The Dallas Mavericks head into the 2024-25 season with high expectations following an offseason packed with key roster moves. Among these, the addition of four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson stands out as the most significant.
After reaching the NBA Finals last year, where they fell short to the Boston Celtics, the Mavericks are retooling and aiming to surpass the 49.5-win mark set by DraftKings Sportsbook. The betting odds currently favor the over at -120, but whether Dallas can reach 50 wins as they did exactly last season will depend on how their new pieces fit together and how they perform in a loaded Western Conference.
Klay Thompson Brings Necessary Shooting
Thompson’s move to Dallas represents a fresh chapter in his career after winning four championships with the Golden State Warriors. The sharpshooter brings invaluable leadership and offensive firepower to a Mavericks team led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Although his scoring dipped slightly last season—averaging 17.9 points per game—Thompson remains one of the league’s premier long-range threats, shooting 38.7% from deep. For a team that favored defensive versatility over shooting last season, Thompson will significantly enhance their spacing capabilities around Doncic and Irving. Thompson also brings intriguing options as far as off-ball and ball screening actions are concerned.
Reflecting on his new opportunity with Dallas, Thompson told Dallas Hoops Journal, “I’m excited; it’s a whole new chapter of my career that has the potential to be really special. The team was so close last year—three wins away from a championship—so I know we have the ingredients for success.”
Thompson’s role will be pivotal in spacing the floor for Doncic and Irving, giving them more room to operate in what could become one of the NBA’s most dangerous offenses. His veteran presence also adds championship experience to a team hungry to take the next step. If Thompson still has enough left in the tank defensively, there should be enough all-around impact to formulate one of the most potent lineups in the league.
Mavericks’ Other Key Additions Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
While Thompson’s arrival headlines the offseason moves, the Mavericks made several other acquisitions that could shape their season. Spencer Dinwiddie rejoined Dallas as a free agent, providing another scoring and playmaking option off the bench. The team also acquired Quentin Grimes, a promising 3-and-D player who could fill a crucial role on the perimeter, and signed Naji Marshall, a defensive specialist expected to help make up for the loss of Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green.
Thompson’s addition comes with questions about how he’ll mesh with his new teammates, particularly with Doncic and Irving handling much of the scoring and playmaking duties. For Thompson, building chemistry is key. “We have to stay together and build week by week,” Thompson explained. “I know we can do something special, and that’s why I’m here early, just to get a feel for the city and the lay of the land.”
The potential for all of the pieces to fall into place give the Mavericks +1000 odds to win the championship on DraftKings Sportsbook. Despite coming off a Finals appearance, they are tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth-best title odds.
The Mavericks’ success this season will hinge on how quickly their new additions integrate into the team’s system. With Dinwiddie bolstering the backcourt rotation and Grimes and Marshall adding wing depth, Dallas has the pieces in place to support its superstar backcourt. As long as they live up to expectations, the Mavs are well-positioned with other top West contenders.
Will Doncic’s MVP Caliber Impact Uplift the Mavericks?
After leading the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011, Doncic is entering the season with even higher expectations. Following Slovenia’s elimination by Greece in the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament, Doncic finally had a rare opportunity to recharge after a grueling playoff run, where he played through various injuries. According to Slovenian sports newspaper Ekipa, Doncic used this offseason to focus on his training with KK Ilirija at Tivoli Hall in Ljubljana, keeping his game sharp for another MVP push.
Doncic’s motivation is clear—he’s determined to capture his first NBA MVP trophy and lead the Mavericks to a championship. Coming off a season where he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game, Doncic earned his fifth consecutive All-NBA First-Team selection and finished third in MVP voting. He posted remarkable postseason numbers as well, averaging 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists over 22 games, cementing his status as one of the league’s top players.
This season, Doncic is one of the frontrunners for MVP, with +370 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, trailing only Nikola Jokic (+350). Many believe that with the right support and if he remains healthy, Doncic could finally capture the MVP award. His offseason preparation and recovery should have him ready to carry the Mavericks to another deep playoff run, making him one of the league’s most dangerous players to watch.
As the season unfolds, Doncic’s MVP chase will be one of the major storylines, and the Mavericks’ success will be a significant factor in whether he secures the league’s most prestigious individual honor. With the team’s over/under seeding set at 4.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook, the expectations are high, and Doncic is in prime position to lead Dallas to another standout season.
The Development of Dereck Lively II
Another significant reason for optimism about the Mavericks’ outlook is the continued development of Dereck Lively II. After an impressive rookie season where he carved out a key role in the rotation, Lively has shown signs of becoming a long-term anchor in Dallas’ frontcourt. His growth as a rim protector and rebounder, paired with improved offensive instincts, adds an essential dynamic to the team.
But this season, the Mavericks are much deeper at the center position, starting off in a far stronger position than last year. In addition to Lively, Dallas added Daniel Gafford, giving the team two rim protectors who also serve as lob threats and active rebounders. Both players bring energy on the glass and the ability to finish above the rim, helping to create an inside presence the team was lacking at the start of last season.
This depth should raise the Mavericks’ floor significantly, especially after the team went on an impressive run following midseason trade additions last year. The combination of Lively and Gafford gives Dallas more stability on both ends of the floor, and their ability to defend the paint will allow the Mavericks to compete with bigger lineups.
Having two versatile big men with similar strengths also allows head coach Jason Kidd the flexibility to maintain consistent interior defense and rebounding, even when one of them is off the court. This proved to be valuable last season, but wasn’t available until a few weeks into February last season as opposed to having it from the start.
Lively’s continued growth, along with Gafford’s impact, provides the Mavericks with a stronger foundation up front. Lively, in particular, is seen as a dark horse for Most Improved Player, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing him at +4000 to win the award. If he takes a leap in his sophomore season, Dallas’ frontcourt stability could elevate the team’s overall performance, pushing them toward their 50-win goal.
Can the Mavericks Reach 50 Wins Again?
While the betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook favor the Mavericks to win over 49.5 games (-120), the challenge will be navigating a tough conference while keeping their stars healthy. With Thompson’s championship experience, the continued brilliance of Doncic, and the depth added through offseason moves, Dallas has a legitimate shot at surpassing the 50-win mark.
However, their path to success will require strong team chemistry, defensive improvement, and staying competitive in a loaded Western Conference. If Thompson can deliver consistent shooting and leadership while helping Doncic and Irving shoulder the offensive load, the Mavericks could find themselves in the mix for one of the top seeds in the West.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how well Thompson fits into his new role and whether the Mavericks can capitalize on their offseason moves to exceed expectations. For a team that was just three wins away from an NBA championship, this season represents a real chance to win a title.
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