Mavericks should reunite with 'bargain-bin free agent' to fix their shooting

The Dallas Mavericks have many offseason issues to solve. It's clear the team desperately needs a backup guard to solve their lack of ball handling, even with Kyrie Irving returning. Dallas also must focus on finding stability in the frontcourt after injuries took their toll. Yet, the biggest problem they must solve is adding shooters around Cooper Flagg.

Last season, the Mavericks were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league. They struggled heavily to knock down their long-range attempts, as they had no resolution in sight. Bleacher Report, though, has the perfect solution. Their recent list of five "bargain-bin free agents who could help every NBA team" presents a familiar name who could solve the issue above. Tim Hardaway Jr. would make Flagg's life easier and provide strong shooting.

The former Mav had a successful year for the Denver Nuggets last season. Hardaway Jr. was one of the Nuggets' top 3-point shooters, as his skills could easily elevate Dallas' offense. So, it's a signing the Mavericks should consider. It's not hard to imagine them using the bi-annual exception to bring the sharpshooter back.

Mavericks' 3-point shooting definitely needs help

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks averaged 11 3-pointers per game. This was the second-worst in the league, with only the Sacramento Kings being worse. They also had the fifth-worst 3-point percentage in the league, making it clear it was an issue they needed to solve.

One reason for their struggles was their lack of dominant ball handlers. The Mavs failed to find a solution to Kyrie Irving's absence, and it showed. Dallas didn't have someone who could open up the offense. This then translated to them taking low-percentage shots. This makes sense, as they had the fourth-least 3-point attempts per game in the league.

They needed a skill-savvy guard who could create opportunities for their teammates. Irving's return should help ease the issues highlighted above, but Dallas still needs a primary shooter to knock down open 3-point attempts.

Another reason for their struggles was their lack of dominant shooters around Flagg. Dallas didn't have lethal players who weren't afraid to let it rip. This was shown in their offensive struggles. The Mavs shot a horrible 31.6 percent on pull-up 3-pointers. They failed to provide support whenever he was double-teamed and desperately needed someone who could make defenses pay for leaving him open.

This is why someone like Tim Hardaway Jr. would be the perfect solution to the Mavs' woes. His quick release makes him the ideal candidate to help try to elevate Dallas' offense. Not to mention, his return would be warmly welcomed by fans.

Tim Hardaway Jr. holds the key to solving the Mavs' biggest weakness

As mentioned, the former Mav has the intangibles to help boost Dallas' offense with his hot shooting. His successful stint with the Nuggets and history with the team make him an intriguing option for the Mavericks to sign using the bi-annual exception.

Last season, he had one of his best 3-point shooting performances of his career. He shot a career-high 40.7 percent from long range. This was better than anyone on the Mavs' roster, excluding Marvin Bagley III, who made 48.4 percent of his attempts. So, it's easy to see him being a bright spot on a Dallas team that desperately needs shooters.

So, the Mavericks have an easy solution to solve their shooting struggles. Tim Hardaway Jr. already has a history with the team, and Dallas could easily sign him without breaking the bank.

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