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Dallas Mavericks: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) celebrates with forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) after scoring during overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Mavericks won 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) celebrates with forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) after scoring during overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Mavericks won 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks regrouped from missed opportunities in free agency to fill out their roster, but how’d they do? Here are their complete 2016 offseason grades.

Dallas Mavericks
Dec 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) celebrates with forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) after scoring during overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Mavericks won 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

For years now, the Dallas Mavericks‘ biggest problem has been luring superstar free agents. Despite their renowned head coach Rick Carlisle and a likable, talented franchise star like Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavs have struck out on everyone from Deron Williams to Dwight Howard to DeAndre Jordan over the years.

With owner Mark Cuban insisting on putting a competitive team around Dirk in the waning years of his Hall of Fame career, Dallas has had to resort to quick fixes every time they strike out in free agency. That’s included squandering draft picks, ill-fated trades and adding role players without much of a long-term plan in mind.

The general formula of Carlisle + Dirk + role players has led to a playoff appearance in 15 of the last 16 seasons, not to mention a championship in 2011. But ever since that memorable Mavs team, Dallas hasn’t sniffed the second round of the playoffs, settling for an annual first round playoff exit and the hopes that this summer would be different.

With Nowitzki entering his age-38 season, the clock is running out and Mavericks fans are rightfully wondering what the post-Dirk future will look like. After the 2016 offseason, the picture is a little clearer, but is it a promising future for the short-term or the long-term? Here’s a look at the Dallas Mavericks’ complete 2016 offseason grades.

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