The Dallas Mavericks mounted a legitimate challenge in the first round against a heavily favored Los Angeles Clippers side. As a matter of fact, there were a couple of instances during the series that the Mavs had some of us convinced that they could actually pull off the upset.
In the end, however, the Clippers proved too much for a young Mavs team. The Kristaps Porzingis injury only further hurt the cause, as LA came away with a convincing 111-97 Game 6 victory to put an end to what was a very impressive run for Dallas.
Be that as it may, one thing that the whole basketball realized in this series is that Luka Doncic is the real deal. That game-winning triple in overtime in Game 4 was his highest moment an impressive series for the youngster. Needless to say, the Mavs have found their cornerstone superstar in Doncic for the years to come.
It is also clear, however, that this particular Dallas roster needs an upgrade. Simply put, the Doncic-Porzingis tandem needs a third star in order for this team to to evolve into a legitimate title contender.
The Mavs have a number of options in what should be a very interesting (and short) offseason. There are rumblings that they aren't thinking big just yet in terms of changes. However, one player who would be a perfect fit for this team moving forward is none other than Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert.
For starters, despite being one of the most important players on the Jazz, Gobert might just be on the trading block this offseason. While the rumors of a rift between Donovan Mitchell have died down in the bubble, we can't count out the possibility that issues are still bubbling beneath the surface.
The Jazz are currently in the midst of a tough battle against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. If Utah blows a 3-1 lead by losing Game 7, there will be calls to shake things up. Mitchell was notably frustrated after losing Game 6 despite a monster performance. Given the circumstances, Gobert could find himself on the move.
For the Mavs, bringing in a bona fide defensive stud like Gobert would be a tremendous addition to the squad. With Porzingis, this duo would be one of the tallest and lengthiest frontcourts in the league. These are easily two of the best shot blockers in the NBA today, so just imagine what type of rim protection this new-look Mavs side would have. Let's not forget that Gobert is just one year removed from being a back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year winner, and he could very well serve as the Mavs' defensive anchor.
On offense, having a formidable threat such as Gobert in the middle should be able to free up more room for Porzingis, and more importantly, for Doncic. Gobert is also adept in the pick-and-roll, and we can't help but get excited at the possibility of Doncic-Gobert alley-oops on the horizon.
Gobert is only just 28 and still has a lot of basketball ahead of him. He may be a few years the senior of Porzingis (25) and Doncic (21), but this is still a very solid core that could terrorize the league for at least the next three or four years.
Of course, Gobert will not come cheap.
For starters, Tim Hardaway Jr. (he's expected to pick up his player option worth nearly $19 million) would be a trade candidate thanks to that sizable expiring salary. The Mavs also have a number of role players who could be expendable in a trade, including Dwight Powell, Delon Wright, Maxi Kleber, Seth Curry, Dorian Finney-Smith, Boban Marjanovic and Justin Jackson. Dallas obviously would like to keep some of these players, but consolidating a few of these role players into an All-Star makes sense.
The Mavs also have the No. 18 and No. 31 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. Dallas can't trade that first-round pick until after the pick is made because of the Kristaps Porzingis trade, so that could have an impact on the potential timing of a deal. Also due to the Porzingis trade, the Mavs don't have any other first-round picks to include until well into the future. .
Trading for Gobert would come at a high price, but in the end, it would be worth it to help improve the Mavs' shoddy defense. Even without the trade, Dallas would still be a threat next season, but trading for a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Gobert would make them really dangerous on both ends of the floor.
Will the Mavs pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal this offseason? We can only wait and find out.
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