The Dallas Mavericks are navigating a rough patch with a seven-game losing streak, and it's clear that Cooper Flagg is in dire need of some support. The glaring issue?
A reliable ball handler. Depending solely on Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard to orchestrate the offense just isn’t cutting it.
For the Mavericks to be contenders next season, they need to bolster their guard depth. Kyrie Irving can’t carry the load alone, and past attempts to fill this gap with players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum, and D'Angelo Russell didn’t pan out as hoped.
Williams and Nembhard have been bright spots in Jason Kidd's system, earning themselves standard contracts through their impressive play. Their quickness and craftiness make them valuable role players, but they're not everyday starters. Even with Irving’s return, the backcourt needs more reinforcements.
Backcourt Challenges This Season
The Mavericks’ struggles with guard depth have been brewing for a while. Take their recent matchup against the Toronto Raptors as a case in point.
Dallas ended the game with 22 assists-17 fewer than Toronto-and committed 19 turnovers. These stats highlight the urgent need for someone to help manage the offense.
Compounding the problem, the Mavs are having a hard time hitting open shots.
This season has been a wake-up call. The team ranks in the bottom 10 in assists per game and near the bottom in turnovers, underscoring the pressing need for more depth. Flagg and Nembhard are leading the team with just four assists per game each, which simply isn’t enough.
Dallas needs a reliable backup guard to steer the ship when Irving is off the court. Irving, with his unmatched vision and shooting prowess, is an all-star talent, but he can’t do it all alone.
Kyrie Irving's Role and Future
Dallas must also consider what lies ahead for Irving. At 33, he's set to begin his 15th season in 2026-27.
Coming back from a significant ACL injury, it’s unrealistic to expect him to return to peak form immediately. The need for a backup point guard is more critical than ever.
Finding the Guard of the Future
Free agency presents one potential solution. Players like Coby White or Collin Sexton, both of whom have been on Dallas’ radar before, could be valuable additions at a reasonable cost, bringing much-needed veteran experience.
The NBA Draft is another avenue. With the team seemingly in a rebuilding phase, securing a top pick could usher in the Cooper Flagg era and provide a suitable running mate for him. It's also a chance to find Irving’s eventual replacement.
Dallas has several paths to address their guard depth issue, but they must act swiftly in the offseason to remain competitive. Ignoring the guard position is no longer an option, and fans are hopeful that the Mavericks will find the right backup for Irving.