Dallas Mavericks Have Plenty Of Needs (Updated)

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks went 49-33 and will look to improve their roster. With plenty of cap room and Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Shawn Marion, and others hitting free agency, the Mavs may once again experience a drastic roster change.

The recent trade with the New York Knicks alters the Mavs focus.

*Needs Pre-Chandler Trade*

• What do the Mavs do at Point Guard? 

A once deep position is now a position of need. Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin are now on the Knicks and Devin Harris is a free agent. Raymond Felton and rarely used Gal Mekel fill the position. A Harris return seems highly likely at this point. It’s to be seen at who will start and come off the bench for the Mavs at point guard.

Point Guard Options

• Time for change at Small Forward

Marion is 36 and hitting free agency. Whether or not the Mavs retain him, the team desperately needs a new starting small forward. LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony highlight the position and market. Both seem unlikely at this point, leaving  Luol Deng, Trevor Ariza, and possibly Chandler Parsons as options for the Mavs. Along with Marion, Carter’s contract has expired. The Mavs would love their 6th man back.

Small Forward Options

Deng or Ariza?

• Find a backup Power Forward for Dirk

We’ve seen the likes of Keith Van Horn, Brandon Bass, and Kris Humphries backing up Dirk seasons ago. Over the last few seasons we’ve seen Marion (THE STARTING SMALL FORWARD) taking over the backup minutes. It’s time for the Mavs to find a true power forward to back up the Big German.

Power Forward Options

• Center spot depth

With the recent trade that sent out Samuel Dalembert for Tyson Chandler, the Mavs focus at center has drastically been altered. They no longer will need to spend big money at filling the center spot, but can now look to add depth to the position. Along with Chandler, Brandan Wright is currently under contract. The team can look to bring back DeJuan Blair, or turn to the market.

Center Options 

• Find Shooting Guard Help

The starting spot is locked up by Monta Ellis, but Dallas can and should look to get him a capable body behind him to lessen his minutes. Harris and Carter were the primary backup guards to Ellis and both could be gone via free agency. Ricky Ledo is the only other shooting guard on the roster after Wayne Ellington was sent to New York. Dallas can shock everyone and make a run at Lance Stephenson and have Rick Carlisle sort it out, or they can look at the likes of Jodie Meeks and Nick Young to take over the backup minutes.

Shooting Guard Options