Dallas Mavericks need a ball-handler in the worst way: Why haven’t they added one?

Examining the Dallas Mavericks roster for potential ball-handlers

Luka Doncic is one of the best shot creators in the NBA, and he has led the league in usage rate for two straight seasons. The 23-year-old shoulders a massive workload, and he is arguably the best offensive engine in the world right now.

Spencer Dinwiddie thrived last season as the team’s number three playmaker. He almost always shared the floor with Doncic or Jalen Brunson, which opened up more space for him to drive the ball and get to the rim.

The Mavs lost JB to the Knicks, and they added Christian Wood, JaVale McGee, and rookie Jaden Hardy. Wood averaged a career-high 2.3 assists per game last season, and Hardy produced 3.6 dimes and 3.4 turnovers each night for the G League Ignite. McGee will be finishing lobs not handling the ball.

Tim Hardaway Jr. will be back healthy after suffering a season-ending foot injury in late January, but he is a scorer and not a playmaker.

The Mavericks' best options at handling the ball beyond that are Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green. The Knicks draft the French Prince as a point guard in 2017, but he struggled to fill that role. He is best suited as a 3-and-D wing, and Green can get a bit out of control when asked to make plays.

The Dallas Mavericks have just two playmakers on their roster after thriving with two on the floor at nearly all times to close last season. Why haven’t they addressed the issue?