Dallas Mavericks: 5 biggest takeaways from 2021 media day

Biggest takeaway from Dallas Mavericks media day: 5. Bullock wants the toughest matchup

The Mavs signed Reggie Bullock to a three-year $30 million deal this offseason. They had their sights set on a marquee free agent but were forced to pivot to filling holes in their roster. The 30-year-old shot 41.0 percent from 3-point range last season and was a starter and key contributor for the Knicks as they made the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Bullock had this to say when asked on media day about what he brings to the Mavericks.

"First, is my shooting ability. Obviously, there are a lot of shooters on this team. My shooting ability, my toughness on the defensive end. I like the challenge of guarding the other team’s best player. I take great pride in that, and I do anything that the coach needs me to do. Whether that is starting, coming off the bench, or whatever it is to be able to take that level to get us out of the position that they were in last year and just becoming a better defensive team."

The Mavericks' lack of wing depth and perimeter defenders was exploited by the LA Clippers in the playoffs last season. Former coach Rick Carlisle had to resort to starting Boban Marjanovic and playing a zone defense to try to slow down Kawhi Leonard and company. The additions of Bullock, Sterling Brown, and Frank Ntilikina give Dallas options in those matchups this season.

Bullock wants the challenge of guarding LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Trae Young as he did in last year’s postseason. He also talked about taking pride in being a 3-and-D player. Having someone with that mentality should do wonders for the Dallas Mavericks as they look to make a significant defensive improvement this season, so expect Reggie Bullock to be a key piece for the team moving forward.