The Smoking Cuban
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5 Areas the Dallas Mavericks need to improve in this offseason

By Sean Bush

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors reach for the rebound during the game on December 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors reach for the rebound during the game on December 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Patrick Beverly of the Los Angeles Clippers during a game at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Patrick Beverly of the Los Angeles Clippers during a game at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images) /

Perimeter Defending

The Mavericks have some promising defensive players. Likely free agent returnees Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith are excellent defenders for their positions. Roby won’t make a big impact as a defender year one but he has some potential as does Justin Jackson. Porzingis is among the league’s best shot blockers.

Teams really need to be deep defensively. The Mavericks have some guys but as a whole they’re just not there yet. It could especially use a defensive stalwart at the guard position. You need to surround Doncic with guys who can accept the tougher assignments on the court.

Doncic was a decent defender for a rookie last season but his upside is limited in that area. Also, the team finished 25h in forced turnovers. Lacking defenders who pressure opponents into making mistakes hinders your ability to get easy fast break points.

Teams in the playoffs, particularly in the Western Conference, are going to be loaded with talent. If teams don’t have the defenders to match up with opposing stars, then they run the risk of getting exposed and eliminated early.

Expensive Free Agency Options: Jimmy Butler, Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford

Mid-Tier Free Agency Options: Patrick Beverley, Danny Green, Trevor Ariza, Al-Farouq Aminu, Jeremy Lamb, Thaddeus Young, Ricky Rubio, Darren Collison, Tomas Satoransky, George Hill

Cheap Free Agency Options: Wes Matthews, Jeff Green, JaMychal Green, Cory Joseph, Thabo Sefolosha

Next: Secondary Playmaking