Potential big men candidates for the starting job in Dallas
(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer at Dallas Morning News)
The center position in Dallas has been a major weakness exposed in the 2021-22 playoffs. Current big men Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, Davis Bertans, and Boban Marjanovic have been struggling with rebounding and rim protection issues. In order to lessen the load carried by Luka Doncic who has been tasked with scoring, rebounding, and facilitating the offense the Mavericks need to improve their bench and big men this off-season.
With pick 26 in the NBA Draft the Mavericks are not in a great position to build up through the draft. Centers Mark Williams, Jalen Duren, and Walker Kessler are projected to be taken before the Mavericks pick; although they might not fit offensively any of these big men would have been great options to protect the paint and secure the boards.
Christian Koloko has been involved in late first-round conversations and is a viable choice for the Mavericks. Koloko was a great rim protector at Arizona and has shown more upside on the defensive end; however his age and offensive ability project him to be more of a backup than a starting caliber center. He averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks on 63.5 percent from the field.
(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Ismael Kamagate, a french prospect is expected to go late in the first round and may be available at the Mavericks pick. Kamagate averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 65 percent shooting from the field. He is very athletic at 6’11” and will be a great option as a screener to roll or pop in the Mavericks five out offense. During his time in France he was a great rim protector and was efficient in the paint as well.
Jusuf Nurkic is a free agent the Mavericks could target this off-season. Nurkic averaged 28 minutes, 15 points and 11 rebounds in his 56 games played in the 2021-22 season with the Portland Trailblazers. Concerns about his health due to injuries and defensive abilities could bring skepticism, but his ability to consistently rebound and score makes him an instant upgrade to the center position. His offensive skill set allows him to fit well in the offense being able to stretch the floor and score efficiently.
Luka Doncic is in need of a stronger supporting cast if the Mavericks wish to keep the superstar happy and in Dallas. Either through the draft or free agency Dallas needs to aggressively target a center that can immediately come in and play meaningful minutes. Securing the boards and bench productivity have to be the main focus of improvement this off-season if the Mavericks want to win a NBA championship.
