The current state of the Dallas Mavericks looks similar to the 2021-22 Boston Celtics roster.
Two years ago, Boston fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Similar to Dallas, that Boston team was built around two stars, who couldn't seem to get much assistance in some of the biggest games of their careers at the time.
Now that Boston stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy for the first time in their respective careers, the question for Dallas is what it will take for stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to share that same feeling in the near future.
Mavericks should match what Celtics did after 2022 season to win Finals
Concluding another disappointing ending in 2023 for Boston, that almost led to the first 0-3 comeback in NBA playoffs history, the Celtics made a bold move getting some of the hottest names in the offseason.
Jrue Holiday, an All-Star player, and a physical guard with a big body who has already proven to the missing piece of any championship contender.
Kristaps Porzingis, another All-Star player who just needed to find the right spot after not finding any winning culture with his former team, Washington.
Dallas can further elevate their chance at winning a title with these elements alike.
The Mavericks could be just one or two pieces away just like the Celtics were. With the Golden State Warriors dynasty in serious question, a player like Klay Thompson may just be the missing third option to a championship banner in Dallas.
While Thompson was benched for his poor shooting last season, playing with a team like Dallas may take some of the pressure of being a "splash brother." While not as physical as someone like Holiday, Thompson could be an excellent addition in Dallas if his game was just used for a 3-and-D guy.
In terms of using a big man as a perimeter threat like Porzingis, Dallas has plenty of big man depth already. Dereck Lively II has shown that he's been working on his outside shot. He knocked down his first career 3-pointer in the NBA Finals against Boston. That slow growth over time in addition to his defensive tenacity will be a valuable asset for the Mavs.
General Manager Nico Harrison might also be thinking of a pure defensive asset, like lockdown defender Matisse Thybulle from the Portland Trail Blazers. Reports say that Thybulle actually wanted to play in Dallas last year, but instead, Dallas ended up with Grant Williams for a short stint as their wing defender since the Trail Blazers matched Dallas' offer sheet for Thybulle.
Former Maverick Raymond Felton came up with a more radical idea of forming a deadly trio in Dallas with Paul George teaming up with Doncic and Irving. "If you can steal a guy like Paul George, go get him," Felton said.
All of these players above would be phenomenal additions, and the Mavs may want to take a page from Boston's book when how they reload this summer.
For more on the Dallas Mavericks and free agency, stay tuned.