Mavericks must fix this fatal flaw before it ruins the Cooper Flagg era

There is no doubt that this rendition of the Dallas Mavericks has been one of the franchise's worst offensive teams in recent memory. Fans understood heading into the regular season that offense would be the team's major weak point, but Dallas has literally found a new bar to achieve when it comes to a lack of shooting and spacing on the floor at all times. It might be the team's biggest weakness headed into a vastly important offseason.

The Mavericks hit the absolute jackpot when they won the draft rights to Cooper Flagg last summer; however, very quickly, it became a question of the type of talent the Mavs needed to surround Flagg with, the archetype of players they needed to build around. Despite posting impressive offensive rookie numbers, fans and the Dallas coaching staff have seen a different level of play from Flagg when he is surrounded by shooters and floor spacers, and this needs to be the formula for building a winning roster around Dallas' franchise superstar.

Floor spacers and shooters are key to unlock the Cooper Flagg era

With the Mavericks' recent two-way signing of John Poulakidas, the team has already hinted at what type of moves they will make this summer to space the floor around Flagg. Playing quickly and shooting threes has become a proven formula for winning in the NBA. With the Mavericks ranking 29th in 3-pointers made and 28th in 3-point percentage, Dallas defies all of the modern-day logic. This is a major reason why they have only won 21 games this season.

An even more depressing stat that proves the desperation that is going on in Dallas' locker room is that teams have only made three or fewer 3-point shots five times this season, and Dallas owns three of those five games.

While it might not be a major talking point amongst the fan base as the franchise aims for a higher draft pick, shooting has got to be the team's No. 1 priority this summer. Without adding floor spacers, Dallas would waste a pivotal year of Cooper Flagg's career.

How the Mavericks can add more shooting around Cooper Flagg

With the Mavericks slotted to have more cap space this coming offseason, the team could very well use its flexibility to acquire rangy and athletic floor spacers, but additionally adding a healthy Kyrie Irving will instantly turn this team's fortune around. Irving can attract more than one defender away from the hoop, and adding a player of Irving's magnitude alongside a young Flagg will create more open looks at the basket.

Dallas has already shown a willingness to depart from its old ways of playing basketball of size and strength; the next step needs to be adding shooters and speed around the perimeter. If the Mavericks can successfully add multiple floor spacers this summer, it could be expected that the team may make a complete 180 on both sides of the ball.

Flagg deserves to play on a competitive roster, and the Mavericks may not be a team many believe can win a championship next season, but building a strong foundation of shooters around Flagg is one way the franchise can show they care about their new superstar.