How Offseason Signings & Trade Can Fix Mavs’ NBA Finals Mistakes

The sting of last season's NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics still lingers for the Dallas Mavericks and their fans. A series that showcased the gap between the two teams, particularly on the offensive end, ended in a decisive 4-1 Celtics victory.

However, the Mavericks' offseason moves suggest they've identified and addressed key weaknesses exposed in that series. The additions of Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall could prove to be exactly what Dallas was missing against Boston's versatile defense.

One glaring issue for the Mavs in the Finals was their subpar 3-point shooting. Against Boston's suffocating defense, Dallas shot a meager 31.6 percent from beyond the arc, well below their season average of 36 percent. This allowed the Celtics to focus their defensive efforts on containing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, knowing that other shooters weren't making them pay.

Enter Klay Thompson. One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Thompson's ability to knock down catch-and-shoot 3s at an elite level should create more spacing for Doncic and Irving to operate. His mere presence on the court will force defenses to stay honest, potentially opening up driving lanes for Dallas' star duo.

While Boston's defensive versatility was a major factor in the series, Dallas struggled to contain the Celtics' perimeter threats. This is where Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall come into play. Both known for their defensive prowess, they give the Mavericks more options to throw at players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Grimes, in particular, has shown the ability to be a lockdown perimeter defender, while Marshall's length and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions. This added defensive flexibility could be crucial in a potential Finals rematch.

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The Celtics effectively took Irving out of his rhythm by having Jrue Holiday harass him from the moment he touched the ball. With Thompson, Grimes, and Marshall, the Mavericks now have more options to punish teams that overcommit to stopping Doncic and Irving. All three newcomers are capable of catch-and-shoot threats, which should create better floor spacing and make it harder for defenses to key in on Dallas' stars.

The improved 3-point shooting, perimeter defense, and offensive versatility they bring could be the missing pieces that push Dallas over the top in a potential rematch with Boston. As the new season approaches, Mavericks fans have reason to be optimistic. If Thompson can recapture his pre-injury form, and Grimes and Marshall continue their upward trajectories, Dallas may have found the perfect complement to their star-studded backcourt.