Klay Thompson's time with the Dallas Mavericks ended prematurely this offseason, as the team decided to buy out the four-time NBA champion. Thompson signed with the Miami Heat upon being bought out, leaving a hole in Dallas that only a true sharpshooter could fill.
Thompson shot 7.7 threes per game as a Maverick, with nearly 70 percent of his shots coming from beyond the arc. He averaged 3.0 made 3-pointers per game during his time in Dallas, and they needed someone who lives and breathes shooting to replace his production. Klay has made the fourth-most threes in NBA history, and it's not going to be easy to replicate what he brought to the floor.
Tarik Biberovic can help fill Mavericks' Klay Thompson hole
The Mavericks were bottom five in the NBA in 3-point percentage, 3-pointers attempted per game, and 3-pointers made per game last season, even with Klay on the roster. They needed to address this issue this offseason, and they quietly brought in a player who can help them take a step in the right direction in the shooting department: Tarik Biberovic.
Dallas acquired Biberovic's draft rights in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies this summer and later signed him to a two-year deal. Most Mavs fans didn't know much about his game initially, but MFFLs and NBA fans alike had better learn his name before the regular season begins.
Biberovic shot 48.9 percent from three on a career-high 5.2 attempts per game for Fenerbahce in the BSL last season, and he is the definition of a volume shooter. His deep range, smooth release, and confidence make him a threat from anywhere beyond the arc, and the Mavericks got a taste of how dangerous he can be in each of their first two preseason games.
Biberovic finished with 17 points combined over these games, making five total threes. He's never afraid to let it fly and excels at hitting movement threes — two qualities Klay displayed for the Mavericks. His game is all about shooting, and teams can't afford to ever leave him open.
Dallas knew that they could bring in Thompson if they ever needed some threes or a spark off the bench, and Biberovic's experience as a shooter should help him fill this role. He wants to be more than a shooter, but his role in Dusty May's rotation could ultimately come down to whether he's making shots.
Biberovic's gravity can create more space for everyone else
One of the best parts about Thompson's game is his off-ball gravity, and as Biberovic becomes more respected, this could be something that follows him as well. This gravity will help create better looks for Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, allowing them to get to their spots easier without having to worry about Biberovic's defender lurking in a help position.
The Mavs needed someone the defense can never leave open and is a high-volume shooter with Thompson gone, and Biberovic looks like he will help them in both of these areas. Dallas took a major step in the right direction in their first preseason game when it comes to 3-point volume, shooting 51 threes, and the improved accuracy should come over time.
Biberovic enters his rookie year with the Mavericks after a great career in Europe playing for Fenerbahce, and fans are hoping that he can become the team's next great shooter. It's not going to be the same without Thompson playing in Dallas, but Biberovic can help fans forget about his departure by continuing the success he had in Europe in the NBA.
