One problem Mavericks must immediately sort out during training camp

The Dallas Mavericks had a breakout season by winning the Western Conference, but they are not satisfied. Kyrie Irving let the world know the franchise plans on returning to the NBA Finals and winning the championship. Luka Doncic is arguably the best player in the world right now, but reaching the mountaintop is never easy.

The Mavs face a bit of uncertainty heading into the 2024-25 season. They lost Derrick Jones Jr., Josh Green, and Tim Hardaway Jr., but Dallas pulled off a sign-and-trade for Klay Thompson to give them more floor spacing and offensive firepower. General manager Nico Harrison also added Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. Dallas is arguably deeper this season, but their roster has a massive question mark.

The Mavs' run to the NBA Finals was fueled by their defense. They had the fifth-best defensive rating in the playoffs and only Boston was better of the teams that advanced beyond the first round. Dallas did it with Jones Jr. guarding primarily on the ball, but who steps up to fill that role?

Who is the Mavericks' primary on-ball defender?

Fans will quickly point to Naji Marshall to fill this role, but can he? The 6’7 forward has never played more than 23.3 minutes per game in his NBA career. He showed flashes in New Orleans, but finding more run in Dallas will not be easy.

Luka, Kyrie, and P.J. Washington are locked into the Mavericks starting five. Klay Thompson figures to start with whoever wins the center battle between Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Who does Marshall bump from the closing group?

Klay is a future Hall of Famer but has lost a step defensively. Dallas cannot expect him to be their primary on-ball defender. He is best guarding threes and fours at this stage. Thompson will shoot over 40 percent from 3-point range, but is no longer a defensive stopper.

Doncic and Irving won’t be doing it, and the big man will be roaming the paint. P.J. Washington is in that role by default to begin the season. He was a plus defender last season, but fans saw him struggle to guard on the ball in the playoffs. Marshall may replace him at some point to get a wing defender capable of locking down the point of attack on the floor.

Does that alter their chemistry? Jason Kidd may have too many options to play, which is a positive problem for a team with championship aspirations. The Hall of Famer needs to find the right mix quickly in a loaded Western Conference. A handful of wins will separate the top four from the Play-In Tournament. Dallas cannot afford to let any on the table, while they sort out who is their primary on-ball defender.

The Dallas Mavericks are primed to contend for a championship. Credit Nico Harrison and the front office for building a winner around Luka Doncic. Can they bring home their second championship in franchise history? That is the goal, and the Mavs feel closer than ever.