As the Dallas Mavericks were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, it's time to look ahead.
This season was not a failure as expectations were low for the Mavericks after the DeAndre Jordan fiasco last offseason. That was a bitter pill to swallow, but the Mavericks should learn from the experience. Reaching the playoffs is an overachievement, but they should be able to build from that experience.
One lesson they could learn is that they are not exactly a free agent magnet, especially with Mark Cuban's tendency to chase the big names. This year's biggest catch, Kevin Durant, seems an impossible target after the series with the Thunder.
Addressing the media, the usually soft spoken KD caught fire. His statements were recounted by Business Insider. "He's an idiot," Durant said. "Don't listen to, he's an idiot. All right, that's what we've got to say about that. He's an idiot. Next question."
However, free agency is not the only way to acquire marquee players. ESPN Insider had their experts weigh in on the future of the Mavs. David Thorpe had some interesting suggestions.
"I've always believed this is the perfect spot for DeMarcus Cousins, who needs an elite coach to believe in, a city big enough to not place DC as its local hero and a veteran that can put him in his place," Thorpe noted. "Dallas checks all three boxes with ease."
The big question though is how the Mavericks can build a package for Cousins. Despite rumblings from Sacramento media that the star center is no longer untouchable, most of the league would make an offer for him.
Another Thorpe suggestion for the Mavs is to invest in a lead point guard. He notes that Ricky Rubio could be a potential target.
"A better lead guard will help control their flow offense better and figure out ways to take advantage of Dirk as he winds down his career. If Coach Thibs isn't a Ricky Rubio fan, I can see Dallas making a play for him."
The key for Dallas is that Dirk Nowitzki would still be willing to return and he's still at a discount. Cuban needs to make sure that his sacrifice is not for naught. The Mavericks have coaching stability on their side and that should be a consideration for prospects.