After a dismal 2022-2023 season, the knew that the only way they could get back to the playoffs was by improving on the defensive end of the floor. In the offseason, they committed to this idea, drafting defensive-minded prospects Dereck Lively II and Olivier Maxence-Prosper and signing versatile defenders Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency. The hope was that these new additions, coupled with growth from players like Josh Green and renewed buy-in from superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, could help Dallas buoy their excellent offense with respectability on the other end of the floor.
The Mavericks’ defense has reached a breaking point
