The Dallas Mavericks have an entirely new look thanks to the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson on a three-year, $50 million deal. Thompson joins a roster featuring Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who led an NBA Finals run in 2023-24, and the team is looking very strong heading into the new year. We divide the roster into five tiers to get an indication of their depth chart right now and for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Tier 1: Superstars
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving
Obviously, Luka Doncic is the star of the Dallas Mavericks and it is only a matter of time before the Slovenian phenomenon wins a regular season MVP and it could happen as soon as next year. Doncic averaged a league-high 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game in the regular season and 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game in the playoffs, boosting his side to the NBA Finals when many thought that was impossible. Doncic is a top-five player in the world right now and will have a tremendous impact for the Mavericks next year, making him the leader of Tier 1.
Kyrie Irving also makes Tier 1 because his performances last year were more impactful than even his numbers show. The point guard opens up the floor for Doncic and his presence alone makes defenders collapse around him. Irving averaged 25.6 points and 5.2 assists per game last season in the regular season and 22.1 points and 5.1 assists in the playoffs, so similar production from him will be needed if the Mavericks want to run it back and make the NBA Finals again.
Tier 2: All-Stars
None
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars
Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson was the major signing by the Dallas Mavericks and the franchise is hoping he can rediscover his All-Star form after a rather disappointing season in 2023-24. Thompson could not do enough to help the Golden State Warriors reach the playoffs despite averaging 17.9 points per game on 38.7% from three. Thompson’s best days are certainly behind him but he could prove to be the missing piece for this team because a third shot-maker with championship experience is what the Mavericks desperately needed last season.
Tier 4: Key Role Players
P.J. Washington, Derrick Lively III, Daniel Gafford
P.J. Washington is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and provide solid defense, making him a key piece in the Mavericks' frontcourt rotation. Last season, Washington averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 32.0% from beyond the arc in the regular season and 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on 34.8% from deep in the playoffs. His ability to score from deep and finish inside adds a valuable dimension to the Mavericks' offense, complementing the playmaking abilities of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Defensively, Washington's versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, an asset that will be crucial in matchups against the West's elite teams.
Derrick Lively III is set to take a significant leap in his second season, anchoring the Mavericks' defense as their primary rim protector. In his rookie season, Lively averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, showing flashes of brilliance as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Standing at 7'1" with a 7'8" wingspan, Lively's presence in the paint will allow Dallas to be more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing they have a reliable defender behind them. His continued development, particularly in his ability to finish around the rim and improve his free throw shooting (only 50.6%), could be a game-changer for the Mavericks as they aim for another deep playoff run.
Daniel Gafford brings an element of energy and toughness to the Mavericks' frontcourt. Last season, Gafford averaged 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 72.5% from the field, showcasing his efficiency as a finisher around the rim. His presence allows the Mavericks to maintain a strong interior defense when Lively is off the floor, making him a critical component of the team's rotation.
Tier 5: Supplementary Pieces
Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, Quentin Grimes
Jaden Hardy is an explosive young guard with scoring potential, providing the Mavericks with a spark off the bench. Last season, Hardy averaged 7.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in limited minutes, showcasing his ability to create shots and score from deep, connecting on 36.2% of his three-point attempts. His development as a secondary playmaker and decision-maker will be key to earning more consistent playing time.
Returning to the NBA after revitalizing his career in Europe, Dante Exum offers the Mavericks versatility as a combo guard. In the 2023-24 season, Exum averaged 7.8 points and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 49.1% from three-point range. His experience and adaptability will be crucial, especially in defensive assignments against opposing guards.
Quentin Grimes is a 3-and-D specialist who adds much-needed perimeter defense and shooting to the Mavericks. Last season with the Knicks and Pistons, Grimes averaged 7.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 33.8% from three-point range. His ability to knock down open shots and defend the opposing team’s best perimeter players makes him an ideal fit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Tier 6: Bench
Spencer Dinwiddie, Naji Marshall, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, JaVale McGee
Spencer Dinwiddie provides veteran leadership and scoring punch off the bench for Dallas. Last season, he averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to run the offense when Doncic or Irving need a breather. His shot creation and playmaking will be crucial in stabilizing the second unit.
Naji Marshall is a defensive-minded wing who brings energy and versatility off the bench. Last season with the Pelicans, he averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a valuable depth piece for the Mavericks, particularly in matchups against athletic wings.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is a promising 22-year-old forward who excels defensively. Selected No. 24 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Prosper brings length and hustle to the Mavericks' bench. While his offensive game is still developing, his motor and defensive potential could earn him minutes as the season progresses.
Dwight Powell remains a reliable backup big man for the Mavericks. Last season, Powell averaged 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 60.2% from the field. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Doncic and his experience make him a valuable veteran presence.
Maxi Kleber is a stretch big who provides floor spacing and shot-blocking for the Mavericks. Last season, he averaged 4.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game, while shooting 34.8% from three-point range. However, it seems Kleber’s impact on the team has been waning in recent seasons.
A.J. Lawson is a 6’6” guard who posted 3.2 points per game last season and at 24 years old, the third-year man will look to have some time to prove himself although he is behind other guards on the depth chart in 2024-25.
This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
