For the past two seasons, the Dallas Mavericks have been eliminated by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. One of the team's glaring weaknesses is that they have a hard time finding a substitute ball handler and shooter to complement their up-and-coming superstar Luka Doncic. The defense would focus on controlling him and letting his teammates try the wrong shot.
With the mavericks' management and coaching staff reshuffled, expectations for Doncic continued to increase after entering its fourth year. Head coach Jason Kidd, who is now at the helm of Dallas, is trying to implement a different system that could give teams a better chance to move forward further in the playoffs. With 77 games left this season, Dallas could have three possible goals through a buyout or trading the market.
Mavericks must get 3 organizers to help Luka Doncic
John Wall was signed after being bought out
The Houston Rockets are a team that is rebuilding, and they are building their own team through a young core. For the next two years, however, they still had a huge contract with John Wall. Since he wasn't going to play before being traded, he should agree to buy out the contract with the Rockets, even if he would lose millions of dollars.
As his career continues to get older, he shouldn't waste his time on the bench, but he has the potential to have a talented team in Dallas. He can play with Doncic in every game, but his most important contribution to the team is to control the attack while Doncic sits on the bench and rests.
Wall and Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith and Kristaps Porzingis could also be the final lineup in Dallas. If the Mavericks get Wall, he can reinvigorate his career and prove himself once again as a playoff team.
Get Dragic
Luka Doncic, Mavericks, Goran Dragic
With the Toronto Raptors' $19 million contract coming to an end, Goran Dragic is expected to buy out the final year of his contract, contributing to the championship-hungry team. Dragic was part of the miami heat's core and eventually finished second after the Los Angeles Lakers. As a left-hand killer with extensive playoff and international game experience, he will play a major role in Kidd's system.
As Slovenes, Dragic and Doncic have impeccable chemistry on and off the pitch, which could also boost their production. Dragic can act as a scorer or conductor, he can act as a sixth man or as a starting point guard. In addition, he was able to create shooting opportunities for himself in the final moments of the game, while the defense was not good for Doncic. Signing Dragic is great for Kidd, Doncic and the rest of the Mavericks.
Ask the Hawks about Lou Williams
Lou Williams is 35 years old, but he has been proving himself to be a valid scorer, especially on the biggest stage. Under his expiring $5 million contract, Dallas could easily offer the Atlanta Hawks a package because they have Deron Wright to back their own superstar point guard Trae Young.
When Doncic is sitting on the bench, Williams could score 10-12 points on the bench to cement their lead or keep the score close. Even if he's a liability defensively, having Williams on the pitch at a crucial time in a big game is inseparable for the Mavericks. With williams' vast amount of technique and movement, he still struggles to defend when he plays on the pitch with Doncic and three other shooters.
With the season still early in the season, there are high expectations that Dallas will be able to get some players to complement Doncic and possibly go further in the playoffs.