4 roster holes the Dallas Mavericks face heading into training camp

2. Defensive-minded guards off the bench

As mentioned before, the Dallas Mavericks need a backup point guard. Along with needing that backup point guard who can lead the second unit, they also need some defensive stoppers off the bench.

As previously discussed, Dante Exum is a solid defender who can also play make some when needed, but he hasn't played in the NBA in two years and it's not guaranteed that he will come in and fit right in immediately.

Dallas' guard trio off the bench of Seth Curry, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jaden Hardy is a strong group of guys that can knock down shots and score in a variety of ways, but none of them are defensive stoppers.

This is one of Dallas' less talked about needs, but it could turn into a big need quickly. Dallas struggled tremendously on defense last year, and although they brought in some great defensive pieces this offseason, none of them play the one or two.

Derrick Jones Jr. typically plays on the wing, but his versatility as a defender could allow him to take the toughest guard assignment off the bench. They also drafted Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and his defense looks promising.

This need could blow over depending on how Exum, Jones Jr., and Prosper play, but Dallas may need to make a move for a guard defender at some point down the line.