It’s time to continue our series breaking down the Mavericks’ roster.
Rather than just running down the assets and debits of each player, we’re going to approach this year’s roster evaluation a little differently.
With a sound track.
Since the Mavericks reached the Western Conference finals last season and have made it clear that championships are the only measuring stick they will use moving forward in the Luka Dončić era, it’s time to analyze what they need from each player to someday make that a reality, preferably sooner than later.
And there are theme songs – basketball’s version of walk-up music, if you will – for each player.
So here we look at each player (in alphabetical order) and what they must accomplish for the Mavericks to be title worthy. We’ll assume good health for everybody, which is always the No. 1 issue.
Next up is Reggie Bullock.
THEME SONGS: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman Turner Overdrive and I’m A Believer by the Monkees
KEY STAT FROM 2021-22 THAT MUST IMPROVE: 36 percent 3-point shooting (substantially below the 39.2 percent he averaged in his first eight seasons).
BREAKDOWN: The Mavericks found out how valuable Bullock is in the playoffs. His regular season was up-and-down. But in the playoffs, his averages went up across the board and he was particularly good without Luka Dončić, averaging 12.7 points and 5.3 rebounds while playing more than 44 minutes in those three games. The Mavericks need Bullock to show that what we saw last season is just a taste of what’s to come. We know he can be a defensive stopper alongside Dorian Finney-Smith. However, players known as 3-and-D specialists are always dependent on their shooting stroke. The defensive part of the equation should always be there and with Bullock, it usually is. Having him to harass opposing wing players is what is expected. As with any shooter, any extended slump from long range will signal trouble for the Mavericks. If any part of the 3-and-D equation is missing, things rarely add up. He needs to build on last season and he’s the sort of positive thinker that will have an excellent chance to make it happen.
PREVIOUSLY: Davis Bertāns. Title track: The music to win by in 2022-23 for Davis Bertāns – The Official Home of the Dallas Mavericks (mavs.com)
NEXT UP: Spencer Dinwiddie
Twitter: @ESefko
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