The Dallas Mavericks have been pretty active this offseason.<\/p>\n
Unlike last summer, they aren\u2019t 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<\/a> for No. 51 pick Melvin Ajin\u00e7a<\/a>. A cousin of former NBA center Alexis Ajin\u00e7a<\/a>, who played for the Mavs for 10 games in 2010-11, the 20-year-old is an offensive-minded small forward<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ajin\u00e7a does have the potential to be in an NBA rotation one day. However, the Mavs will have Klay Thompson<\/a> in their rotation from Day 1. Quentin Grimes<\/a> \u2014who Dallas acquired in the Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a> trade \u2014will likely get consistent minutes. Naji Marshall<\/a> \u2014a tough defender who shot a career-high 38.7 percent from 3 in 2023-24\u2014is primed to replace Derrick Jones Jr.<\/a> in the frontcourt.<\/p>\n According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the Mavs are now looking to fortify their backcourt.\u00a0Three players on their shortlist<\/a> have been revealed: Spencer Dinwiddie<\/a>, Dennis Smith Jr.<\/a>, and Malachi Flynn<\/a>.<\/p>\n Both Dinwiddie and Smith have played for the Mavs before. Perhaps more importantly, Dinwiddie also has experience playing as Kyrie Irving<\/a>\u2019s backup. Irving\u2019s reputation has been restored with his volatility being eclipsed<\/a> by maturity. Nonetheless, it doesn\u2019t 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, Smith\u2019s defensive ability could provide Dallas with a different type of option. The Mavs could stand to diversify their attack, but they\u2019re 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).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nActive Mavs Shortlist Free Agent Backcourt Targets<\/h2>\n