To help us get through the NBA’s late-summer blues, we’re taking a look back at teams across the league and how their offseason went.
The Dallas Mavericks
Main additions:
Klay Thompson
Naji Marshall
Spencer Dinwiddie
Quentin Grimes
Kessler Edwards
Main losses:
Josh Green
Tim Hardaway Jr
Derrick Jones Jr
Markieff Morris
Offseason review and outlook for the 2024-25 season:
The Dallas Mavericks had a huge bounce-back season last year. Coming off a 38-win season that saw them miss the playoffs entirely, the Mavs drafted well, adding Derrick Lively II, and made a couple of big trades at the deadline to acquire PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. The result was a surprising run to the NBA Finals, and the Mavericks spent this summer building on that success.
While I have my doubts about Klay Thompson’s fit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as well as Klay’s overall ability to produce at this point in his career, he remains a proven shooting threat with championship experience. A change of scenery also allows Klay to transition into a role that fits his late-career and post-injury abilities. In addition to Klay, the Mavs made several other good trades this summer. I love the signing of Naji Marshall (he was one of my dream targets for the Kings this summer) as a versatile wing off the bench. Quentin Grimes has good upside, and Kessler Edwards is a good value on a two-way contract. Most importantly, none of their offseason trades cost them any of their key contributors from their Finals run.
I still have doubts about Jason Kidd as a coach, and I think the Mavs might have a hard time integrating Klay into their team. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dallas spends a good portion of the season in the 4-7 range in the West, but in the playoffs, the Mavs will still be a formidable team this season because of the talent they have assembled.
Why we hate them:
Luka Doncic, prepared in two ways. First, we are constantly reminded that the Kings could have drafted him but didn’t. That’s bad enough, but then you have to deal with the constant whining and moaning when he plays. Luka is an incredible player, a franchise-changer, but my god, he’s boring to watch. It’s the only thing that keeps me from worrying too much about him not being a King. Oh, and another thing! His failure resulted in Monk getting injured, which cost him his 6th Man of the Year award. Fuck you, Luka.
