Are the Dallas Mavericks one player away from NBA Finals?

The Dallas Mavericks have a towering duo of Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis, who need another contributor to enhance their NBA Finals contention. Last season in the NBA bubble they showed just how dominant they could be. Though they fell to the LA Clippers and have had a tough start to this season, we can be assured that they are a team to reach the postseason and potentially make noise.

That said, in today’s game, as evidenced by the Los Angeles Lakers and now the Brooklyn Nets, it takes two to three stars to reach contender status. The Mavericks currently have two on their roster. However, it would be best if they had a third option. Whether that be someone on their team stepping up or maybe an outsider being brought in is based on the views of owner Mark Cuban. But why must the Mavericks have a third star, if at all?

The Dallas Mavericks need one more player to be a top contender for the NBA Finals

There are several reasons. One is that a third player would act as a compliment. Keep in mind that Donic is averaging 27.2 points per game. Porzingis has not been in the lineup consistently and currently averages 18.5. The third-leading scorer is Tim Hardaway Jr., at 17.2 points. So why the 6-7 start if they have three guys already?

The answer? Consistent overdependence on Doncic.

Sure the Mavericks have a team of players who fit well together, but it takes star power to become the best in today’s league. Outside of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty and the stunning Detroit Pistons run in 2004, the league has been defined by the stars running the show. The Mavericks have two guys capable of doing so but need a third star to cement themselves.

It’s not as easy as it seems, and frankly, how can it be easy? For all the great people who occupy the city, Dallas is not a big name in the NBA Market. This despite at one point having the great Dirk Nowitzki as the city’s star. Even during the city’s run to the 2011 NBA Finals, they were a clear underdog to the Miami Heat despite having the star power.

The same has not changed in 2021. They are likely to be underdogs in any match they face against teams such as the Lakers, Clippers, and even the Trail Blazers, for the matter. In other words, this team needs a third option behind Doncic and Porzingis. How can they find that option? They could technically trade for a player but at the cost of potentially disrupting the bench and their rotation. Or they can sign a player, but what notable name is out there worth investing a contract in?.

At this rate, it’s best to develop a player such as Hardaway or Josh Richardson, or a Trey Burke, for that matter. Sometimes, what you have is good enough. One thing does remain certain. While Dallas is a strong team and will be a likely playoff team, a third option will undoubtedly put them in a position to legitimately challenge the top teams in the West for a championship. They did it before and have good reason to do it again, hoping for the same results.