Dallas Mavericks: Where must they improve to become title contenders?

The Dallas Mavericks have caught fire after a slow start. They won 13 of their last 18 games to move up to eighth in the Western Conference. Luka Doncic is leading the way as the Mavs sit fifth in net rating over that stretch.

They are showing the promise many experts predicted for the Mavericks coming into the season. The Mavericks are finally healthy and starting to fire on all cylinders. It is still early to judge Dallas, though. They have only had their preferred starting five healthy in 14 of 41 games so far this season. Are the Mavs an elite team or something closer to what their current record says?

Dallas appear to be behind the title contenders. The Lakers, Clippers, Nets, Sixers, and Bucks are all probably a rung or two ahead of the Mavericks in the championship pecking order with a few teams on their level. Where do they need to improve to jump into the upper echelon?

Where do the Dallas Mavericks need to improve to become title contenders?

The Mavs have the most difficult piece to acquire in becoming a serious title challenger. Luka Doncic is capable of being the best player on a championship team. There are only ten or so of those talents in the world. The Mavericks do not want to waste any time in jumping into contention, so how do they put the necessary supporting cast around him?

Let us examine their roster before deciding on where they must improve to become serious title contenders.

Next: Taking a look at their current roster