Mavericks' sleeper signing is first step in solving their deepening 3-point problem

The Dallas Mavericks' biggest dilemma this season has been outside shooting. The team currently ranks near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting, and it's clear Dallas must address this issue in the offseason to maximize their roster around Cooper Flagg. However, a solution to the issue might already be staring the Mavs in the face.

Two-way guard John Poulakidas could be Dallas' unexpected solution, as he has shown he has the intangibles to help solve the Mavericks' 3-point woes. The Mavs' rookie has shown flashes of getting hot from behind the arc, and his shooting from long range could be the perfect ingredient to help the team next season. His recent performance against the Golden State Warriors is a perfect example of why he should return on another two-way deal at the very least.

Poulakidas' hot hand is already turning heads in Dallas

Against the Warriors on Monday, Poulakidas had one of his best games of the season. He scored nine points in 12 minutes and finished the game with one steal. The difference, though, was his outside shooting. The two-way 22-year-old shot 60 percent from the 3-point line, making three of his five long-range attempts.

Poulakidas showed he can get hot from the field, play with urgency, and his silky-smooth jumper is something Dallas can't ignore. Last week, the former Yale star once again showcased his dominance. He shot 66.7 percent overall and 50 percent from the 3-point line against the Cleveland Cavaliers, quickly making his long-range attempts and scoring in bunches.

His recent performances demonstrate that he is a skilled shooter who is unafraid to shoot the ball and is an exceptional mover off the ball. It's a skill that stemmed from his four years at Yale. In three of his four seasons, Poulakidas shot above 40 percent from the 3-point line. He excelled during his senior year, averaging 19.4 points per game and shooting 45.1 percent overall.

Poulakidas' final season at Yale was one for the record books. He earned the Ivy League Tournament MVP, helping Yale make the NCAA Tournament. Against Texas A&M during March Madness, the young guard did everything he could to help his school move on, as he scored 23 points and shot 40 percent from the 3-point line. It was an incredible performance that outlined his high level of shooting, even though Yale lost to the Aggies by nine.

So, what's not to like about Poulakidas? He has the skill set to help Dallas' offense take that next leap. Plus, the Mavs have shown they excel in turning two-way players into dominant NBA players.

Mavericks desperately need what John Poulakidas brings

The Mavericks currently have one of the worst 3-point shooting percentages in the league. They rank in the bottom three, shooting a frustrating 34.5 percent from long range. Marvin Bagley III and Max Christie are the only players shooting above 40 percent from three.

The reality is that Dallas lacks a sharpshooter, as they need someone who can elevate their offense and space the floor. The team needs someone who can shoot at a high level, especially if they want to build their team around Cooper Flagg, a wing who struggles from downtown. The Mavs must do everything to solve their lingering issue, and this starts with giving players like John Poulakidas another chance.

Poulakidas has already proven himself in a short amount of time. He is the perfect offseason signing to fix Dallas' long-range issues. It'll be up to the Mavs' new management to make the right call. It's clear their two-way guard is someone they can't afford to lose, especially with his hot hand.