The Dallas Mavericks improved this offseason, even though it's only a little bit.
Mark Cuban and Co. tried to go for the big fish in free agency once again, chasing veteran point guard Kyle Lowry to get another ball-handler that can ease the burden on superstar Luka Doncic. Like in the years past, however, the team whiffed and ended up empty-handed.
Dallas was able to keep Tim Hardaway Jr., which was one of their priorities in the offseason. In a move that will also make Luka happy, the team re-signed his BFF Boban Marjanovic in a friendly deal.
In terms of free agency signings, the Mavericks got Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown to add depth to their wings. The moves are low-key solid for Dallas, giving a bit of a boost in both their 3-point shooting and defense. However, it remains to be seen how they will perform under new head coach Jason Kidd.
For now, however, we take a look at the Hardaway, Marjanovic, Bullock and Brown signings for the Mavs and how did the team fare in free agency.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: A
As mentioned, Dallas prioritized re-signing THJ, and they ensured he is not going anywhere in the near future with a four-year, $75 million deal.
Considering all the deal that went out in free agency, it's still a team-friendly contract. Not to mention that the way it is constructed, the cap hit on Dallas decreases year after year throughout its lifetime, per Spotrac.
Hardaway has proven himself to be a crucial part of the Mavericks. Moreover, fans got to love his attitude as well since he openly embraced whatever role was given to him–be it as a starter or as an off-the-bench sparkplug.
He has been the second option on offense for the Mavs for the most part, particularly in the playoffs. After a contract year, Cuban rewarded him handsomely and rightfully so.
Boban Marjanovic: B
Well, who doesn't like Boban? Luka definitely likes to be teammates with him, and it's hard to find someone who can have that instant chemistry with the youngster.
While he is unlikely to have a bigger role even with Kidd as head coach, he is still a serviceable big man who can provide quality minutes as a backup center to Dwight Powell and Maxi Bleber. He has even proven that he can start for the team when needed. At a two-year, $7 million deal, it's not a bad move for Dallas as they look to find more stability in all other areas aside from the point guard spot.
Sterling Brown: B-
Sterling Brown is only 26 years old, and getting him for two years on a $6.2 million contract is certainly good value considering the Mavs' needs.
The former Milwaukee Bucks swingman spent the 2020-21 season with the Houston Rockets, averaging 8.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. What the Mavericks liked about him, though, was his 42.3 percent shooting clip from deep on 4.2 attempts per game.
Dallas sorely missed Seth Curry's shooting in the 2021 playoffs, and it made them realize that Doncic is more effective with shooters around him. Remember how the Mavs dominated the Los Angeles Clippers in Games 1 and 2 behind the hot shooting of THJ and Luka? Now imagine having more of that option for the team this time around.
The Mavs needed shooting, and they got a relatively young player who can very well take his game to the next level if given the opportunity.
Of course, it remains to be seen how Brown will perform with heavier minutes and responsibilities. But if he can be an elite shooter under Kidd, this signing could be a home run.
Reggie Bullock: B+
The Reggie Bullock acquisition is perhaps one of the more underrated signings of the offseason. Sure, he's not a household name, but he's a pretty solid pickup for a Mavs team in desperate need of wing support.
Bullock received several interests from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. Fortunately, Dallas was able to swoop him on a three-year, $30.5 million deal–which was what he's exactly looking for. Bobby Marks of ESPN even called it one of the deals that brings the most value to a team.
The one and only @BobbyMarks42 joined our studio at Summer League! He gave us his thoughts on what he loves about working in media, how he keeps up with constant NBA activity, and his favorite value signings from free agency! #NBATwitter
https://t.co/p5gvhdQD59 pic.twitter.com/pBjZufONAy
— No Trade Clause (@NoTrade_Clause) August 14, 2021
The 30-year-old veteran is coming off a remarkable year with the Knicks during which he registered 10.9 points on 41.0 percent shooting from 3-point territory. At 6-foot-6, he is a big wing player who is capable of guarding the top scorer of the opposing team.
After starting 64 of his 65 games with New York last season, Bullock could also very well be a starting caliber-player for Dallas.
It might also be a good thing that Bullock has experienced playing in the postseason before. Although it's just a few games–nine total playoffs contests to be exact–at least getting used to the intensity won't be hard for him. He was a bit inconsistent for the Knicks in the 2021 playoffs, but he did show his elite shooting at times (going 4-of-7 from deep in Game 2 and 4-of-8 in Game 5).
Surely, he can only improve from that performance, right?
Regardless, Bullock could very well be valuable for the Mavericks come the postseason.
Mark Cuban and GM Nico Harrison seem to be leaning on the players' improvements to take Dallas to the next level. The arrivals of Bullock and Brown are not franchise-altering to say the least, but it is worth noting the team still boasts a core of Luka, Kristaps Porzingis and Hardaway. It looks like the Mavs are determined to see how that core will work out with a new system after the departure of Rick Carlisle.
Some fans may not be too excited, or even disappointed, with what the Mavs did in free agency. However, there is still reason to be optimistic that the team can play better–especially if they stay healthy.
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