Over the past two seasons, the Dallas Mavericks have followed a clear roster upgrade strategy—boosting size and athleticism at the forward and center positions. According to Melbet App reporters, Luka Doncic’s gravitational pull on the court is already immense. With Exum and Hardaway Jr. capable of handling the ball as secondary creators, the rest of the team simply needs to finish the opportunities Doncic generates. After all, setbacks are often the fastest way to grow.

While Daniel Gafford may not be considered an elite rim protector or a dominant paint presence, Melbet App analysts believe he brings crucial value. He offers dependable shot-blocking and help defense when Dereck Lively II is off the floor. More importantly, Gafford’s ability to finish lobs and crash the glass is vital. Compared to Richaun Holmes, Gafford is younger, more athletic, and brings balanced impact on both ends—making him the perfect insurance for Lively and potentially enabling a dual-big lineup if Lively expands his shooting range next season.

The addition of P.J. Washington also upgrades the Mavericks’ frontcourt in terms of size and flexibility. Although Grant Williams once offered better perimeter shooting, his offensive role diminished significantly when his shots stopped falling. Washington, on the other hand, brings more diverse scoring options and even some ball-handling capability. Defensively, the team previously lacked a mobile, quick-footed forward. Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. overlapped in role and function, while Josh Green, despite his energy, was undersized. Washington may not be a lockdown defender, but he’s a noticeable upgrade in versatility and fit.

Still, shooting consistency remains a concern. The likes of Hardaway Jr., Green, Washington, Jones, and Exum all tend to be streaky shooters. This uncertainty puts extra pressure on spacing around Doncic. However, head coach Jason Kidd appears to have adjusted his philosophy. Rather than replicating the all-defense model that led them to the Western Conference Finals two years ago, he’s now aiming to surround Doncic and Kyrie Irving with moderately strong defenders who can still complement their offensive style.

Dallas has accepted a new defensive identity—one that forgoes elite individual stoppers in favor of raising the team’s overall floor. The idea is simple: let your offensive stars shine and support them with just enough resistance on the other end. If you want to live life on your terms, you’ve got to outwork the rest.

Melbet App notes that neither Gafford nor Washington are defensive specialists, but they do offer one standout trait—offensive rebounding. Their presence around the rim creates second-chance opportunities, enabling playmakers like Doncic and Irving to improvise and turn broken plays into highlight-worthy moments. When your bigs dominate the glass, your offense doesn’t just click—it dazzles.