The Dallas Mavericks have been making waves this offseason, showing that they are taking a proactive approach to building their roster for the upcoming season. Unlike last year, the Mavericks are not relying solely on young players to bolster their team. Instead, they made a move in the 2024 NBA Draft, acquiring French prospect Melvin Ajinça in a trade for Ariel Hukporti.
Ajinça, a cousin of former NBA center Alexis Ajinça, is a 20-year-old offensive-minded small forward with a sharpshooting ability, having made 35.7 percent of his 3-point attempts with Saint-Quentin Basketball last season. With his outstanding build and shooting skills, Ajinça could make a smooth transition to the NBA and contribute to the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.
Looking to further strengthen their backcourt, the Mavericks have set their eyes on three free agent targets: Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Smith Jr., and Malachi Flynn. Dinwiddie, who has experience playing as Kyrie Irving’s backup, could potentially form a strong partnership with the star point guard. With Irving and Luka Doncic leading the backcourt, the Mavericks might explore the option of playing three-guard lineups to maximize their offensive potential.
On the other hand, Smith’s defensive prowess could offer a different dynamic to the Mavericks’ roster. While the team is not lacking in scoring power, they struggled defensively in crucial moments, as seen in their matchup against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals. Improving their defense, particularly in the backcourt, is essential for the Mavericks to contend for a championship.
The Mavericks’ main challenge lies in finding a balance between offense and defense, especially considering that their best offensive players are also their weakest links on defense. Adding players like Smith to the roster could give Dallas the flexibility to improve their defense without sacrificing scoring output. As the Mavericks gear up for the 2024-25 season, their focus on fortifying the backcourt reflects their commitment to building a well-rounded and competitive team.
