Mavericks risk derailing Cooper Flagg era without fixing this glaring issue

The Dallas Mavericks are on a seven-game losing streak, and it's clear Cooper Flagg desperately needs help. One of the main issues is the team's lack of a steady ball handler. Dallas can't rely on Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard to be the only players who can run the offense.

The harsh reality is that Dallas needs more guard depth if they hope to be competitive next season. The Mavs must find someone to help support Kyrie Irving. Dallas tried to solve the issue in the past by bringing in Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum, and D'Angelo Russell. However, they all turned out to be failed experiments, with each player finding minimal success in Dallas.

The opposite holds for Williams and Nembhard. The two guards have thrived under coach Jason Kidd's offense, and their early success has earned them standard contracts. They have become reliable role players who can use their quickness and craftiness to score in the paint. The problem is that they are not everyday starters, and even with Irving coming back, they need more help in the backcourt.

How the Mavericks' backcourt has struggled this season

The Mavs' lack of guard depth has been an issue brewing for quite some time. One prime example is the team's recent loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Dallas finished the game with 22 assists, 17 fewer than the Raptors, and 19 turnovers. The numbers clearly reflect the need for someone to help run the offense. It also doesn't help that the Mavericks struggle to hit open shots.

This season has been a reality check for Dallas. They rank in the bottom 10 in assists per game and are near the bottom when it comes to turnovers. This again is a testament to their need for guard depth. Currently, Cooper Flagg and Nembhard are the team's leading assist men, each averaging four assists per game.

The reality is, Dallas needs another backup guard to run the show while Irving is off the court, something the team has struggled to find over the last few years. Irving is an all-star talent whose on-court vision is unmatched. Not to mention, he shoots the ball at a high rate. The Mavs need someone who can do the things mentioned above.

Kyrie Irving can't be the only answer

One of the things Dallas must consider is Irving's future.

The Mavs' star is 33 years old, and he is going to enter his 15th season when he returns at the start of the 2026-27 season.

Irving's health should also be a factor, as he is returning from a terrible ACL injury. So, the Mavs can't expect him to return to his old form once he returns, and he can't be expected to do it all for Dallas.

The need for a backup point guard is more obvious than ever.

Dallas' paths to finding their guard of the future

One possible solution to their problem is free agency. Dallas could look to names like Coby White, someone the team had interest in the past, or Collin Sexton. Both players could be signed at a reasonable price, and their veteran experience would come in handy.

Other solutions could be the NBA Draft. It's obvious the Mavs are tanking, and if they can get another top pick, it would perfectly kick off the Cooper Flagg era. Dallas could find their rookie a suitable running mate, and they must also find Irving's replacement.

Dallas has plenty of options if it wants to properly solve their guard depth issue. The Mavs must address this problem immediately in the offseason if they want to be competitive in the future.

The guard position is something the organization can't keep ignoring, and fans can only hope Dallas doesn't strike out at finding Irving a backup.