Dallas Mavericks: Why the Mavs should trade for Danilo Gallinari

5. Rebounding

The Dallas Mavericks have shifted to playing small since Dwight Powell was injured on Jan. 21. Kristaps Porzingis has been starting at the five with Dorian Finney-Smith playing power forward. Coach Carlisle is using Maxi Kleber as the backup center and playing small ball the majority or entire game. The Mavs have been outrebounded in three of the four games since making this shift.

The addition of Willie Cauley-Stein gives them options. They can play a more traditional lineup with WCS at the five and Kleber or Porzingis playing power forward.

Danilo Gallinari could cure the Mavericks’ rebounding woes while still allowing them to play small. Dallas is fourth in rebounds per game on the season. They did not struggle when Powell was healthy. He averaged 5.7 rebounds per game before suffering the injury. Gallinari is grabbing 5.8 a night this season and coming off a year where he averaged over six.

Rebounding is not Gallo’s primary skill, but it is a small way he would improve the Mavs. Gallinari would likely start at the four with Porzingis at the five. Add in Luka Doncic’s stellar rebounding and Dallas would be one of the top teams in the NBA on the glass.

Next: No. 4