2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 teams that should target Derrick Rose
By Dalton Sell
The Dallas Mavericks should pursue Derrick Rose in 2021 NBA free agency
Another playoff team that is trying to break through into the ranks of genuine contending status is the Dallas Mavericks. While Rose’s presence does not solely elevate them to the forefront of title contention, he could undoubtedly help them improve this offseason.
It was evident that the Mavericks needed another ball-handler aside from Luka Doncic in their first-round series against the LA Clippers this past season. According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, the Mavericks made 274 field goals in their seven games against the Clippers. Doncic alone scored or assisted on 161 of them, translating to an astounding 58.6 percent of their shots. Witnessing the 22-year-old phenom put this team on his shoulders for seven games despite battling through a neck injury was something to behold, but he unquestionably needs some support to alleviate pressure off him when he needs a breather moving forward.
Rose could hypothetically be the team’s sixth man, giving them a reliable floor general to generate offense in the second unit when Doncic is off the floor. The 32-year-old guard has entirely embraced the role of being the first man off the bench and providing a scoring presence in addition to creating open looks for his teammates. While the Mavericks had third-year guard Jalen Brunson take a leap in that role during the regular season, his play in the playoffs was less than captivating.
This Dallas team is just a few pieces away from transforming into a legitimate title threat. While adding Rose would not eliminate the Kristaps Porzingis dilemma following his abysmal showing in the postseason, he would be a solid addition to bring into the fold.