The Dallas Mavericks have been busy this offseason with significant changes to their roster. They’ve said goodbye to Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green while letting Derrick Jones Jr. walk in free agency. However, they’ve brought in Quentin Grimes, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall to fill those spots. Mavericks fans are thrilled about these additions, especially the signing of Klay Thompson, a future Hall-of-Famer. But what do basketball analysts think about these moves? ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has been grading and analyzing all the big signings in NBA free agency, including Thompson and Marshall joining the Mavericks. Here’s a breakdown of his thoughts.
Naji Marshall signed a 3-year, $27 million deal with the Mavericks, receiving a grade of B-. Pelton acknowledges that the Mavericks will have a slightly different look on the wing with Marshall joining the team. Despite Marshall not being as strong defensively on the ball as Jones, his offensive skills and solid free throw shooting offer good value to the team. The Mavericks made a smart decision not to overvalue Jones, who might struggle to maintain his performance level over a long-term contract. Marshall’s addition at an average of $9 million per year is considered excellent value for the team.
On the other hand, Klay Thompson signed a 3-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks, receiving a grade of B-. The acquisition of Thompson, a high-caliber shooter with an impressive career, brings a new dynamic to the Mavericks. However, there are concerns about Thompson’s defense and shot selection as he transitions to a new team. It remains to be seen how Thompson will fit into the starting lineup and whether he will maximize floor spacing for stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Pelton highlights that Thompson’s 3-point shooting ability will be a significant upgrade for the Mavericks, addressing a key weakness from their previous season.
Overall, Pelton appreciates the Mavericks’ signings of Thompson and Marshall but raises questions about whether these moves make the team better than their previous season. The defensive impact of replacing Jones and Green with Marshall and Thompson is a concern, but the depth and variety of strengths in the Mavericks’ rotation provide Coach Jason Kidd with multiple options to manage games effectively. While the additions of Thompson and Marshall make the Mavericks a more intriguing team, Pelton remains cautious about whether these signings will ultimately elevate the team’s performance.
In conclusion, the Dallas Mavericks have made bold moves this offseason with the signings of Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall. While these additions bring excitement to fans and analysts alike, there are lingering questions about the team’s defense and overall improvement. The upcoming season will reveal how Thompson and Marshall integrate into the Mavericks’ lineup and whether they can help propel the team to greater success. Stay tuned for more updates on the Dallas Mavericks as they gear up for the new NBA season.