The Dallas Mavericks made a lot of noise last season by trading for Kyrie Irving.
They didn’t make as big a splash in this year’s trade deadline, but they still made some very impactful moves.
This team had struggled with size — or a lack thereof — and defense, and they addressed both issues by trading for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.
That’s why former NBA player Timothy Legler believes they could be a legitimate threat to make it all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
Talking on the UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio show, the player-turned-analyst explained that the Mavs no longer have to roll with small-ball lineups, as they now have two legitimate stoppers and interior defenders.
“Right now, [Mavs] look scary to me – as a team that could legitimately make a run all the way to the conference finals,” Legler said.
"Right now, [Mavs] look scary to me – as a team that could legitimately make a run all the way to the conference finals." @LegsESPN pic.twitter.com/tjBKG9qw6W
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) February 22, 2024
He argued that Washington is a much more complete player than Grant Williams and, thus, a better fit for what they currently need.
Legler added that Kyrie Irving also looks quite motivated right now, and while he knows that could go away in the blink of an eye, given his past, this team is looking quite dangerous right now.
We’ve already seen what Luka Doncic is capable of doing on his own, let alone with a solid supporting cast.
So, even if the Mavs haven’t exactly thrived against winning teams this season, the moves they made were just what the doctor ordered to turn an exciting and fun team into a legitimate championship contender.
Whether they’ll be able to keep their foot on the gas remains to be seen, but you don’t want to face them in the playoffs.
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