Championship Blueprint: How the Dallas Mavs Can Fix the Roster

Luka's Next Step

Luka Doncic's worst problems were displayed in the Mavericks Game 3 loss to the Celtics. Doncic's poor defensive effort and constant complaining to officials got the better of him as he fouled out and missed the chance to help the Mavericks win a critical game in the series. Luka has to get better at controlling his emotions and not giving up easy buckets to opponents while arguing with the refs about a call he thinks he should have gotten. Defensively, Luka has been a sieve for most of this series. The Celtics are targeting him, which diminishes his brilliance on the offensive end when he gives points back to the other team. This offseason will be crucial for Luka, and defensive improvement could bring that first MVP and championship for the Mavs superstar. 

The Improvement of Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II was one of this year's breakout rookies and only projects to improve as he grows in the NBA. Lively averaged almost nine points and eight rebounds this season and showcased his ability to block shots, soar to the rim for a bucket, and play make out of the roll. In his sophomore season, Lively will need to improve his discipline on the defensive side of the ball so as not to pick up cheap fouls, something he was prone to this year. Working with former Mavericks DPOY Tyson Chandler this offseason should continue to help Dereck progress his game, especially defensively. In his pre-draft workouts, Lively showcased the ability to shoot the ball, and if he can expand his shot profile out of the paint, then Dallas becomes a more complex team to guard. The rookie split minutes with Daniel Gafford, and the Mavs should hope that by the time the 2025 season rolls around, Lively has improved well enough to cement himself as the franchise's starting big man.

Upgrade the Forward Position

The Mavericks improved their wing position at the deadline, acquiring P.J. Washington from the Hornets. However, they need to go out and get another big wing that can play power forward alongside Dereck Lively II and Washington. Derrick Jones Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent and could command a more significant contract after his improved play in the postseason. However, his skill set is almost redundant, as is Washington's. The Mavs need a player who can guard threes and fours while providing rebounding and paint defense in tandem with Lively to help clean up the lack of defensive prowess from Luka Doncic.

Tertiary Shot-Creator

The Mavericks offense relies heavily on Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic to create shots for themselves, each other, and the rest of the team. While Dallas has talented shooters in Maxi Kleber, P.J. Washington, and Tim Hardaway Jr., they need a third player who can come in and take the pressure of shot-creating off of Doncic and Irving. Luka would have to adjust his play style slightly and get off the ball a bit more, but it could add more wrinkles into the Mavs offense, which can sometimes get predictable. This player wouldn't need to be a star but someone with a skill set similar to Malik Monk to come off the bench or, even better, a more prominent scorer who could play alongside the dynamic Dallas duo in small-ball lineups.

Luka's Next Step

Luka Doncic's worst problems were displayed in the Mavericks Game 3 loss to the Celtics. Doncic's poor defensive effort and constant complaining to officials got the better of him as he fouled out and missed the chance to help the Mavericks win a critical game in the series. Luka has to get better at controlling his emotions and not giving up easy buckets to opponents while arguing with the refs about a call he thinks he should have gotten. Defensively, Luka has been a sieve for most of this series. The Celtics are targeting him, which diminishes his brilliance on the offensive end when he gives points back to the other team. This offseason will be crucial for Luka, and defensive improvement could bring that first MVP and championship for the Mavs superstar.