Most NBA free agents have come and gone. Rotations are generally predetermined throughout the season, but there may be a few minor additions here and there as teams fill their last roster places. How do the Dallas Mavericks stack up against the rest of the NBA after making a run to the NBA Finals and signing Klay Thompson this offseason?
Following free agency, ESPN revealed its most recent power rankings, and the Dallas Mavericks are ranked fifth in the league, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Boston Celtics, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the New York Knicks. Regarding the Mavs’ offseason, ESPN analyst Tim McMahon stated the following.
“After acquiring legendary shooter Klay Thompson to support Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the NBA’s top scoring duo from the previous season, Dallas is sure to be among the league’s best offensive teams. Can the Mavericks put together a strong defense around that trio? That might decide if Dallas makes it back to the Finals. In the last 20 games of the previous season, the Mavs turned into a contender, with their defense ranking first in the league. They’re counting on big man Dereck Lively II to keep getting better following an All-Rookie season and a successful postseason run, and on Naji Marshall to step up and replace Derrick Jones Jr.
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They acquired Quentin Grimes in a trade with Detroit in addition to the additions detailed in that breakdown, which should provide the Mavs with a reliable backup guard option.
As stated in the power rankings, the Celtics are the best team in the league. They didn’t lose a player from their rotation as they won an NBA championship by dominating the regular season and the postseason. Each other’s team is debatable. The Thunder signed center Isaiah Hartenstein to help with rebounding and interior offense, addressing their main weakness after Dallas defeated OKC in the Playoffs the previous season. Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., two guards who are ready to score, were selected by Minnesota, but their postseason contributions are not assured. The Knicks have a fantastic starting lineup and made a big trade to get Mikal Bridges, but they are thin and had a lot of injuries toward the conclusion of the previous year.
Up until the season begins in late October, everything is arbitrary. It might take some time for things to click on the court as Thompson adjusts to a new team for the first time since his rookie year, even though Dallas’ move looks fantastic on paper given their successful finish to the previous campaign.
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