Top 7 point guards the Dallas Mavericks should sign in free agency

The Dallas Mavericks had an outstanding 2023 NBA Draft night as they added a rim-protecting big and a defensive-minded wing, but the job is far from finished for building this team.

They still have to fill out their roster with more wings that can defend, maybe one more center, and obviously a backup point guard. Having a leader off the bench is important, and they need someone that can defend, pass, and score some when needed.

It's no secret that the Mavericks want to re-sign Kyrie Irving to be Luka Doncic's co-star, but they still need another point guard to lead the charge when both Irving and Doncic are on the bench.

The Mavs still have Jaden Hardy, but he is more of a shooting guard than a point guard. He is growing as a passer, but Dallas would benefit from grabbing a true point guard.

Last summer, they made the mistake of not signing a replacement for Jalen Brunson, and that ended up with them leaning too much on Frank Ntilikina this past season. He isn't a true second-string point guard, and they can't make the same mistake again this summer. Dallas even signed Kemba Walker to be a backup point guard last year, but that didn't work out either.

The Mavs also gave decent minutes to McKinley Wright IV. He had some good games and showed flashes that he can hold his own in the NBA, but he isn't good enough to be the second-string point guard on a Finals contender.

Here we list seven point guards that the Mavericks should sign in free agency this summer. We will go through some of their strengths and how they'd fit on the team.

7. Gabe Vincent

Gabe Vincent was one of Miami's main pieces during their NBA Finals run and should be a player that the Mavericks look to sign in free agency.

Vincent is an unrestricted free agent, and the Mavericks could look to bring him in to be their backup point guard. He started 22 games for the Heat in the playoffs last season and averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 37.8 percent from downtown on 6.1 attempts per game.

For the Mavericks, he'd be a spark plug off the bench that provides defense, shooting, and facilitating. He'd be able to do whatever the Mavericks ask and has experience being the starting point guard on the biggest stage.

He brings high energy, has a high motor, and has good instincts on defense. Vincent is also active in the passing lanes and isn't afraid to step in and draw a charge. He'd be the perfect fit in Dallas, as they need more defense.

Offensively, he has a nice handle and a good pull-up game. He is a great scorer, and a backcourt of Jaden Hardy and Vincent off the bench would be great.

Vincent is a fearless guard that would fit great into Dallas' culture.

6. Patrick Beverley

Another point guard that is a free agent this summer is Patrick Beverley.

Beverley averaged 6.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.9 steals per game last season. He is the type of point guard that isn't worried about touches and knows how to play with superstars. Beverley has played with LeBron James and James Harden, two of the most ball-dominant players in the league, and playing with Luka Doncic wouldn't be a hard transition for Beverley.

Beverley is most known for and would be brought to Dallas because of his defense. He has been on an All-Defense team three times during his career, and having a lockdown defender as their backup point guard would be huge. He picks up opposing point guards right when they receive the inbounds pass and plays with high energy.

One knock on Beverley for the later part of his career though, has been the way he takes his energy too far. He picks up technical fouls often through arguing with officials and stirring the pot with opposing players.

This benefits some teams while hurting others. The Mavericks need someone that isn't afraid to stand up for his teammates, but they don't need someone that would take it too far like Beverley is prone to do.

Beverley would also be a veteran that the younger players could look up to and plays with unparalleled intensity.

5. Jevon Carter

Jevon Carter is another defensive-minded point guard that the Mavericks could consider bringing in to run their second unit.

Carter averaged eight points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game as the backup point guard for a solid Bucks team last season. He also shot an excellent 42.1 percent from three. Carter can come in and play hard-nosed defense or score in bunches. He's an underrated guard, and Dallas could likely sign him for a discounted deal.

Carter had 36 points and 12 assists in a game this year against the Thunder and put on a show. He was hitting threes off the catch, firing accurate passes to his teammates all over the court, getting to the paint, finishing with layups through contact, and making floaters.

His offensive game is more complete than people give him credit for, and he'd be a suitable option for the Mavericks' second unit. Carter even can start, as he started in 39 games for the Bucks last season.

Carter has a player option this summer, and if he declines it, the Mavericks should pursue him. His ability to score effectively while being a great on-ball defender isn't easily found in a point guard. It's usually one or the other, and he can do both.

4. Dennis Smith Jr.

Mavericks fans have been wanting this reunion for awhile now, and this summer Dallas can finally make it happen.

Dennis Smith Jr. was traded from the Mavericks in his second season with the team, and fans never got to see if he and Luka Doncic could ever truly mesh. This offseason, the Mavs could reunite the two friends, but Smith Jr. wouldn't have the same role as before.

Smith Jr. has turned into one of the best point guard defenders in the NBA and would fit great on the Mavericks. They are obviously focussing on defense this summer as they drafted two defensive specialists in Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and adding Smith Jr. to the mix would bolster their defense even more.

Smith Jr. still has the insane jumping and dunking ability he showcased in Dallas, and now he has an even more improved handle that he uses to shake defenders and get downhill. He would hit great with Jaden Hardy off the bench in Dallas, as both players love to push the pace. Smith Jr. would also thrive in an offense where he is surrounded by shooters, as he shot just 21.6 percent from three.

His slashing ability would free up shooters in Dallas, and his defense would help limit runs when Doncic is on the bench.

3. Dennis Schroder

Another underrated journeyman that the Mavericks should consider bringing in is Dennis Schroder.

Schroder played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and averaged 12.6 points, 4.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He also started 50 games last season, proving he can step up and play with the first unit when Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving needs a rest.

Schroder was crucial for the Lakers last season as he made big plays when it mattered most and carried a big offensive load, even in his 10th season. He excels at blowing by the defense and getting all the way to the bucket. Schroder finishes strong at the rim and can knock down threes when he needs to.

On defense, Schroder is scrappy and plays hard. He isn't afraid of guarding the other team's best guard and locks in on defense in the fourth quarter. Schroder is a smart defender and can be trusted when the game matters most.

Schroder likely won't command too much money in free agency and could be a target for the Mavericks with the bi-annual exception. His ability to defend, score, and facilitate would work perfectly in the Mavs' second unit, and he'd also provide veteran leadership.

2. Ayo Dosunmu

Ayo Dosunmu is a young point guard that would add more youth to the Mavericks' core and bring exactly what they need.

Dosunmu averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.8 steals per game in his second year for the Bulls last season. He is just 23 years old and has shown that he has a promising NBA career ahead of him.

His game is balanced, and his two-way ability will excite teams in free agency. On offense, he can knock down shots off the catch from three or off the dribble from mid-range. He is also an underrated passer. Dosunmu always has his head up and throws great lobs, and is a good decision-maker in transition.

Defensively, Dosunmu is active in passing lanes and has active hands. He also hustles when getting back in transition and gets an occasional chase-down block. Dosunmu is always moving and deflects passes often.

Although he is a restricted free agent this summer, and it looks like Chicago is going to bring him back, Dallas should think about signing him. His defense, hustle, and passing are things that the Mavericks would love off the bench, and he'd be a good fit.

1. Kyrie Irving

This one is the most obvious of the bunch, but is definitely the most important.

The Mavericks have to re-sign Kyrie Irving this summer, and he is the No. 1 player they need to be worrying about this summer. Dallas traded for Irving in February, and they have to keep him, considering what they gave up for him.

Irving averaged 27 points, five rebounds, six assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the 20 games that he played for Dallas. He is the best player that Luka Doncic has ever played with in the NBA, and now the Mavs have to make sure that they keep this duo together.

Irving can close games in the fourth quarter and is one of the most clutch players in the NBA. He led the league in fourth-quarter points per game (9.5) and hit several clutch shots during his short time in Dallas. Irving can take the load off Doncic's shoulders when they need him to and seems to love playing in Dallas.

It looks like Irving is going to re-sign with the Mavericks, but Dallas can't afford to assume. They have to treat his free agency like they still have to win him over, and can't afford to lose him for nothing.

Stay tuned for all the free agency buzz surrounding the Mavericks. We'll have you covered with all the rumors and news.