Dallas Mavericks: Could the Mavs be interested in Cheick Diallo?

The Dallas Mavericks could take a chance on free agent big man Cheick Diallo. Let us take a look at why that signing would make sense for the Mavs.

Dallas Mavericks fans are excited for Sunday to arrive. The front office is looking to use its available cap space to improve their roster. The goal is reaching the postseason in 2020. The Mavs are a few pieces away from making that a reality.

They will be hunting for marquee free agents, but the Mavericks will need other pieces too. Dallas needs a guard capable of defending the Western Conference’s elite perimeter players. They also could use another rim rolling center that rebounds well. Every NBA team wants a wing that thrives on both ends of the floor.

Tim MacMahon tweeted out the news that Cheick Diallo may be a target for the Dallas Mavericks.

Diallo sharing an agent with Mavericks star Luka Doncic helps, but the 22-year-old had a successful season. He averaged 6.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per game in 2018-2019. Diallo has three NBA seasons under his belt, and he continues to improve.

If the Mavs bring back Maxi Kleber, their frontcourt rotation will be strong. Dallas will have Kristaps Porzingis and Dwight Powell ready to play significant roles. Diallo can play both the four and the five.

The center in Carlisle’s system is the roll man. That is where the Mavericks have their biggest need. Both Porzingis and Kleber can stretch the floor and protect the rim. They need a rim rolling center that rebounds. Diallo proved he can do that. Below is an example from March 31 against the Lakers.

Diallo also had 13 double-digit rebound games in his 64 contests last season. He would be a fit with the Mavs, especially if Dallas can sign for a less than $3 million a season. That would give Diallo a significant raise and allow the Mavericks the opportunity to get a significant discount if he continues his development.

Free agency kicks off on June 30, and the Dallas Mavericks are expected to be important players, so stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news and analysis.