Conference finalists to everyone’s surprise, after a spanking inflicted on the Suns in Phoenix during a hair-raising Game 7 in the conference semi-finals, the Mavs nevertheless experienced a contrasting offseason.
On paper, with the loss of Jalen Brunson and the arrivals of JaVale McGee and Christian Wood, Dallas hasn’t really taken a step back, but it doesn’t seem to have really improved its squad either…
“It’s going to be a different team. It’s a new season that starts and we’ll see what we have [dans le ventre] »said Jason Kidd opening training camp. “I’ve always said that Christmas was a good benchmark to know roughly where we are collectively. I hope we will know more by then. »
Fifth best record in the NBA in the regular season at 52 wins for 30 losses, the Mavs were able to raise their level of play during the playoffs. After defeating the Jazz and the Suns, Dallas fell without too much suspense in five sets against the Warriors in the conference final. A setback from which we must learn…
“It’s huge to have been able to access it. It’s a big experience for the team and we now know what it takes to reach the NBA finals. There are many things to learn from the past year. »
Luka Doncic spared
Kristaps Porzingis transferred, the Mavs actually needed reinforcements under the panels, after finishing 24th in the league in rebounds for example. The double arrival of Christian Wood and JaVale McGee must remedy, at least partially, this size concern, which was one of the keys to the failure against the Warriors.
“McGee will be able to help us on the field but not only. He is a three-time NBA champion. And then if we look at C-Wood and what he can do both in attack and in defense, he will help us too. We are happy to integrate them into the team and we will see what their strengths are to make the most of them, knowing that above all we must defend. »
In their quest to best surround the local superstar, Luka Doncic, the Mavs have therefore decided to focus on the indoor sector during the summer while maintaining their confidence in their veterans already in place on the outdoor sectors, with including returning Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr.
But, as always in Dallas, it’s Luka Doncic who will make the weather rain or shine. Back from a long summer in the jersey of the Slovenian selection, it should be saved by the official resumption of operations.
“We are going to put a program in place. We’ll see what he wants to do and we’ll take it from there.” concludes in particular Jason Kidd. “The most important thing is to communicate and see how we can move forward. What I can say is that he is definitely in good shape. We won’t need to worry about that. We will see how we use the training camp for him, after a summer where he played a lot. »
