Fansided

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

By Colton Lowe

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks to score a basket against the Utah Jazz during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks to score a basket against the Utah Jazz during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Sign a veteran forward

Dallas has Dirk starting at power forward, Barnes at small forward, Wesley Mathews at shooting guard and Noel, if they can retain him, at C. That’s a pretty solid starting group, but the depth behind them is much more thin. And with a 38-year old Dirk and Noel’s injury history, chances are, the Mavs are going to need someone in the frontcourt who can be more than just a role player off the bench.

Dwight Powell is serviceable and as previously mentioned, Dorian Finney-Smith has some good potential, but if Dallas can bring in a veteran forward, it could definitely assist in not relying on Dirk to be vintage Dirk night in, night out. It doesn’t have to be a home run sign, either. Though, with all the rumors swirling around about his future in Los Angeles, it would be interesting to see if there was anyway Dallas could snag Blake Griffin. But, that’s probably not realistic.

It would probably need to be more of a “second-tier” free agent. And there’s plenty of good players out there if they can make it work. At wing, you could go for a player like Tony Allen of Thabo Sefolosha. Michael Beasley is a free agent this summer and can score at will. He’s not a defensive answer, but he would bring some much needed fire power to Dallas.

At power forward, a veteran guy like Amir Johnson could be a good fit. Nikola Mirotic is a score-first, stretch the floor big that could open up things for Dallas. Veteran Taj Gibson would provide some defensive help down low, and is a great team guy.

Next: Every NBA team's greatest playoff moment

In the end, there’s not enough depth right now for Dallas in the frontcourt, and if something were to happen to Dirk, Dallas needs to have a capable player behind him that can help spell the aging star. Dallas has been focused on building a young roster, but if Dallas wants to compete next season, a veteran free agent should be at the top of their priorities.

Home/Dallas Mavericks