Throughout NBA history, we’ve seen tremendous teams built around a star duo. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. When you’ve got two star-caliber players on your roster, you’ve got a chance to win an NBA title.
The Dallas Mavericks have a star duo. Few teams can boast a pair as talented as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With that said, it doesn’t feel like the Mavericks have great odds of winning an NBA title. Why is that?
The Mavericks are lacking depth. Specifically, they could stand to add a quality forward to their rotation. Here are three forwards we think they ought to take a look at.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Why not? Sure, the Mavericks just moved Finney-Smith. That was because he was part of the Irving deal. The Mavericks had to choose an offensive star over a 3-and-D wing. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t use Finney-Smith now.
He could be a perfect addition to this roster. The Mavericks need a large wing who can space the floor and defend. Finney-Smith counts. The fact that he’s already familiar with their system and organization is a bonus.
Is he available? That’s a different question. The Nets are among the hardest teams in the NBA to read. If they’re sellers at the deadline, Finney-Smith. Otherwise, the Mavericks may need to look elsewhere.
P.J. Washington
The Nets could be on the fence about selling. By contrast, the Hornets should be happy to make some moves. They’re among the worst teams in the NBA. Moving Washington for some assets would be a sensible decision.
Still, it takes two to tango. In theory, Washington is exactly what Dallas needs. His ability to man the 5 in small-ball lineups is a bonus. In practice, Washington is having a down year in terms of three-point shooting.
The Mavericks could gamble on him regressing to the mean. Alongside Doncic and Irving, Washington should have more space. With that said, if Dallas is concerned about his shooting, could the Hornets have another forward they might be interested in?
Gordon Hayward
This would be a different acquisition for the Mavericks. Finney-Smith and Washington are both low-usage 3-and-D wings. Hayward offers a little more.
The Mavericks may like that about Hayward. Sure, this team could use a 3-and-D wing. They could also use some secondary playmaking. That’s something that Hayward can provide. Meanwhile, he’s a capable floor spacer in his own right and a roughly average defender.
The contracts could get complicated. Hayward is on a large expiring deal. The Mavericks would be happy to include Richaun Holmes, but they may have to add Maxi Kleber and even Josh Green to make the deal work. That’s a price they may not hesitate to pay. After all, the Mavericks already have their star duo.
