Dallas Mavericks: 2016-17 Season Outlook
Three Key Storylines: 2. Defense And Versatility
Two recurring themes from the Mavericks on Media Day were defense and positional versatility.
After adding guys like Barnes, Bogut and Acy, plus retaining Dwight Powell and another year of internal growth for him, Salah Mejri and Justin Anderson, this team is trying to put the “D” back in Dallas.
Though Pachulia was an underrated positional defender, the Mavs found a bonafide rim protector in Andrew Bogut, who should set a great example as a mentor for another emerging shot-blocker like Mejri. Throw in rookie A.J. Hammons and Dallas has trio of seven-footers who will be patrolling the paint for the upcoming season and beyond.
Working on defense was the priority for the #Mavs in their 1st practice this morning. They'll work out again this afternoon.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) September 27, 2016
The interior is not the only place Dallas improved defensively, however, since adding Barnes and Acy to the wing represents an upgrade from the departing Parsons.
Barnes can play the 4 in some situations, and with Wesley Matthews and Justin Anderson occupying the wings, that’s a terrifying mix of length and three-point shooting in a potential small-ball unit.
Harrison Barnes says he expects the @dallasmavs to be a really good defense team, naming Wesley Matthews, Andrew Bogut and Justin Anderson.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) September 26, 2016
Aging players like Dirk and Deron Williams will still be liabilities on the defensive end, but the Mavericks are as well positioned to compensate for them as ever thanks to that trio of wing defenders who can play multiple positions.
Defense will be a point of emphasis for the Mavericks in 2016-17, and if they can manage to elevate last year’s play on that end to something resembling a top-10 unit, they’ll be much more dangerous than most people think.
Next: Storyline 3: Does Dirk Rick Role Players Still = Playoffs?