3 free agents that should make Mavericks reconsider using their final roster spot

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should consider for final roster spot: 3. Avery Bradley

The Mavs reached the conference finals last season by going small and spacing the floor. They put two ball-handlers on the floor with three shooters and forced the opposition to try to guard them as Luka Doncic carved up the defense. Number 77 is arguably the best shot creator in the league, and he proved it during the team’s playoff run.

The Mavericks need more wing depth if they want to repeat their postseason success in 2023. Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock rarely left the floor during the playoffs because head coach Jason Kidd did not have the confidence in the other defensive options. Tim Hardaway Jr. will be back after suffering a season-ending foot injury, but Dallas could use another 3-and-D wing off the bench.

Enter Avery Bradley, who is a career 36.5 percent 3-point shooter. The 6’3 guard connected on 39.0 percent from long range last season with the Lakers, and he was part of LA’s 2020 squad that eventually won a championship. Bradley did not play in the bubble, but head coach Jason Kidd knows him well.

Bradley’s defensive numbers took a step backward last season, but he was strong in 2020 as he finished 88th in FiveThirtyEight’s defensive RAPTOR. If coach Kidd can help that defense return, Avery Bradley would be a fantastic bench option for the Dallas Mavericks.