The Mavericks have had an active offseason, making waves by reaching the NBA Finals last season and adding Klay Thompson to bolster their roster. Preseason has been a time for adjustments and finding the right balance, with Luka Doncic looking sharp and ready to make another run at an MVP trophy. There’s optimism around this squad, but there are still some pressing questions as the regular season draws near. From how the new pieces will fit in, to whether the team can make that final leap to secure a championship, the Mavericks are at a pivotal point.
1. Can Luka Doncic Include His Teammates More?
Luka Doncic is coming off another phenomenal season, where he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game across 70 games. While his ability to take over games is unquestionable, there’s always been a conversation around whether Luka should involve his teammates more consistently, especially now that the Mavericks have bolstered their roster with Klay Thompson and retained Kyrie Irving .
The arrival of Thompson brings an elite catch-and-shoot option, something Luka hasn’t always had in recent years. With Kyrie’s ability to create his own shot and play off the ball, the Mavericks now have a roster where ball movement could be more effective than in past seasons. Luka’s tendency to dominate possession has worked for him individually, but the question is whether he can adapt to play more off the ball and facilitate plays through his teammates.
In the preseason, the Mavericks have been working on incorporating more ball-sharing strategies. According to reports, the coaching staff has been pushing for quicker decision-making and more fluid ball movement to prevent the offense from becoming stagnant. This could mean fewer isolation plays for Luka and more open looks for his new supporting cast, which will keep defenses on their toes.
Ultimately, for Luka to take that next step toward a championship, he’ll need to trust his teammates and leverage their strengths. The pieces are there, and his evolution as a playmaker could be the key to making the Mavericks a well-rounded and dangerous team. It’s no longer about what Luka can do alone, but how he can elevate the players around him to create a true title contender.
2. Is Klay Thompson Still Good Enough To Be A Starter?
Klay Thompson has had a challenging start to his time with the Mavericks. In his preseason debut, he scored 10 points in 18 minutes on 3-9 shooting, including 3-5 from three-point range, but his overall impact went beyond the stat sheet. Thompson showed flashes of his elite off-ball movement and drew plenty of attention from defenders, creating open looks for his teammates.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth. In a later game against the Clippers, Thompson struggled significantly, going 0-9 from the field and 0-6 from beyond the arc in 21 minutes. His lack of scoring and poor shooting efficiency in that game led to growing concerns about whether he still has the consistency to remain a full-time starter.
Given the depth of the Mavericks' roster, particularly with younger options like Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy who could bring more athleticism and energy, there’s a case to be made for Thompson taking on a smaller role. Grimes, in particular, has impressed during the preseason with his defensive versatility and improved shooting, which might make him a more reliable starter over time.
The big question is whether Thompson’s experience and shooting can outweigh the inconsistencies he's shown so far. If his shot doesn’t fall consistently, there may be a shift in the lineup as the Mavericks explore younger and more dynamic alternatives.
Related: 2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
3. Can PJ Washington Be The Power Forward The Mavericks Really Need?
PJ Washington showed promise for the Mavericks during his stint last season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor as a power forward adds value to the Mavericks’ offense, especially with his capability to knock down threes. But his shooting, specifically from beyond the arc (31.4% from three), could be more consistent. The Mavericks need him to improve that percentage to help create more space for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
On defense, Washington has been solid, often guarding multiple positions. His versatility makes him a great fit alongside big man Dereck Lively II, allowing the Mavericks to switch on defense more effectively. While Washington has the physical tools to thrive, his ability to consistently make an impact offensively and defensively will determine whether he can lock down the starting spot. If not, the Mavericks could turn to veteran Maxi Kleber, whose defense and basketball IQ make him a reliable alternative.
In the preseason, Washington has been involved heavily in the Mavericks' rotation, but his performance so far has been a mix of highs and lows. He’s capable of putting up strong performances, but he’ll need to demonstrate greater consistency and efficiency to solidify his role as the power forward the Mavericks truly need.
4. Who Closes Out Games As A Wing Stopper?
One of the biggest concerns for the Mavericks is who will guard elite wings in crucial moments. With Derrick Jones Jr. gone, the team lacks a true wing defender who can reliably shut down players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell, or Jayson Tatum. Klay Thompson, once known for his elite defense, has lost a step due to age and injuries, making it less likely that he’ll be the go-to option to close out games defensively.
This opens the door for someone like Nnaji Marshall or Quentin Grimes, both of whom bring defensive tenacity and versatility. Marshall could provide size and length on the perimeter, while Grimes is a quick and aggressive defender who could handle smaller, quicker guards. The coaching staff may need to experiment with different lineups to find the best fit for late-game situations, especially against the league’s best wing players.
Ultimately, the Mavericks will need a reliable wing stopper to stand any chance in close, high-pressure games, and the answer may not be Klay Thompson in those key defensive moments.
5. Are The Mavs Elite Enough To Be A Top 3 Seed?
The Mavericks haven’t finished as a top 3 seed since their 2011 championship season, a year that ended with Dirk Nowitzki leading them to their first-ever title. That historic run showed the importance of securing a high seed in the Western Conference, as it often sets the stage for a deep playoff push. Last season, the Mavericks finished as the 5th seed but still managed to make it all the way to the NBA Finals before falling to the Celtics. It was an impressive run, but it also highlighted some of the gaps they need to close if they want to secure a higher seed and become true contenders again.
With Luka Doncic continuing to put up MVP-level numbers and Kyrie Irving settled in, the offense is undeniably dangerous. The addition of Klay Thompson brings even more firepower, and if the team’s chemistry clicks, they can easily be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. But the key to becoming a top 3 seed will be consistency and defense. While the Mavericks have one of the league’s best offenses, their defensive effort will need to improve throughout the regular season to truly compete with teams like the Nuggets, Suns, and Thunder for those top spots.
Finishing as a top 3 seed would be a strong signal that the Mavericks are not just playoff contenders, but genuine championship threats. It would show that they’ve grown from last year’s finals run and have become a more complete, balanced team. A high seed would also provide a crucial home-court advantage, something that could make a big difference in a loaded Western Conference where every playoff series is a battle.
If the Mavericks can build on last season’s momentum and improve their consistency, there’s no reason they can’t challenge for one of those top spots. It will require growth, especially on defense, but this team has the talent to make it happen.
Related: Instant Analysis: Mavericks Remain Winless In Preseason After Losing To Clippers
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