The Dallas Mavericks are coming off one of their most successful seasons in franchise history. The team advanced to the NBA Finals for the third time in franchise history and saw the progression of All-Star Luka Doncic.
One reason Dallas did well was because of their improvement on interior defense. The Mavs added size in Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington to help contest shots inside the paint. NBA.com ranked Dallas fifth in opponents' points in the paint after the All-Star break. The acquisitions of Gafford and Washington played a key role in helping the Mavs make a deep playoff run.
However, the Mavs' improved defense took a hit in the finals when Dallas fell in five games to the Boston Celtics. The team's defense struggled to contain the Celtics' offense, as Boston beat the Mavs in various ways. The offense though, failed to match the Celtics' points per game. Dallas could not find a third scoring option to help Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Tim Hardaway Jr. struggled to become a reliable option, as his numbers took a hit in the playoffs.
Klay Thompson and the Mavericks were a match made in heaven
Klay Thompson is one player who could help the team overcome their Finals woes and lack of scoring. The newest Mav has all the intangibles to help elevate the team's offense. He is a four-time NBA Champion and five-time NBA All-Star with plenty of experience. His "championship pedigree" stands out compared to other offseason acquisitions.
NBA insider Shams Charania joined The OGs Show with hosts Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem to discuss the 2024 offseason. He listed teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs as big winners. Charania also listed the Mavs as having a successful offseason due in part to the sign-and-trade of Klay Thompson.
"When you think about that position Klay Thompson is going to play, I mean he's just really just filling Tim Hardaway's role," Charania said.
Last season, Hardaway Jr. was the team's third-leading scorer, as he averaged 14.4 points per game while shooting 40.2 percent. The issue though was his playoff slump. He averaged 4.4 points per game, shooting 37.9 percent from the field. His struggles became more noticeable in the Finals when he had three games of zero points.
Thompson will have no problem filling his shoes. Last year, he averaged 17.9 points per game, converting 38.7 percent of his attempted 3-pointers. This adjustment should be a smooth transition, as Thompson will go from being the number two option in Golden State to the number three option in Dallas.
"I think Klay is going to fit perfectly there as the three-man and someone that they're going to rely on," Charania said. "Championship pedigree. So I think they had a big offseason."
The newest Mav will play a big role in helping alleviate the pressure off Doncic and Irving. His shooting numbers should skyrocket with an increased number of opportunities. Thompson will become an elite weapon for the Mavs' offense. His off-the-ball game will play wonders for a team desperate for a third scoring option.
Thompson's shooting and experience will bring that championship aura to Dallas. Mavs fans will be in for a treat this season.
