Nick Angstadt and Isaac Harris here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Mavericks podcast, with your daily Locked On Mavericks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Mavericks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Could the Dallas Mavericks Go Bargain Shopping?
Nov 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) prepares to take a free-throw against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images | Nick Wosika/Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
As the Dallas Mavericks continue their impressive run, winning six of their last seven games, it’s time to consider what this team needs to elevate their game to championship level. With Luka Dončić expected to return soon, the Mavericks are on the brink of something special. But can they compete with powerhouses like the Boston Celtics? That’s the question on every fan’s mind.
Assessing the Mavericks’ Needs
The Mavericks have shown depth and resilience, but to truly contend, they might need a few strategic additions. The team has two first-round picks available for trade, which could be pivotal in acquiring the right talent. A veteran scoring guard off the bench could provide the offensive boost needed when Dončić and Irving are resting. This player doesn’t necessarily need to play alongside the stars but should be capable of setting up plays and scoring independently.
Another area for potential improvement is the wing position. Adding a defensive wing could bolster the Mavericks’ lineup, especially when facing teams with strong offensive threats. The current roster has shown promise, but a bit more defensive depth could make a significant difference.
Exploring Trade Targets
With the trade market heating up, the Mavericks have several options to consider. Players like Mike Conley from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chris Paul from the San Antonio Spurs could be intriguing additions. Both are seasoned veterans who could provide leadership and scoring off the bench. While these are long shots, given their current team situations, they represent the type of player the Mavericks could benefit from.
The Mavericks also have the flexibility to explore other options across the league. A backup guard who can consistently contribute would be ideal. The team has seen flashes of brilliance from players like Spencer Dinwiddie, but a more reliable option could solidify the bench’s scoring capabilities.
The Path Forward
The Mavericks are in a strong position, with a roster that inspires confidence. However, the right trade could be the key to unlocking their full potential. As the season progresses, keeping an eye on potential trade targets and assessing the team’s needs will be crucial. The Mavericks have the assets and the ambition to make a significant move, and fans should be excited about the possibilities.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ trade possibilities and team dynamics, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- The impact of Luka Dončić's return on the team’s performance
- Analysis of the Mavericks’ recent victory against the New York Knicks
- Discussion on potential trade targets and their fit with the current roster
- The importance of depth and versatility in the Mavericks’ lineup
For a comprehensive look at these topics and more, be sure to check out the latest episode of Locked On Mavericks.
Nov 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel/Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Anthony Edwards went off on Wednesday night, and it wasn’t in the game.
The Timberwolves star had a lot of frustration to share after Minnesota lost to the Kings, and tallied their fourth straight loss in a row.
“We thought defense was our identity, and it’s not looking like that,” Edwards said in the locker room. “Our identity right now, me and Mike [Conley] was talking about it, I think is we soft as hell as a team, internally. Not to the other team, but like internally we soft, like we can’t talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids, just like we playing with a bunch of little kids. Like everybody, like the whole team, we just can’t talk to each other and we gotta figure it out, man, because we can’t go down this road.”
He spoke at length, not holding much back, but the most interesting flag came in Edwards comments about the team as a whole. He noted that everyone on the team had their “own agenda”, which made it particularly difficult for him, as the de facto leader, to get them on the same page. Wolves beat reporter for the Star Tribune, Chris Hine, said Edwards lamented the team was “growing apart”, partly because it felt so difficult to have honest conversations with teammates.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Dallas Mavericks are struggling without Luka Dončić, but there are signs of improvement and change in their gameplay that are worth noting. Dive into the detailed analysis of their recent performances. (Mavs Moneyball)
Biz Kyrie Irving is expanding his influence off the court by creating a multi-generational platform with the ANTA sneaker brand, aiming to leave a lasting legacy. (Dallas News)
Biz Former Timberwolves GM and current president of Paris Basketball David Kahn predicts the NBA will be in Europe “within two years” (EuroHoops)
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 7:30 PM | Delta Center (Salt Lake City, UT) | Get Tickets
Mavericks @ Trail Blazers
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NBA Cup: Grizzlies @ Mavericks
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:30 PM | American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
LaMelo Ball Is Out On Friday - What Are The Fantasy Basketball Implications?
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we gear up for a packed NBA schedule, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game with the latest injury updates and strategic streaming options. With ten games on the horizon, there’s plenty to consider for your fantasy basketball lineup.
Injury Updates and Streaming Strategies
The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets face off in an early game, and the injury report has thrown a few curveballs. Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson are out for the Knicks, while the Hornets are missing key players like Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Miles Bridges. The unexpected absence of LaMelo Ball due to a calf issue adds another layer of complexity. With Ball sidelined, Vasa Micic becomes a prime streaming target, offering value for both Friday and Saturday games. Keep an eye on Jalen Brunson, who seems to be finding his rhythm again, which is a positive sign for fantasy managers.
On the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks front, Darius Garland’s recent dip in usage and shooting is worth monitoring. Meanwhile, Trae Young’s impressive assist numbers continue to shine, despite some Achilles concerns. For streaming, Ty Jerome is a viable option if Dean Wade and Caris LeVert remain out, while DeAndre Hunter offers potential upside for the Hawks.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a significant victory against the New York Knicks, showcasing their depth even without Luka Doncic. With standout performances from players like Kyrie Irving and contributions from the entire team, the Mavs demonstrated their potential in the NBA. Key players such as Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Quentin Grimes were pivotal in this game, highlighting the team’s versatility and strength.
The Dallas Mavericks are showing signs of being a formidable team this NBA season. With stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the Mavs have demonstrated their potential through key victories against top teams. The presence of Klay Thompson adds depth to the roster, making the Dallas Mavericks a team to watch closely.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling victory against the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing the incredible talents of Kyrie Irving and the resilience of the Mavs. With Luka Doncic out, Kyrie Irving stepped up, delivering a stellar fourth-quarter performance that highlighted why he’s a key player for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks faced a tough loss against the Miami Heat, highlighting late-game errors and missed opportunities. Despite strong performances from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs couldn’t secure the win, with key moments involving Klay Thompson and other players impacting the game’s outcome. This episode dives into the reasons behind the loss and what the Dallas Mavericks can learn moving forward in the NBA season.
