This off-season in the NBA has been one for the ages. Big names have moved all over the league and one team, the Dallas Mavericks, have added to a team that already had a good core. The Mavericks, who finished the 2018-19 season 33-59 and in 14th place in the west, played hard and competed with stars Luka Doncic (rookie of the year) and vets like Dirk Nowitzki, Devin Harris, and Courtney Lee.
The off-season saw Nowitzki step away and retire, which is a big loss for the franchise. But the truth is, his role on the team has diminished on the court for the past couple of seasons. By getting Kristaps Porzingis to fill his role with the team, it will prove to be a move that keeps Dallas in the running. The Mavericks and the NBA will miss that sweet jumper of Nowitzki, as the future NBA Hall of Famer says goodbye.
Dallas Mavericks Improved In Free Agency
Although they did not attract a top tier free agent, they did get better. They took care of their own, giving contract extensions to Porzingis and J.J. Barea. Dallas also was able to keep Dorian Finney-Smith, who agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract.
The Mavericks signed Boban Marjanovic to a two-year, $7 million contract. They now have a few big men who can contribute. They also obtained Maxi Kleber, who agreed to a four-year, $35 million contract. Seth Curry returned to the Mavericks, agreeing to a four-year, $32 million contract. Curry gives Dallas some much needed shooting.
The Mavericks are a proud organization that have been known for how they take care of their players. And they’ve also been competitive, The 2019-20 season will not be any different. They will compete and have improved this summer, but will it be enough? The NBA’s Western Conference has many of the top teams in the league and several improved this off-season.
Teams like the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, and the Portland Trail Blazers have all improved. They also can and likely will be top contenders in the West, so it wont be easy. For Dallas, it will depend on how Porzingis and Doncic mesh. If they are healthy and how the team comes together, they possibly can compete for a playoff spot. One thing is for sure, this year will be an exciting year for Mavericks fans and it will only get better.
