The Dallas Mavericks are short one ball handler... again

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty ImagesLast season, the Dallas Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in eleven years. It was a magical run that made everyone feel really good about a squad that looked a bit shaky during the early days of the 2021-2022 season. After Kristaps Porzingis was sent to basketball purgatory, the Mavericks hit their stride, cruising to a 20-7 record (.740 win percentage) to close out the regular season. The previously maligned Spencer Dinwiddie averaged 15.8/3.1/3.9 on .498/.404/.725 splits, endearing himself to Mavs fans everywhere. Since 2019, the Maverick faithful had been clamoring for another high-level ball handler and shot creator to pair with Luka Doncic. The insertion of Jalen Brunson into the starting lineup and his subsequent breakout season finally gave them that guy, and the addition of Dinwiddie meant that at least two impact ball handlers could share the court at all times. This was a recipe for success, as the Mavs were able to advance to the Western Conference Finals despite being heavily outmatched in the frontcourt during every playoff series.

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