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By Anne Erickson
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The Mavericks could have spent the offseason making big changes and getting in the headlines, but they chose a different path.
Ever since Cooper Flagg arrived, every decision has been viewed through that lens. Dallas isn't trying to rush the process. Instead, the powers there seem focused on putting the right pieces around its new franchise cornerstone while keeping enough veteran talent in place to stay competitive.
That approach showed up throughout the summer. The Mavericks added Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick, giving the roster another athletic young player with room to grow. They also brought in Santi Aldama, whose outside shooting should fit well alongside Flagg, and added Zaccharie Risacher, another talented young wing who gives Dallas even more versatility.
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Of course, there were departures, too. Marvin Bagley III, Khris Middleton and Ryan Nembhard all moved on, but none of those moves changed the overall direction of the franchise. The bigger story was who stayed.
Some expected Dallas to move more veterans this offseason, especially players left over from the Luka Doncic era. Instead, the Mavericks stayed patient. They weren't interested in making trades just to clear the roster or speed up the rebuild.
That's probably the right decision. Flagg doesn't need to be surrounded entirely by players his own age. Having experienced teammates around him should make the transition to the NBA a little easier, and it allows Dallas to remain competitive while its young core develops.
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Kyrie Irving is still a big part of that plan. His ability to create offense means opposing defenses can't load up on Flagg every possession, while Aldama gives the Mavericks another floor spacer who should benefit from the attention Flagg and Irving attract.
This wasn't an offseason built around making the biggest splash. But, instead, it was about continuing the foundation Dallas started the moment it drafted Flagg.
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