their backcourt. Three players on their shortlist have been revealed: Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Smith Jr., and Malachi Flynn.
Both Dinwiddie and Smith have played for the Mavs before. Perhaps more importantly, Dinwiddie also has experience playing as Kyrie Irving’s backup. Irving’s reputation has been restored with his volatility being eclipsed by maturity. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt for Dallas to bring in someone they know he can partner with. Because of his size, the Mavs may even feel comfortable trotting out three-guard lineups that feature him alongside Irving and Luka Doncic.
However, Smith’s defensive ability could provide Dallas with a different type of option. The Mavs could stand to diversify their attack, but they’re not hurting for points. The Boston Celtics certainly had their number in the 2024 NBA Finals. Nonetheless, Dallas ranked seventh in points per game in 2023-24 (117.9).
What Dallas truly lacks is a championship-caliber defense. Unfortunately for the Mavs, their defensive weak links are their best offensive players. Needing to improve their backcourt defense, players like Smith give Dallas the option of hiding Doncic or Irving or less talented scorers.
Flynn’s insertion is particularly interesting. Last season, the 26-year-old exploded for a career-high 50 points shortly after being traded to the Pistons. Yet, he’s less likely to demand minutes than Dinwiddie. He also has more scoring upside than Smith. He probably won’t be a needle-mover, but he can briefly spell one of their starting guards.
Mavericks’ Outlook for 2024-25
Even if the Mavs were to sign one of their backcourt targets, Thompson is obviously the headliner this offseason.
A four-time NBA champion who is universally recognized as one of the best shooters of all-time, his pedigree speaks for itself. In many ways, he’s the replacement for Hardaway rather than Grimes. Both 3-point specialists who could get up points in a hurry, Thompson’s efficiency will be an upgrade.
Like Marshall, Grimes may step into the role of a less prominent player. With the Mavs sending Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets, Dallas is down a low-usage starter to play off of Doncic and Irving. Due to Grimes’s on-ball defense and outside shooting, he’s the closest player they have to Green.
Most assume that Thompson will start due to is stature and his situation with the Golden State Warriors. However, in losing both Green and Jones, the Mavs find themselves without a primary wing defender. Even if Doncic and Irving were a constant net positive at that end, and they’re not, this would be problematic. Thompson still could start, but a super sixth man role may ultimately be more plausible.
After signing a backup for the backcourt, Dallas’s rotation should be set. Though there’s a bit of risk involved with each of their acquisitions thus far, they may be even stronger next season.
