Masai Ujiri had his introductory press conference as president and alternate governor of the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday afternoon alongside Patrick Dumont at the American Airlines Center, and he left no doubt about what his goals are. He wants to win a title with Cooper Flagg as his superstar, and he knows that they're going to need more shooting to do this.
Ujiri didn't hesitate when asked what Cooper Flagg needs around him
When asked about the type of players that he'd like to put around Flagg, the first attribute that he mentioned was shooting. He obviously mentioned other things as well, including athleticism, but the fact that he immediately said shooting is notable.
Jason Kidd took a similar approach when asked about what the Mavericks needed to add to the roster during his exit interview, and 3-point shooting seems like it will be a major focus this summer. Dallas has the draft and free agency to address this need, and Ujiri is ready to help bring in some guys who can make open shots.
"Shooters, athletic players, the best possible players we can find to make the game a little bit easier for him, space the floor, and him play as a playmaker," Ujiri said when asked about the players he'd like to put around Flagg.
Ujiri later complimented Kidd for putting the ball in his hands early, and finding players who make the game easier for him must be a top priority. Dallas' lack of floor spacing and shooting allowed defenses to hone in on limiting Flagg, and putting some knockdown shooters around him will make everyone's lives easier.
They ranked in the bottom five in 3-pointers attempted and made per game, along with 3-point percentage, and this can't be the case again next season. Flagg is too strong a driver not to have outside threats playing alongside him, and Dallas adding more shooting will make every aspect of their offensive game look better.
Kyrie Irving will help, but the Mavericks' shooting problem is deeper
They'll already be off to a strong start here with Kyrie Irving returning, and every other move that they make will be a cherry on top. Irving's return will open up the floor for everyone, and all in all, he may be the team's best shooter. He's a 39.4 percent 3-point shooter who averages 2.4 makes per game from downtown for his career, and Ujiri is excited to see him play with Flagg.
On top of Irving's inevitable return, they need to bring in more personnel who can shoot, though. Last season, Klay Thompson and Max Christie were the only two players on the 15-man roster who made at least two 3-pointers per game. This can't be the case next season, and Dallas has to find more players who can capitalize on the open looks that Irving and Flagg create.
Ujiri's desire to add more shooting at least proves that he has a good understanding of the Mavericks' needs, and this offseason will be pivotal to put the right roster around Flagg. This starts with adding more floor spacers across the board, and if they can do this, they'll be in a great spot to return to the playoffs.
