The Dallas Mavericks could be in the market to make some upgrades to help them achieve their goal of getting back to the NBA Finals.
FanSided recently suggested that trading away one of Luka Doncic’s primary lob threats would be a knee-jerk reaction. The article cited the narrative of the Mavs wanting to remove the training wheels off Dereck Lively II. However, the 20-year-old has yet to prove that he can handle a bigger workload, as he’s providing similar production this season than last.
That’s why it might make more sense for the Mavs to hold onto Daniel Gafford, who thrived in a platoon role with the Duke product.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd thinks highly of the big-man duo, sharing he would play them both together if it wasn’t the small ball era.
“They both have sacrificed, they both have started,” Kidd said. “If it was the 80’s we would play them both at the same time. But unfortunately, it’s not the 80’s, so only one can play and right now D-Live is the starter.”
Having Gafford and Lively both in the mix has helped Dallas win in unique ways.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the Mavs threw down 13 dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs. That was the second most in a playoff game in the past 25 years.
For now, the Mavs can only focus on the roster they have at this moment.
Their roster as currently constructed is good enough to win a championship, but there’s always a threat of another championship-contending team making a move(s) at the trade deadline.
Kidd expressed a desire to see P.J. Washington step up even when Doncic and Kyrie Irving are in the lineup, which will go a long way in helping the Mavs get it done in June.
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