Key Takeaways The midseason additions of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington significantly improved the Mavericks’ roster, resulting in a postseason run to the finals.
Klay Thompson joins the team as a guaranteed starter, adding offensive firepower but lacking on defense.
Dereck Lively II, Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall highlight the strong bench depth for the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks are coming off their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.
The star duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving had a fantastic regular season, combining to average 59.5 points and 15.0 assists. Prior to the trade deadline, the front office reconfigured the supporting cast around them. Center Daniel Gafford was acquired from the Washington Wizards , and forward P.J. Washington was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets .
Those two smaller deals completely changed the trajectory of the team’s season, bolstering them into true title contention. Gafford, in particular, had a big impact. He proved to be the perfect interior presence alongside Doncic and Irving. In only 21.5 minutes per game, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.
Without Gafford, the Mavericks posted a 29-24 record. With Gafford, they had an astounding 21-8 record.
This offseason, the Mavericks made a big move, signing five-time All-Star wing Klay Thompson . The veteran had a complicated final season with the Golden State Warriors , in which he was benched. He will look to bounce back in Dallas.
The Mavericks also signed guard Spencer Dinwiddie and forward Naji Marshall , while wing Quentin Grimes was acquired via trade. Notable departures include forward Derrick Jones Jr. , guard Josh Green , and guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
Let’s break down the Mavericks’ projected lineups for the 2024-25 season.
Dallas Mavericks – Projected Starters
The Mavericks swap out Derrick Jones Jr. for Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup PG Kyrie Irving SG Luka Doncic SF Klay Thompson PF PJ Washington C Daniel Gafford
There is one major change in the starting lineup, as the Mavericks swap out Derrick Jones Jr. for Klay Thompson.
After Thompson signed with the Mavericks, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that he would be a