Dallas Mavericks Building On a Finals Team.

Dallas Mavericks Building on a Finals Team.

The Dallas Mavericks were incredible last postseason. They beat their long-time rival, the LA Clippers, and then the young Oklahoma City Thunder. They had a great Western Conference final where they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the Celtics were too good for the Mavs, which led to a 5-game loss. Luka Doncic looked like the best player in the world. Beating superstars like Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Edwards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving proved to be the best duo in the league. The way Luka was able to carry the offense. Make his own shots on top of the key, and create shots off the post. Luka is a talented scorer. Along with creating shots off the post. One of the best aspects of Doncic's game is the ability to create shots for other players. Due to the gravity he demands, it helps Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Dereck Lively II get their shots. Kyrie Irving is one of the best second options in the league.

The league wrote Kyrie Irving off before he reached Dallas. Due to him forcing his way out of Boston and Brooklyn. But this was a fresh start. With now playing next to an MVP contender who, in some way, is like LeBron James. It was a perfect fit for the former champion. A player who can create his own shot and is a good passer, along with being one of the best finishers in the league. A talented off-ball shooter with one of the best handles in the league. Kyrie was impressive in the post-season. Though he did not shine in the finals. Dallas showed Luka that they were serious. By pairing their young superstar with one of the best second options in league history. And they have continued to show how serious they are by adding some key players.

One of the best trades last season was Dallas trading for Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington. PJ is a solid shooter and a good ballhandler for Luka. He can cut to the basket with ease and be a solid defender. Also, add Daniel Gafford. He is a veteran center. He can help develop Dereck Lively III. A good rim protector who was great against the Mavs and Timberwolves. The Mavs showed their commitment by signing players like Spencer Dinwiddie. He was good in his last stint in Dallas. And signing Naji Marshall, who is entering his prime and has the chance to play well for a better team. Along with trading a bad contract in Tim Hardaway Jr. for Quintin Grimes. Who has a chance to play for a championship team? Not waste away in Detroit. Where he played badly. But the biggest move they made was bringing on a former champion.

One of the biggest signings this off-season. One we never expected to happen. Klay Thompson, a lifelong warrior and 4-time NBA champion, is one of the best 3&D players in the league. He has now signed with the Dallas Mavericks. It was a shocker for everyone. Nobody expected the five-time All-Star to leave the Golden State Warriors. Frustrations were heavy on the mind of Klay. He did not get the extension that he wanted, and he did not live up to his play. It was clear that Thompson was nowhere near his peak. He scored 0 points against the Kings, going 0-10. It was a sad tale of a declining player, and it was clear that Klay and the Warriors were to part ways. But it could be the best decision the veteran ever made. 

Rumors were flying that Klay Thompson would play for his home team. Where his father, Mychal Thompson, played and won many championships. The Lakers needed a third option besides Anthony Davis and LeBron James. So, it made sense. But it did not work out. Instead, Klay decided that it was time to take his talent to Dallas. Where he could play next to one of the best duos in the league. Being one of the best off-ball players in the league. And a team that could go to the NBA Finals. After losing Derrick Jones Jr. to the Clippers, it was the best recovery that the Mavs could do. One of the best 3-point shooters who can open the floor for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Also, they have role players like PJ Washington and Dereck Lively III who will have more opportunities to shoot the ball. And if Klay returns to being a good wing defender, then he can be a huge help for Luka and Kyrie. This signing can help the Mavs win their second title. Nico Harrison has shown to be serious about getting the young MVP a title.

The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic have never secured a top-three seed. Last season they were a fifth seed. Or when they made the conference finals, where they were the fourth seed in 2022. Which has then led to Luka not winning the final MVP award. He averaged 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. That's almost a triple-double! Along with shooting 38 percent from three and 49 percent from the field goal. With their recent signings, the Mavs are better. It would be no surprise to see Luka finally win his long-deserved MVP award. One he has been dying for. Along with even winning a title. The Dallas Mavericks look like one of the most exciting teams in this upcoming season. True contenders who could beat the West. And with Jason Kidd getting his extension.

With Jason Kidd, I thought he was a terrible coach. He did not impress me in Brooklyn or Milwaukee during his tenure as a coach. But he was a good assistant coach for the Lakers, where they were able to win a title in 2020. But in his first season in Dallas, he was able to lead the team to the conference finals. Then, in 2023, he missed the playoffs, and it seemed like they were going to fire him. He recovered and led the Mavs to the championship series. Now, he got paid his money. Kyrie, a New Jersey native, respects him, and the superstar also respects him. He's done a good job building a culture. A good face for a team that has been in the same direction with Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle. The Mavs once they changed up their structure have been able to contend.

 Nicco Harrison has been incredible since taking over the Mavs. No longer do they move as a mom-and-pop franchise; instead, they are more ambitious. The Mavs have needed this since 2011. He traded a disgruntled star, Kristaps Porzingis, for solid role players. Along with making a trade for All-Star Kyrie Irving and now signing Klay Thompson to a deal. The Mavs are showing that their serious. That they want to win a title. This season could be big and finally get them over the hill. The Mavs have not only built a contender, but a team that can win the NBA Finals.

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