Despite pairing an All-Star guard in Kyrie Irving with superstar Luka Doncic, ESPN analyst Vince Carter doesn't believe the Dallas Mavericks are true contenders right now.

“No. I don’t think so. Not right now,” Carter tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel.

“The reasons are many,” Carter continues, “but among them are they need, and don’t have, a Vince Carter-type.”

“Not young, Vinsanity-Vince who could jump over defenders. They need veteran Vince; the one who understood the game, the locker room, the floor, and could in-bounds the ball, defend, and make shots… I do think (Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic) can work, the two of them together… But I feel the issue is the roster; that’s the problem.”

Carter's comments are curious because it's worth noting that VC played for the Mavericks from the 2011-12 to 2013-14 season, reaching the NBA Playoffs in two of the three seasons he played for Dallas. Carter, then in his mid-30s, played an integral though tertiary role for the Mavs as they tried to reach the NBA Finals.

A role that Carter believes Dallas is currently lacking, particularly after trading away defensive stud Dorian Finney-Smith.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) dribbles the ball against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Cooper Flagg’s ‘biggest thing’ about Mavericks’ likely No. 1 pickJoey Mistretta ·
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after making a last second shot to end the first half against the Arizona Wildcats during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Mavericks rumors: The 1 word describing Cooper Flagg’s private workoutJaren Kawada ·
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Mavericks rumors: Jason Kidd’s role in Cooper Flagg visit shuts down Knicks speculationMalik Brown ·
NBA rumors: Bobby Marks circles Mavericks, Clippers for Jrue Holiday trade
NBA rumors: Bobby Marks circles Mavericks, Clippers for Jrue Holiday tradeChris Spiering ¡
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ‘Door not closed’ on Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksRishav Bhat ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) and guard Cooper Flagg (2) during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome.
Cooper Flagg’s Duke teammate breaks down potential fit alongside Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving, Anthony DavisJoey Mistretta ·

Whether or not the Mavericks will be able to add those types of players this offseason will be their priority. So much so that it might be their gameplan whether they're able and willing to re-sign Irving or not.

After all, for all of the offensive talent the Mavs added with Kyrie, Christian Wood and even rookie Jaden Hardy, they neglected the defensive end.

While it may be a guard's league, teams that can get it done on both ends are simply the most formidable in the league.

The true contenders.