Dallas Mavericks fans are hyped after Mark Cuban adds Matisse Thybulle and Grant Williams in just a few hours

The Dallas Mavericks continue to retool their roster for another crack at the playoffs next season. Owner Mark Cuban recently added Matisse Thybulle and Grant Williams to the lineup that is led by superstars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

After the separate deals landed them two versatile and solid defenders, Mavs fans promptly reacted:

The Dallas Mavericks had the worst defensive rating in the entire NBA after acquiring Irving before the trade deadline. Dorian Finney-Smith, who was the team’s best perimeter defender, was part of the package that was used to acquire the mercurial point guard.

Since Cuban’s priority was to re-sign Kyrie Irving, something he eventually accomplished, the team had to get players with at least solid defense. The Mavericks drafted Dereck Lively II, probably collegiate hoops’ best interior defender, to anchor their defense.

Dallas also added former Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes and the No. 24 pick, which turned out to be Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Both are expected to earn minutes through their defense.

Adding Grant Williams and Matisse Thybulle should only make Jason Kidd’s defense a little more versatile and better.

Williams is a particularly intriguing addition. He has playoff enviable experience after so many years in the postseason with the Boston Celtics.

“Batman” has been a crucial member of past Celtics playoff teams because of his defense. Over the last three seasons, he has also shot 39.7% from deep, giving Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving a fantastic kick-out option.

Matisse Thybulle has a somewhat similar game as Dorian Finney-Smith. He can guard both positions, the small forward spot and the occasional power forward. After two horrific seasons (2020-21, 2021-22) shooting from behind the arc, he found his stroke last year.

Thybulle shot 36.5% from deep for the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers. If he can sustain this kind of shooting to pair with his superb defense, he should be an excellent acquisition by the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks could return to the playoffs next year

The Dallas Mavericks retained the All-Star pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for next season. They’ve also added some intriguing pieces to the puzzle that Jason Kidd will have to solve.

Seth Curry, Dante Exum, Richaun Holmes and Matisse Thybulle will be the new names who are expected to make an impact next season.

Dallas wanted to shore up their defense and shooting in the offseason and has addressed both concerns.

Two seasons ago, the Dallas Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals largely behind Luka Doncic’s exploits. With the additions so far, the Mavs may just have enough to get back to the postseason.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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