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.
Will the Mavs Look to Upgrade the Roster?
Nov 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) dribbles the ball while New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Potential Moves to Bolster the Roster
The Dallas Mavericks are at a pivotal point in the season, with several trade rumors swirling around the NBA. As we look to strengthen our roster, the focus is on finding the right pieces to complement our star players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The need for a reliable backup power forward is evident, and several names have emerged as potential targets.
Dorian Finney-Smith: A Familiar Face
Dorian Finney-Smith is a name that resonates with Mavericks fans. His history with the team and his current contract situation make him an intriguing option. Finney-Smith is on an expiring deal, and acquiring him would mean adding depth to our bench. The cost, potentially a couple of second-round picks, seems reasonable for a player who could provide solid minutes in a playoff run. His return would not only fill a positional need but also bring back a familiar presence to the locker room.
Obi Toppin: Adding Athleticism
Another player on our radar is Obi Toppin from the Indiana Pacers. Toppin’s athleticism is something the Mavericks have been lacking since losing players like Josh Green and Dereck Jones Jr. Standing at 6'9", Toppin has the potential to be a dynamic force off the bench. While his three-point shooting has been inconsistent, his ability to catch lobs and provide energy on the court could be invaluable. The challenge lies in whether the cost aligns with his potential impact, especially considering his current contract.
Larry Nance Jr. is another candidate who could fit well into our system. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to hit corner threes, Nance could be a valuable addition. His expiring contract makes him a feasible trade target, potentially in exchange for Maxi Kleber. However, Nance’s age and injury history are factors to consider. Despite these concerns, his skill set aligns with what the Mavericks need to bolster their bench.
As we navigate these trade possibilities, the goal remains clear: to build a team capable of making a deep playoff run. The right moves could provide the Mavericks with the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level. For more insights and a deeper dive into potential trades 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 Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s limited games together
- The potential of a dog shelter initiative by Luka Doncic in Dallas
- Evaluating the Mavericks’ stance on trading bigs like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively
- Exploring the possibility of acquiring players like Isaiah Stewart and Trey Lyles
- The role of Maxi Kleber in potential trade scenarios and his current performance
- Insights into the Mavericks’ strategy to stay under the luxury tax
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Analysis Discover why Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy are crucial for the Mavericks’ strategy and overall team value beyond potential trade scenarios. (Mavs Moneyball)
Preview The Mavs host the Grizzlies tonight in the latest NBA Cup group stage matchup. Read the preview.(NBA)
Ticket Booth
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NBA Cup: Grizzlies @ Mavericks
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:30 PM | American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX) | Get Tickets
Mavericks @ Wizards
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Capital One Arena (Washington DC) | Get Tickets
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers without Luka Doncic in the lineup. How did Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and the Mavs pull off the win despite Irving’s shooting struggles?
The Dallas Mavericks have the 4th best offense in the NBA, but what would make them elite? Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson lead the Mavs’ offensive charge, but there’s room for improvement to reach the top tier.
The Dallas Mavericks are at the center of NBA trade rumors, with speculation involving stars that want to join Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. As the Mavs navigate these rumors, the focus remains on building a competitive team around their key players. How will the Dallas Mavericks manage their roster with the NBA trade deadline approaching?
