5 veteran free agents the Dallas Mavericks could sign to mentor Luka Doncic

Obviously, this past season didn’t go according to plan for the Dallas Mavericks. Just one year removed from their Western Conference finals run, they failed to even qualify for the Play-In Tournament.

While Dallas went out in a blaze of tanking glory, they were trying to win for the large majority of the season, highlighted by a giant splash at the trade deadline in which they landed Kyrie Irving.

Now, the Mavericks are starting a summer of franchise-altering decisions in the face. Irving is an unrestricted free agent, they need to improve the team’s depth, and they have the 10th-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

All that being said, at the core of everything remains Luka Doncic. He is still the star of the show and should be the main priority in Dallas. Everything revolves around Doncic.

5 veteran free agents the Dallas Mavericks could sign to mentor Luka Doncic

But Doncic is still only 24 years old. He’s only five years into his career and still has plenty of room to grow. Despite three-straight All-NBA First Team appearances, Doncic is still improving.

In order for him to reach his peak, however, he could use some help. And that doesn’t mean more stars around him. That means a veteran presence behind him that can guide him.

The Miami Heat have Udonis Haslem. The Golden State Warriors brought in Andre Iguodala. Tim Duncan had David Robinson, and he returned the favor, helping mentor the likes of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard.

As great as Doncic is, he could use some veterans around him to give him mentorship. They don’t even have to play real minutes. Their only job can be to help Doncic.

Here are five veterans the Mavericks could target to help mentor Doncic.

5. Goran Dragic

This idea has been written to death, but it’s too obvious to not mention, so we’ll get it out of the way now.

The Slovenian connection between Luka Doncic and Goran Dragic is strong, as the two guards competed alongside one another on the international stage, and in that aspect, Dragic has already been a mentor for Doncic.

Last summer, Dragic reportedly didn’t want to sign with the Mavericks because Jason Kidd wasn’t going to give him any minutes. He still wanted to contribute in an NBA rotation.

Well, after starting with the Chicago Bulls last season, Dragic was waived and went on to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. He only played 15 minutes per game in both situations. His time playing big-time minutes could be over.

In turn, maybe teaming up with Doncic in the NBA and helping guide him on this stage could be an attractive option for the 37-year-old guard. Doncic would almost surely appreciate the addition.

With Udonis Haslem retiring, there’s always a chance the Miami Heat look to bring Dragic back into the fold as their new bench leader, but Dallas should absolutely try to add him to their bench.

Unless Dragic decides to sign somewhere overseas in an attempt to extend his playing career, a mentorship role next to Doncic could be perfect for both sides.

4. Jeff Green

Throughout the course of his career, Jeff Green has taken on many roles.

Early on, he was a top option. He was one of the primary scorers in the early Kevin Durant-led Oklahoma City Thunder teams, and when he made his way to the Boston Celtics, he was the top scoring option on a couple of bottom-tier squads.

As he entered the middle portion of his career, he was one of the most reliable role players in the business. His solid defense, underrated athleticism, and decent three-point stroke made him a hot commodity.

Now, he’s a great veteran to have on the bench. He’s been thriving with the Denver Nuggets for the past couple of seasons, playing a big chunk of minutes off the bench at the age of 36 years old.

By the time next season rolls around, Green will probably take another step back in the rotation, but he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. Dallas should absolutely look to steal him from Denver.

With how big of a role Green played for them this past season, the Nuggets will almost definitely look to bring him back, especially if they win the championship, but the Mavericks could still get involved.

Having his presence on the bench would give Luka Doncic a great presence to look to as he attempts to navigate the league, as the 14-year veteran has no shortage of experience.

3. Taj Gibson

At 37 years old, the days of Taj Gibson earning regular NBA minutes are over, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for him in the league still. He has lots of valuable experience and would be a great piece to have on the Dallas Mavericks bench.

Obviously, Gibson doesn’t play the same position as Luka Doncic. Not even close. But the mentorship he would be able to provide the Slovenian superstar goes beyond on-court skills.

Gibson has made the playoffs in nine of his 14 years in the league, with most of those coming during his seasons with the Chicago Bulls, where he was a big part of the rotation.

However, this past season, he signed on with the Washington Wizards and accepted a role as a mentor. He had previously been playing a similar role for the New York Knicks under head coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached him in Chicago.

Gibson has gone on the record speaking about how, at this point in his career, his main goals are to be a great teammate and help the younger players out. That’s exactly what the Mavericks need on their bench.

If Gibson could constantly get in Doncic’s ear and give him some guidance, it would be a big win for the Mavericks.

2. Ish Smith

In tandem with Jeff Green, teams would be hard-pressed to find an NBA player with more experience than Ish Smith, as the veteran point guard has played for 13 teams throughout his career, which is a league record.

The Dallas Mavericks would make his 14th team, and outside of the possibility that Smith could attempt to play for half the NBA, he would make a great fit behind Luka Doncic.

Smith spent this past season on the Denver Nuggets’ bench alongside Green, undoubtedly providing their young core with valuable mentorship and guidance.

The amount of experience Smith has accrued throughout the years is impressive, and there are few players who know the ins and outs of the NBA more than he does.

By the time next season begins, Smith will be 35 years old and entering his 14th year in the NBA. Unless he decides to hang it up after this season or the Nuggets fight to bring him back, he could be looking for a new team.

The Mavericks have had a plethora of veterans over the years, but adding Smith to the mix to get into Doncic’s ear and help guide him would be a great pick-up for Dallas.

Plus, Smith plays the same position as Doncic, so this truly could be the perfect match.

1. George Hill

At 37 years old, George Hill will be heading into his 16th NBA season next year, should he get picked up by a team. The Dallas Mavericks should be the team to bring him on board.

Hill spent this past season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, the latter of which he spent most of his career with. He’s best known for being the starting point guard on the Paul George-led Pacers squad who went to battle with the LeBron James-led Miami Heat.

At this point, the days of Hill playing 20-plus minutes seem to be over, but he still played 18 minutes per game last year. He refound his three-point shot in 11 games with the Pacers, too.

Obviously, the main reason Dallas would be bringing Hill on board isn’t for his play, but it would still be useful to have a somewhat playable guy as the go-to veteran.

Hill has been a part of playoff appearances with six different franchises, including some deep runs with the Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Having someone with that experience on the roster would be useful for the Mavericks.

With the amount of time Hill has spent in the league across eight different organizations, he’s bound to have plenty of wisdom to pass down to Luka Doncic.