The Dallas Mavericks shocked the league with their play this season. They finished 7th in a loaded Western Conference and were in immediate playoff contention despite the fact that their best player is only 21 years old. The Mavericks were supposed to be at least 2 years away from contending in the playoffs, but Luka’s brilliance alongside Kristaps Porzingis means the Mavericks are right on track.
They managed to take the Los Angeles Clippers to six games in the first round, but they clearly like the veteran experience and leadership and could not close the deal. Even though they were not the favorites, veterans would have certainly helped them in their bid to upset the Clippers and proceed to the second round. As a result, the Mavericks look towards next season to stock up on veterans for a playoff push.
The Mavericks do not have much cap space, but they will have enough to sign veterans if they move the lights of Dwight Powell and Delon Weight via trade. The Mavericks front office made it clear that they want to sign some “dogs” in the locker room, so it’s up to Dallas to get it done.
Here are the 10 veterans the Dallas Mavericks can sign next season to help Luka Doncic lead them in the playoffs.
10. Evan Turner
3.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Evan Turner is a role player at this stage of his career but he’s still effective as a veteran in the locker room. He’s an excellent playmaker at the small forward position, and can legitimately have point guard duties to relieve Luka Doncic. Turner won’t come in and be a star, but he gives Dallas exactly what they need.
9. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
7.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Hollis Jefferson has plenty of experience playing with a playoff contender with the Toronto Raptors. He’s a very stout defender both on the inside and on the perimeter and can be very effective in spurts of 5 to 10 minutes. Hollis Jefferson adds toughness, physicality, and defense to a team that needs it next season.
8. Jeff Green
9.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Once again the Houston Rockets have found a diamond in the rough. Jeff Green is the perfect small-ball center because he can run the floor, defend the paint, and hit the outside shot. He’s playing tremendously well for the Rockets in the NBA Playoffs this year and can help any NBA team achieve their goals in the postseason. He has plenty of experience in the league now that can be a valuable member of the Mavericks.
7. Jeff Teague
10.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Teague is a former All-Star in lightning-quick point guard who’s an excellent ball-handler and playmaker. Teague won’t come in and be an All-Star next season, but he provides just enough veteran leadership with the ball in his hands to make the Mavericks a more feared team on offense. He would fit right into the up-tempo and ball-sharing style of the Mavs, so he would be a great fit.
6. Carmelo Anthony
15.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Carmelo Anthony has resurrected his career this season as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He’s back to being happy at scoring the ball and looks to have found peace as a complementary player. He realizes he is no longer Denver or New York Melo and has adjusted beautifully. Anthony gives the Dallas Mavericks veteran leadership and some extra sauce on the offensive end because he is still a very clutch performer.
5. Paul Millsap
11.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Paul Millsap is a free agent next season and is going to look for a home to provide his veteran leadership and experience. Millsap is still a quality defensive player, who can guard multiple positions and score against the inside and outside. Millsap is also a solid rebounder and has plenty of playoff experience as a member of the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. He will come in, grind, add toughness, and shore up the Mavericks front line well.
4. Jae Crowder
10.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Jae Crowder is a perfect fit for the Miami Heat, as a strong forward who can defend and hit the three. Crowder has come close to repeating his very productive season with the Boston Celtics in his final season before he left, so his value is high right now. Crowder adds toughness and defensive skill for a Dallas Mavericks who need that next year. Crowder has plenty of playoff experience and has played for great coaches his entire career so he will settle in nicely.
3. Marc Gasol
7.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Anytime a Gasol is available, a team should consider adding him. Marc Gasol is a defensive enforcer and an excellent all-around player who does the little things to help win games. Gasol is no longer a stat sheet stuffing All-Star, but he is very productive in 25 minutes per game as a starting or backup center. Gasol would immediately make the Mavs a more effective team on defense, and he will complement Doncic and Porzingis as a fellow European.
2. Serge Ibaka
15.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 2.1 BPG
Ibaka is having a fantastic season this year, playing both ends of the floor and giving the Raptors invaluable minutes on the court. He can still drain the outside jumpers, block shots, and defend the paint well. Serge Ibaka gives the Mavericks some much-needed shooting and defensive presence on the inside to help Porzingis get back to full form after injury.
1. Goran Dragic
16.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Without a doubt, the best fit for the Dallas Mavericks is Goran Dragic. A fellow Slovenian ball handler would be a blessing for Doncic, who needs a bit of help carrying the playmaking duties. Luka is talented enough to lead a team on his own, but giving him more help allows him to have more energy in the tank for the postseason. Dragic can start on most NBA teams, so he might be available as an excellent offensive point guard who also adds toughness to the squad.
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