Dallas Mavericks: 29th in Blocks About to Change

The Dallas Mavericks finished the season ranked 29th in the league in blocks, but things are about to change.

Last summer, Dallas obviously missed out on DeAndre Jordan, but rebounded nicely by sending a future second rounder for veteran center Zaza Pachulia. Known for his toughness on both ends of the court, Pachulia came into Dallas and exceeded all expectations.

Pachulia recorded double-doubles and received more all-star votes than DeMarcus Cousins, but there was one area that Pachulia lacked and it was magnified next to Dirk Nowitzki. Pachulia lacked the rim protection on defense as he averaged just .3 blocks a game.

Although Pachulia could body up most players on the block, he didn’t provide the presence above the rim. Combine that with the fact that he’s paired with Dirk Nowitzki in the front court, and you see why Dallas finished the season ranked 29th in the league in blocks.

Finishing at 29th, better than just the Detroit Pistons, Dallas finished averaging just 3.7 blocks a game.

Who were the top 5 teams in blocks?

Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta.

With the exception of Philadelphia, four of the top five teams in blocks finished in the top four of their respected conference. So why will Dallas be better this season?

First off, the key to everything changing on the defensive end above the rim will center around Andrew Bogut. Last year, Bogut finished the season averaging 1.6 blocks a game while previously putting up seasons where he averaged 2.5 and 2.6 blocks a game.

Here is highlights of a 9 block game by Bogut in 2015.

Bogut changes the whole look of the Mavs on the defensive end as they haven’t had a presence like that since the likes of Tyson Chandler. But unlike Chandler, Bogut also gives Dallas a passing game that reflects what Pachulia gave the team last year.

But it doesn’t stop with Bogut.

Last year, behind Pachulia up front, Rick Carlisle experimented with different rotations as Dwight Powell, JaVale McGee, and even Dirk Nowitzki got minutes at backup center. But it was Salah Mejri that rose to the occasion a gave Dallas a defensive presence off the bench.

Mejri only played in 34 games and averaged 1.1 blocks a game. Now he enters the season as the unquestioned backup center where he should find minutes on a nightly basis all year round.

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So with the shot blocking presence of Bogut in the starting unit, an increased role for Salah Mejri, and the addition of above average defensive players such as Harrison Barnes and Quincy Acy; Dallas should be finishing well above the 29th spot they finished last season in.

I expect Dallas to finished in the top 15 in blocks this coming season.