Playoffs expose Mavericks' free agency blunder that will haunt Nico Harrison

Before the season started, the Dallas Mavericks had some of the highest expectations of any team in the league. Coming off an NBA Finals appearance for the first time in over 13 seasons, Dallas was looking to build around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving once again and hoist the Larry O'Brien.

Despite a strong start to the regular season that saw the Mavericks in sole position of second place in the Western Conference at one point, Nico Harrison decided to completely shake up the roster and trade Doncic after multiple injuries began to affect the season. In exchange, Dallas was given Anthony Davis, who is the perfect two-way star to build a championship roster around, but the damage was already dealt.

Fans not only protested outside of the stadium at one point, but the injury situation for the Mavericks only got worse. Davis sat out most of the season after suffering an adductor strain in his debut game, and the Mavericks' production on the floor began to crumble without the presence of a superstar playmaker.

While it's not always good to dwell on the past, it's hard not to look at one decision Harrison could have made last offseason that may have saved the Mavericks from this disastrous situation.

Letting Derrick Jones Jr. leave was first mistake fans should've caught

As a member of the Mavericks, Derrick Jones Jr. became known for his elite perimeter defense and 3-point shot-making that elevated during the playoffs. Jones Jr. was not only asked to guard the opposing team's best player on a nightly basis, but in Dallas, he truly saw the most progression in his game after bouncing around the NBA through the first seven years of his career.

Jones Jr. was signed to a one-year veteran minimum deal extremely late in the offseason, which turned out to be the best move of the summer from Dallas. In hindsight, Jones Jr. may have been the glue that held together Dallas' championship hopes as he constantly gave his best effort no matter who the opposing team was and cemented himself as a fan favorite during the playoffs.

While Jones Jr. was the defensive stud fans could drool over, he undoubtedly proved he deserved a big payday after the Mavericks' run to the finals. With the Mavericks in hot pursuit of other players and an alarming agency switch at the last second, the Mavericks made the bold decision to let Jones Jr. walk in free agency and sign Naji Marshall in his place.

This was a major shock, as Harrison is now set on building his team around an elite defense, and that's what Jones Jr. brings. He is willing to guard any player at any time, and his versatility and tenacity made him one of the top perimeter defenders in the West.

Marshall has no doubt been one of the Mavericks' few bright spots in a season full of doubt, but it's hard not to wonder where the team would be today if Jones Jr. were still on the roster.

Since signing with the LA Clippers, Jones Jr. has taken on an even more impressive offensive role and is averaging over 10 points per game now on an impressive 35.6 percent from behind the arc. In the playoffs, the defensive ace is once again reminding fans of how talented he is, despite coming off the bench in some games for the Clippers.

While it's unclear what decisions led Harrison and Dallas to completely shut the door on re-signing Jones Jr., it's no coincidence the Clippers could be in for a generational run this playoffs with him on their roster. His energy, defense, and high-flying slams have been on display all season long for LA, and as Mavs fans know best, he is incredible in his role, regardless of what the stat sheet says.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will need to retool around Irving and Davis, which will require some impressive gymnastics from Harrison and the front office. With Marshall having an impressive first season in Dallas, he could be a name that becomes untradable or an asset for a trade that could bring in a third star if they decide to take that route.