Ranking Dallas Mavericks Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

The Dallas Mavericks had an excellent campaign in the 2023-24 NBA season by making the NBA Finals although they lost in five games to the favored Boston Celtics. The Mavericks made a major splash this summer by signing Klay Thompson to a three-year, $50 million deal and the team feels they have enough to win it all next season with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the way. To get an indication of their depth chart, we have named Dallas Mavericks players into 14 different categories ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Best All-Around Player: Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic is the heart and soul of the Dallas Mavericks and easily their best all-around player heading into the 2024-25 season. Doncic is a generational talent, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, cementing his status as a perennial MVP candidate and quite frankly, could be the MVP favorite for next season.

Defensively, while Doncic isn’t an elite stopper, he uses his size and IQ to be effective in team defense. His strong frame allows him to defend multiple positions when needed, though his impact is undeniably felt more on the offensive end. Luka’s leadership and competitive spirit have turned the Mavericks into contenders and could be the difference-maker for next season in the Western Conference.

Most Underrated: PJ Washington

PJ Washington might not be the biggest name on the roster but he’s undoubtedly one of the most underrated players. Washington quietly put up solid numbers last season, averaging 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (career 35.4% from beyond the arc) and defend multiple positions makes him an invaluable asset in today’s NBA.

Washington brings a well-rounded game to the Mavericks, providing spacing, defense, and the ability to score in a variety of ways. Despite his consistent production, Washington often flies under the radar for not being a high-volume scorer. However, Washington’s underrated contributions on both ends of the floor could be the X-factor that helps the Mavericks elevate their game in the 2024-25 season.

Most Overrated: Maxi Kleber

Maxi Kleber has been a valuable role player for the Mavericks in recent years, but as he enters the latter stages of his career, his impact has started to wane, making him somewhat overrated. Kleber is known for his ability to stretch the floor as a big man, but his shooting has become inconsistent, as he shot just 34.8% from beyond the arc last season. Furthermore, while he provides solid positional defense, his lack of athleticism limits his effectiveness against quicker, more versatile opponents.

Kleber averaged only 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in the 2023-24 season, numbers that don’t justify the level of expectation placed on him as a key rotation player. The big man will make $11 million next season and he has not quite cut it as he was supposed to be one of the best players on the bench for the Mavericks.

Best Shooter: Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving remains one of the most talented and efficient shooters in the NBA, and his ability to score from all areas of the floor makes him the Mavericks’ best shooter. Klay Thompson is a historically better shooter but Irving might be the better shooter right now. Last season, Irving shot 49.7% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range (higher than Thompson’s 38.7%), while averaging 25.6 points per game.

His quick release, ball-handling ability, and knack for hitting tough, contested shots make him an offensive juggernaut. Whether it's pulling up from deep, hitting mid-range jumpers, or finishing acrobatically around the rim, Kyrie is a scoring machine who can carry the offense in crucial moments.

Best Post Scorer: Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic’s offensive arsenal includes a surprisingly effective post game, making him the Mavericks’ best post scorer. Despite being a point guard, Luka uses his 6’7” frame and exceptional footwork to back down smaller defenders and score with finesse in the paint. Last season, he frequently took advantage of mismatches, often scoring over shorter guards or using his size to draw fouls in the post.

Luka’s soft touch around the rim, combined with his ability to finish with either hand, makes him a highly efficient scorer in the paint. Doncic’s post game is complemented by his exceptional passing ability. When double-teamed in the post, Luka is one of the best at finding open shooters on the perimeter or cutting teammates for easy baskets as well.

Best Handles: Kyrie Irving

When it comes to ball-handling, few players in NBA history can compare to Kyrie Irving. His ability to break down defenders with crossovers, behind-the-back moves, and hesitation dribbles is unmatched, making him nearly impossible to guard in isolation. Next season, that won’t be any different because no player other than Allen Iverson can compare to Irving when it comes to handles.

Interestingly, Irving’s handles aren’t just flashy; they’re also highly effective. He can split double teams, navigate through traffic, and get to his spots on the floor with ease, creating numerous scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Luka Doncic has a solid handle but there is no question who the best ball-handler on the Mavericks is right now.

Best Passer: Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic’s playmaking ability is nothing short of elite, making him the best passer on the Mavericks. His court vision is exceptional, and his knack for making the right play at the right time has been instrumental in Dallas’ offensive success. Doncic averaged 9.8 assists per game last season, often threading the needle with precision passes to cutting teammates or open shooters on the perimeter.

Whether it’s a no-look dish, a cross-court pass, or a lob to a big man, Luka’s passing versatility is one of his most valuable traits. What sets Luka apart as a passer is his ability to manipulate defenses. He uses his size and ball-handling skills to draw multiple defenders, creating open looks for his teammates.

Related: Ranking New York Knicks Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

Best Perimeter Defender: Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson, who joined the Mavericks in the 2024 offseason, is widely known for his elite perimeter defense. Although Thompson’s offensive game, particularly his shooting, garners most of the attention, his defensive prowess is often overlooked. Throughout his career, Klay has consistently been tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player and he will have that task again.

Last season with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson still averaged 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to read passing lanes and disrupt opposing offenses. At 6’6” with a sturdy frame, Klay has the physical tools to guard multiple positions and while he is no longer in his prime, has the highest defensive IQ on the team.

Best Post Defender: Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford's presence in the paint has made him one of the most formidable post defenders in the league. During his 2023-24 season with the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, Gafford averaged 2.1 blocks per game, showcasing his incredible timing and ability to protect the rim.

His long wingspan and excellent footwork enable him to contest shots effectively without fouling, making life difficult for opposing big men. Gafford’s defensive awareness allows him to anchor the Mavericks' defense, particularly when it comes to limiting second-chance points and challenging high-percentage shots in the paint.

Most Athletic: Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II earns the title of the most athletic player on the Mavericks. Standing at 7’1” with a remarkable wingspan and explosive vertical leap, Lively is a constant lob threat and rim protector. His ability to run the floor, combined with his leaping ability, makes him an imposing figure in transition and an excellent offensive rebounder.

During his rookie season, Lively’s athletic prowess was evident as he recorded 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game and threw down dunks effortlessly, often catching defenders off guard with his quick leaping ability. As he continues to develop in his second season with the Mavericks, Lively's elite athletic tools will be one of his biggest assets as he carves out a significant role in Dallas' lineup.

Worst Starter: Daniel Gafford

Despite being the best post defender, Daniel Gafford ranks as the worst starter on the Mavericks roster, largely due to his limitations on the offensive end and also the talent on the starting lineup. Doncic, Irving, Thompson, and Washington can be considered more consistent performers which makes Gafford the “worst starter” of the bunch.

While Gafford is highly effective as a shot-blocker and rebounder, his offensive game remains underdeveloped. Most of his points come from lobs, putbacks, and dunks, which makes him a limited scoring option outside of the restricted area. Still, the center plays his role and that is what the Mavericks will need from him next season.

Best Role Player: Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II enters his second season as one of the Mavericks' best role players. As a highly athletic big man, Lively brings energy and versatility to the team. His ability to protect the rim and clean up on the boards gives the Mavericks an immediate boost on both ends of the floor.

Even though his offensive game is still developing, his strengths as a finisher around the basket and a lob threat will fit seamlessly into a Mavericks team that thrives in pick-and-roll situations led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Expect Lively II to show more of an offensive game next season.

Most Clutch Player: Luka Doncic

There is no question that Luka Doncic is the Mavericks' most clutch player, and arguably one of the most clutch in the entire NBA. Since entering the league, Doncic has been a master of late-game heroics, often stepping up when his team needs him most. In the 2023-24 season, Doncic led the NBA in clutch points, averaging 5.8 points in clutch moments (defined as the last five minutes of a game within five points).

Doncic has a penchant for hitting big shots, whether it’s a game-winning buzzer-beater or a crucial basket to swing momentum in favor of his team. His calm demeanor under pressure and his confidence to create his own shot make him a nightmare for defenders. Kyrie Irving will have his name called in big moments, but Luka Doncic is the man to watch out for in the waning moments.

Best Leader: Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic’s leadership qualities have grown year by year, and heading into the 2024-25 season, he stands as the Mavericks' best leader. As the team's franchise player, Doncic not only leads by example with his on-court performances but also through his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates. In the 2023-24 season, Doncic averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game while finishing third in the MVP race.

His leadership was on full display during the Mavericks’ 2024 playoff run, where he carried the team to the NBA Finals with multiple standout performances. Doncic’s combination of on-court excellence and his ability to inspire his teammates makes him the undisputed leader of this Dallas team and everyone knows whose team it is heading into next season.

Related: Klay Thompson Opens Up On Mavericks' Title Chances Ahead Of Debut Season

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