Dallas Mavericks' plan for final open roster spot could backfire quickly

The Dallas Mavericks have built a powerhouse this summer as they have signed Klay Thompson, traded for Quentin Grimes, and signed Naji Marshall to a three-year deal.

The Mavs' focus on getting younger while also building to win a championship right now has worked wonders for the team, and they will likely be among the best teams in the Western Conference heading into next season.

Dallas still has one more open roster spot, and there are a couple of names that Dallas seems to have their eyes locked on.

Mavericks waiting too long to use final roster spot could backfire

While the frontrunner for this final roster spot is Spencer Dinwiddie, the way that the Mavs plan to go about using this roster spot could backfire on them quickly.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, (subscription required) "the Mavericks have chosen to move deliberately in filling their final current roster opening ... not unlike last summer when they held off on signing Derrick Jones Jr. until mid-August."

While this plan worked out great for the Mavs last summer as they waited until late into free agency to sign Derrick Jones Jr., there is definitely some risk associated with waiting so long. One of the Mavs' top choices could sign elsewhere, and they could miss out on the player that they want to sign the most.

All of free agency has slowed down over the last couple of weeks, so the risk isn't huge, but it's definitely still there. Dallas is searching for backcourt depth on the free agent market and they have been linked to Dennis Smith Jr., Dinwiddie, and Talen Horton-Tucker.

All three players would be solid pickups for the Mavs off the bench, and this decision is going to be more pivotal than anyone realizes. Dallas clearly needs another creator, and whoever is signed with this final roster spot could have a bigger role than expected.

While being "deliberate" with who they sign is definitely a wise move by the Mavericks as it gives them the opportunity to weigh all their options, it is a risky play that could backfire if they wait too long. There should be no fear from fans when it comes to Nico Harrison's decision with this final roster spot considering his history in gauging talent over the years, and whoever they choose to sign will likely have a role on this team next season.

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