Team by Team: Dallas Mavericks

 

2023/2024 Season record 16-66

 

Dallas has been rebuilding for a few seasons now, and the team remains young and dynamic. This trend continued into the 2023/2024 season, marked by notable turnover. Eighteen players who recorded stats for Dallas are no longer with the team. However, they finished the season with some consistent starters, including Miles Bridges, Kyle Kuzma, Mark Williams, Cameron Johnson, Gordon Hayward, and Jalen Hood-Schifino.

 

Season Highlights

The arrival of new talent like Kyle Kuzma has been a highlight of the season. These promising players will quickly establish themselves as the cornerstones of the team. Their contributions on the court were minor last season, but they appear poised to be the backbone of the team for many seasons to come.

 

Season Lowlights

On the flip side, one of the most disheartening moments of the season was the outcome of the lottery. Despite having the best odds, the team dropped down to the 7th pick, which was a significant blow. This unexpected turn of events was a tough pill to swallow and undoubtedly impacted the team's strategy.

 

Season MVP: Gordon Hayward turned back the clock for Dallas, posting impressive stats of 17.7 points per game, 3.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting an efficient 48% overall and an outstanding 53% from three-point range. We say goodbye to Hayward as he retires from the NSL.

 

Season Disappointment: Mark Williams was only able to remain healthy for 20 games, which was a significant setback. There are big expectations for this promising player.

 

Best trade: Kyle Kuzma for Rui Hachimura, Nassir Little, and three second-round picks. Considering what Dallas gave up, they received a quality player in return, currently the best player on their roster.

 

Worst trade: Obi Toppin for Ousmane Dieng and First rounder (Was) for 2025. I dont think Obi toppin is a difference maker, he isn't starting in the NBA, and this was costly, giving up on a 21 year old, former pick 13 in his second season and future 1st. All reports when he was drafted, was that he was raw and would take a few seasons.

 

Other notable trades:

Zach Collins and 1st (Tor 17 Yves Missi) for Dean Wade, 2024 1st (LAL 30 Tyler Smith, 2027 Tor 1st and 2 x 2nds. At the time, I thought this was way to much to give up for Zach Collins, but could work out with the selection of Yves Missi who has a fantastic oppertunity to shine in the NBA.

 

Jalen Hood-Schifino, Brice Sensabaugh, and 2 x 2nds for Jarace Walker. Jarace Walker is sitting deep in the pacer depth chart, so this could have been a good move, but when drafted he came with huge expectations and looked fantastic in summer league. Dallas see something in Jalen Hood-Schifino, that the rest of us dont.

 

Miles Bridges, Talen Horton-Tucker, Gabe Vincent and 2 x 2nds for Marcus Smart, Chris Duarte, and Rayan Rupert. Was a huge gamble trading in the bad man in Miles Bridges for a proven defensive superstar in Marcus Smart. This is not a move I would have made.

 

Draft grades:

Dallas made earlier-than-expected selections with both picks compared to their NBA counterparts. While I am fond of both choices, I believe there were superior players available at those positions. Only time will reveal the true outcome.

Pick 7 - Dalton Knecht

Pick 17 - Yves Missi

Grade B-

 

 

The Future:

Dallas has 5 players rated 80 and above, who could possibly start this season. They have a well-rounded roster, with at least 4 of those players that will likely be in the starting lineup. My biggest concern with this team is all the Power forwards, higher rated players who are limited to only play at Power Forward is a little limiting.

Dallas will be hoping for highly rated draft picks to break out, in Nikola Jovic and Mark Williams, with the possibility of Dalton Knecht stepping straight into a role as a mature aged at 23yo.

Expecting Dallas to have another season near the bottom of the ladder, which is not a bad thing with next seasons draft being incredibly good, and Dallas having their pick.