In the Luka Doncic era, the Dallas Mavericks were known as one of the league’s shakiest defenses. They were primarily focused on the offensive part of the game.
After trading Doncic for Anthony Davis last year, the Mavericks shifted their focus to being a defensive powerhouse, especially with the latest arrival in Copper Flagg. With names like Davis, Flagg, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively controlling the paint, the Mavericks’ identity is about to change.
With the absence of the Mavericks’ main ball handler, Kyrie Irving, due to an ACL tear, the team will try to build up momentum and a respectable record until his return. While the loss of Irving’s offensive talent will make it harder for the Mavericks to score the ball, the team’s shifting identity revolves around using its ability to lock the paint and control the perimeter with its long, athletic wings and forwards.
With each player stepping into a specialized role, Kendrick Perkins talked about the Mavericks’ defensive expectations heading into next season.
“There is no way in hell this team should not be the best defensive team in the NBA; they could possibly go down as one of the best defensive teams in NBA history. They should be able to mimic what OKC did last year, just based on their frontline alone,” Perkins said on his podcast. “They should be the best defensive team in the league this year. A lot of their games are going to be won on the defensive side of things.”
Defensive potential
Last year, the Mavericks were ranked the 18th-best defense in the league. If they’re trying to make a run at a title, that has to change because, as we all know, “defense wins championships.” Truth be told, with the team’s latest additions, the Mavs are definitely looking to change that.
Starting with Davis, who anchors the defense with rim protection and interior presence with last year’s average of two blocks per game, while the twin towers Gafford and Lively serve as shot-blocking centers, controlling the paint and rebounding, all while combining for three and a half blocks per game last season.
Right behind comes this year’s number one pick. Even though he is a rookie, Flagg is expected to impact both ends of the court immediately. Standing at 6’9″ he has shown the ability to dominate the defensive side on the collegiate level with his long frame and explosiveness, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks for Duke.
While the interior defense has the potential to be one of the best ever, the perimeter is no throwaway either, with Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Caleb Martin looking to fill in the remaining gaps with their defensive arsenals.
Offensive problem
In contrast, the Mavericks’ biggest problem will be their offensive game. Without Irving, there is no real threat outside of Davis, who must carry the offensive load.
With that, the rest of the team’s players will have to step up just to patch up Irving’s absence and help Davis, an integral piece on both sides of the floor. Also, without Kai there isn’t a real playmaker on the team who can make the game flow easier while getting other players going.
Because of that, the Mavericks brought D’Angelo Russell to hold down that aspect until Irving is ready to return. However, there is some hope lying down. Suppose Thompson can turn it around and be consistent.
In that case, if Naji Marshall can build up where he left off last season, if Washington and Russell can be reliable, and if Flagg exceeds expectations, the Mavericks will be in a good position in the West. Those are a lot of ‘If’s, and with the Western Conference being a dogfight, the Mavericks will have to bring their A game.
Related: “I had a lot of fun” – Cooper Flagg reacts to his Dallas Mavericks debut