Who is Luka Doncic's Mavs Top 'Ambitious' Free Agent Target?
DALLAS — When identifying the top "ambitious" free agent target for all 30 NBA teams, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report chose former Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks for the Dallas Mavericks to pursue.
The Mavs' must improve defensively after giving up 116.1 points per possessions (25th) last season. The idea is that Brooks, who was named All-Defensive Second-Team this season, would help to fill some of the void created by including Dorian Finney-Smith in the midseason trade to acquire Kyrie Irving. As general manager Nico Harrison told DallasBasketball.com, the team views addressing both on-ball defense and rim protection as needs.
"The team's mandate is simple: get defense," Favale wrote.
With the team's "Plan A" being to re-sign Irving, the expected contract to do so will leave Dallas with the taxpayer mid-level exception to add a free agent. An ideal solution to the Mavs' wing needs would be a player capable of bringing the impact on defense that Brooks offers, but is a much more efficient shooter. However, the resources aren't available to be picky.
"It'd be nice if that defense comes attached to shooting. Dillon Brooks will certainly shoot...just not efficiently," Favale wrote. "But finite spenders can't be choosy. And as it stands, Brooks might be a touch too ambitious."
Brooks averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 73 games. However, he did so while shooting just 39.6 percent from the floor, 32.6 percent from 3-point range, and 77.9 percent on free throws. His output of 0.882 points per possession ranked 91st among the 94 players to log 1,000 or more possessions.
"Brooks is among the most damaging offensive players in existence," Favale wrote. "Maybe his market craters. If it doesn't, Dallas can promise serious minutes on a team that's supposed to be good. And because the Mavs can withstand his offensive implosions, Brooks' role will be more of a constant than if he joins a team that needs him to score efficiently."
What caught the most attention from Brooks was that he "poked" the wrong bear during the playoffs. His trash talk directed at LeBron James was made a central focus of NBA commentary as the Grizzlies were eliminated in the first-round of the playoffs despite being the second-seed in the Western Conference. He called James "old" and "tired" while insinuating that he is no longer the same superstar-caliber player.
“I poke bears,” Brooks said. “I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40, so I pride myself on what I do on defense and taking on any challenge that’s on the board.”
A theme in the Grizzlies' media exit interviews was the need to move on from trash talk and distractions. Shortly after, a report surfaced regarding Memphis ruling out re-signing Brooks "under any circumstances."
Even after all of the negative attention that Brooks commanded, he mentioned in his media exit interview that he felt limited in his offensive role — stating that he is more than the 3-and-D player he was asked to be this season. More recent reporting suggests a fresh start is mutually desired and that Brooks previously turned down a contract extension.
"Brooks, sources say, turned down an extension offer earlier this season and has said publicly he is looking for a bigger role than the 3-and-D one he has been playing in Memphis," Shams Charania of The Athletic wrote. "An early look around at his market does indicate there will be some interest in his services around the league."
The Mavs would need to determine if they want to risk Brooks' likely discontentment with a 3-and-D role since he'd likely be playing next to Luka Doncic and Irving. Would a poor spot-up shooter that may desire to take touches away from two superstars be worth the upgrade in on-ball defense and negative impact on floor spacing?
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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