The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals during the 2022 NBA Postseason, coming into the postseason needing to shore up a few spots on the roster to become legitimate contenders. Unfortunately for them, despite filling those needs, another huge hole was created.
Point guard Jalen Brunson surprisingly departed in free agency, signing a four-year, $104 million deal with the New York Knicks. The Knicks are being investigated for tampering, but regardless of the outcome, it won’t help the team’s current situation. Without Brunson, there is a void in the rotation.
Brunson was the team’s second-best player last season behind Luka Doncic. Whenever Doncic was sidelined, Brunson took his game to another level and helped lead the team to victories. Replacing that level of production will not be easy.
Right now, the team desperately needs another ball-handler. Spencer Dinwiddie is expected to start alongside Doncic, leaving a lot of question marks for the bench. They are dangerously thin as the only other ball-handler on the roster is Frank Ntilikina.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Luckily for Dallas, there are some options still available in free agency that would help them fill the void on the roster. One of those players is Dennis Schroder, whom one NBA scout believes would be a good fit for the Mavericks.
“Schroder was at his best in OKC where he could run the bench unit and also play off Chris Paul. He could do a lot of the same with the Mavericks since they lost Brunson. Dinwiddie and Doncic are both bigger guards. There’s plenty of potential to go with a 3-guard lineup when needed like what OKC thrived doing with Schroder, CP3, and SGA.”
It won’t take much to acquire Schroder, either. A veteran’s minimum contract is likely all that he is going to secure this offseason and that is all the Mavericks have to offer. That level of commitment will also provide Dallas with some flexibility when it comes to minutes.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder & Dallas Mavericks Updates
As the scout pointed out, there are ways for Schroder to produce for the Mavericks even if he isn’t a good fit alongside Doncic on the court.
“The Mavs wouldn’t be obliged to give Schroder heavy minutes either. So if they don’t like the fit with Doncic, they don’t have to play them together for long stretches. There’s a ton of shooting in that bench group though, and Schroder could thrive using his explosiveness getting to the rim.”
It was only three seasons ago that Schroder finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year award voting behind Montrezl Harrell. He can provide plenty of production with a second unit, especially one that has the skill set of the Mavericks’ bench unit.
Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell could factor into the mix for minutes with the second unit. Davis Bertans, Reggie Bullock and Christian Wood could as well depending on what Jason Kidd ultimately decides to do with the starters.
Regardless of how things shake out, Schroder would have some good players whose skill sets would be a match for him, leading to positive results.