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

By Colton Lowe | Apr 30, 2017

Mar 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with guard Yogi Ferrell (11) and guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts after scoring a basket in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Mavericks won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Develop young talent

After swinging for the fences the last five years in free agency, Dallas has finally accepted that it was time to turn to a younger cast of players, instead of trying to bring in a big time veteran free agent to play along side Dirk. Not that they couldn’t try it again this summer (Melo, anyone?) but the plan seems to be set now that Dallas is building for the future.

It’s not a total tank job either. Dallas was very competitive for a good part of this past season, behind their veteran leader Nowtizki, Dallas has finally put together a solid young core. They got a great steal last offseason when they signed Seth Curry. He had a break out season this past year, and if he can get to full strength, he could be even better next year.

Yogi Ferrell isn’t the answer at point guard, but he can definitely become a serviceable reserve player. He stepped up for the Mavs many times this year, and hopefully he can continue to develop into a nice hidden gem for Dallas.

Dorian Finney-Smith was another great find this year. The undrafted free agent was a pleasant surprise for the Mavs and brings a defensive tenacity that fits well under Rick Carlisle. He’s not an offensive threat, but if he can develop into a premier, lock-down defender, he could be just what Dallas needs.

Harrison Barnes was Dallas’ big signing last season. He’s only 24-years old but he’s already shown that he can step up and be a leader for this team. At Golden State, he was a role player. In Dallas, he is becoming the main scoring option. Nerlens Noel is the young center Dallas has been waiting for. Staying healthy is key, and if he can do that, he has a high ceiling.

Dallas already has a solid, young foundation in place. Barnes is 24, Noel, Finney-Smith and Ferrell are all 23, and Curry is 26. Rick Carlisle is a top-five coach in this league, and if he can develop this young core to their full potential, and along side some veteran leadership, Dallas could be a playoff team next year.

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