NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Dallas Mavericks

After a disappointing and injury filled 2016-17 campaign, let’s take a closer look at the biggest needs for the Dallas Mavericks heading into the offseason.

The 2016-17 season didn’t go quite as planned for the Dallas Mavericks. Heading into last summer, there was debate that Dallas should blow it all up and tank for a top draft pick after a first round loss to Oklahoma City in the 2016 Western Conference playoffs. With an aging superstar, Dirk Nowitzki,  and a slim roster, it wouldn’t have been the worst idea for Mark Cuban to hit the reset button.

Instead, the Mavs added Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut from Golden State. Pair those two with Dirk, Wesley Mathews and Deron Williams, and there was hope that they would have a solid starting five that would be competitive and at least contend for a playoff spot. Many thought the new additions, including Seth Curry, actually made for a stronger roster than in year’s past. But, injuries to start to the season derailed the majority of those aspirations.

Nowitzki and Bogut missed a good portion of the first two months, and Dallas started the season 2-13. It was a hole that was ultimately too deep to climb out of, but that didn’t stop Dallas from still competing. Dirk finally got healthy and returned to his old form, and the Mavericks were able to make a decent push for the final playoff spot by the end of the season.

The addition of undrafted free agent Yogi Ferrell acted as a spark plug for a season that seemed lost. Ferrell, originally signed to a 10 day contract, played his way to a two year deal. Towards the end of the season, the Mavs made another splash by trading Justin Anderson and Andrew Bogut for young center Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Mavericks ended the season 33-49 and 11th in the Western Conference. In fact, it was the first time since 1999 that Dallas didn’t finish above .500. But, there is optimism heading into next season. Let’s take a look at the five biggest needs for the Mavericks heading into the off-season.

5. Get healthy

As previously mentioned, much of Dallas’ woes were created by an injury-riddled season. Dirk Nowitzki missed 28 games and wasn’t able to get back into his normal form until months into the season. The Mavericks had hoped that they found their rim protector when they signed Andrew Bogut last summer, but he too wasn’t able to stay healthy enough to be the contributor that they needed, ultimately ending in him being shipped to the 76ers for Noel.

Dallas’ backcourt also faced multiple injuries throughout the year. Former All-Star Deron Williams, was hampered with minor issues. Williams had actually been putting together a solid season when he was able to suit up, but he was eventually waived as Dallas began to make way for the future. J.J. Barea missed several weeks due to a calf injury. Seth Curry finished the year with a nagging shoulder injury, too.

All of this contributed to Dallas having to rely on an undrafted free agent in Yogi Ferrell to take the reins for a good portion of the season. While Ferrell surprised many with his play, this obviously wasn’t plan A, or even plan B for the Mavericks heading into last season and isn’t ideally where they hope to be next year.

It’s imperative for Dallas to get healthy this off-season. The Mavericks can’t have a start to a season like they did this year. Dirk has already confirmed he will be back, and his health is key to how effective he can be. Unless something happens over the summer, all signs point to a healthy, albeit, ‘elderly’ Dirk being ready to roll come next season. Seth Curry could need surgery on his shoulder this summer, and if so, Dallas hopes he’ll be ready to go by October.

If Dallas can keep the injury bug from visiting next season and stay healthy this summer, it should be a much smoother ride in 2017-18.