Why the Mavs Should Pursue Ian Clark This Summer

The Dallas Mavericks historically monitor the free agency market closely and this season will probably be more of the same. However, the Mavs should be looking further down the bench at a player like Ian Clark.

Despite the Mavs high-quality depth at shooting guard, the Mavs should take a long, hard look at another one once free agency begins on July 1st. Ian Clark, currently a reserve guard on the Golden State Warriors, should be on the Mavs’ free agency radar. A talented shooter and confident ball handler, Clark is the ideal addition for the current state of the Mavericks.

The Mavs’ main priority this offseason should be to add as many young, up-and-coming players as possible. The difference between Clark and other young players is that Clark is quietly one of the better shooters in the NBA. While the Mavs have some outside shooting talent currently on their roster, they should look to add another one to the back end of their bench.

The Mavericks are in a better spot than most think going into this offseason. The Mavs have quickly scooped up a number of young players that have a very high ceiling. Harrison Barnes, Nerlens Noel, Yogi Ferrell, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Seth Curry all have the opportunity to become excellent contributors for a team very close to a playoff berth.

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The Mavs are reportedly interested in free-agent point guard Jrue Holiday, which in all likelihood means they are interested in keeping Yogi Ferrell in the backup point guard role. This makes the possible addition of Clark all the more important. If the Mavs are able to add a starting caliber player such as Holiday, then depth becomes the main concern. If a starting caliber point guard is added, then Dallas has a unique opportunity on their hands.

If Jrue Holiday can be picked up, then the Mavs suddenly have a strong starting five. Holiday, Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki, and Nerlens Noel could combine with a strong bench to be a playoff team. Clark, while not flashy, is talented enough of an offensive player to be what the Mavs have used in their past playoff-run rosters.

Peja Stojakovic, Jason Terry, and DeShawn Stevenson have been staples in the Mavs offensive philosophy for years. Reserve guards who have shooting ability work great in Carlisle’s system and changes the way the team is able to play on the court.

While Clark may not add too much to the Mavs’ offense statistically, he will add valuable shooting, and another opportunity for the Mavs as a young, developmental asset. In addition to being a possible trade chip, he could very well develop into a valuable backup guard, as well as be insurance in the event that Seth Curry leaves in free agency after next season.

Next: Potential Point Guard Carousel Looming for Dallas Mavericks

Dallas should pursue the big-fish this summer, but valuable young assets like Ian Clark could be invaluable going forward.