The Mavericks’ vow to be better defensively this season was the driving force behind acquiring Josh Richardson and James Johnson in trades last month.
In the case of Richardson, it added to the crowded house at the small forward and shooting guard positions, which these days are largely interchangeable.
Richardson joins Tim Hardaway Jr., rookie Josh Green, Wes Iwundu and several others, including maybe Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith in that mass of talented players.
To which, Carlisle says, no worries.
“Great defenders and wing scorers are at a premium right now,” Carlisle said Sunday when asked how the wing spots will ultimately play out.