After the Mavericks first round exit against the Los Angeles Clippers, it was clear what the team’s offseason priorities were. While Dallas was arguably a Kristaps Porzingis suspension and injury away from upsetting the Clippers, the team lacked the requisite grit-and-grind mentality needed to defeat a deep, experienced and tested team.
By flipping Delon Wright and Justin Jackson in a three-team deal, the Mavericks shrewdly filled that hole by acquiring journeyman James Johnson.
Johnson’s background is well documented. He’s hard-nosed, versatile player who just so happens to have a black belt in mixed martial arts and has yet to lose a match.