Dallas Mavericks: What does team need to be legitimate contenders?

The Dallas Mavericks took a significant step forward this season as they were in the postseason race, but what do they need to be legitimate contenders?

After having finished in the Western Conference’s 14-seed last season, the Dallas Mavericks progressed significantly this year. When the NBA suspended play in March, Dallas was comfortably situated in the 7-seed, having appeared ready for a playoff appearance for the first time since the 2016 season.

Luka Doncic‘s stunning sophomore season, along with Kristaps Porzingis‘ triumphant return to the court, played a considerable part in this, as Dallas looked to be at its best in recent memory. Still, had the Mavericks stayed in that 7-seed, they would have played the LA Clippers in the first round of the postseason, likely getting sent home packing afterward.

As impressive as their season was, Dallas still lacked the precise pieces to be considered a genuine threat in terms of title contention. What more could they need? Luka Doncic asserted himself as one of the top players in the league as an All-Star starter, Kristaps Porzingis proved he could still play at a high level after a devastating injury, and Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed immensely as a third option.

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While several pieces thrived this past season, the one area this team could have used an improvement at was the center position. Dallas had a variety of options at the spot this season but lacked a legitimate threat to put them over the top.

Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber played well this season as they saw primary minutes, while Willie Cauley-Stein and fan-favorite Boban Marjanovic saw occasional action. While that rotation worked out until Powell suffered a season-ending injury, the team could have used an upgrade regardless. The Dallas Mavericks finished 26th in the league in points scored in the paint this season, a rather lackluster number that held back their prolific offense.

Dallas also needed a defensive anchor all season long, and adding a big man would fill that enormous hole. The Mavericks ranked first in offensive rating this season, but 17th in defensive rating. Adding a defensive center would give Dallas that presence down low that they lacked all season, and potentially transform them into a top-tier contender.

Luckily for them, there could be a few interesting options on the free-agent market this offseason for them to target. With Dwight Powell slated to miss extended time due to his injury, targeting a big man would be the right idea regardless.

Several household names, such as Hassan Whiteside, Tristan Thompson, and Marc Gasol, will hit the market as unrestricted free agents, potentially searching for new homes. The biggest domino of them all could be Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, who will not become a free agent, but he could be a name to watch closely.

Gobert made headlines when he became the first reported player to test positive for the coronavirus, which ultimately led to the suspension of play. Although reports assured that friction between Gobert and the locker room dissolved quickly, the center could get put on the trading block if that is not the case.

Any trade for Gobert would be challenging to pull off if he were on the trade market, but it would be a significant addition. The Mavericks certified themselves as a postseason team this year, but if they wish to become a title contender, adding a notable big man would be a much-needed move.

If they cannot land a household name such as Gobert, Whiteside, Gasol, or others, targeting a low-cost option would not be as effective, but still a good option. Taking a flyer on players such as Aron Baynes or Dwight Howard would be a considerable idea to bolster this roster without breaking the bank.

The one prominent factor in this entire scenario is Hardaway’s upcoming player option. The 28-year-old could opt-into his deal for next season and make almost $19 million, which would put the Mavericks in a position awkward to sign anyone to a desirable deal. With little cap space, making a run at a big name player would be nearly impossible, unless the team could pull off a sign-and-trade of sorts.

Time might be the ultimate answer to what could make Dallas legitimate contenders because of Luka Doncic’s infinite ceiling, but an upgrade at the center position would help immediately. Any big man could thrive playing in this frontcourt with the vast amount of spacing created by Doncic and Porzingis, while simultaneously providing a much needed defensive presence.

The Dallas Mavericks already have one of the NBA’s best young duos in Doncic and Porzingis, along with an authentic third star in Hardaway. However, if they face the opportunity to land a household big man this offseason, they should make a deal with their star duo as the only untouchables.

Adding a notable big man could elevate the Dallas Mavericks into a Western Conference powerhouse and should be atop their to-do list this offseason.