The Dallas Mavericks are shockingly in an outstanding spot to clinch a spot in the Play-In Tournament despite everything they've been through over the last few months, but their chances of securing the No. 9 seed and home-court advantage are looking lower than initially expected, as they are now half a game behind the Sacramento Kings for this spot.
Dallas' schedule isn't doing them any favors either, as they face the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies over the next six days, and while the entire organization's full focus is on putting themselves in the best spot to escape the play-in, Nico Harrison's mind is about to have to be on how he wants to fill out the roster for the playoffs.
As things currently stand, the Mavericks have one open roster spot after trading away four players at the trade deadline while only bringing back three, and there are a few options that Harrison can consider to fill this spot for their playoff roster.
Ranking candidates for Mavericks' final open roster spot
While Dallas' roster would nearly be good to go if healthy, not having Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper for the rest of the season has made things difficult, and this choice could end up making or breaking the Mavs' chances of securing a playoff berth as the No. 8 seed.
They have many areas of need with only one roster spot to address it (two if they cut Exum), and all eyes will be on Harrison as his time to make a decision will only last a few days once April 10 hits.
4. Kai Jones
Kai Jones came onto the scene by storm when he arrived in Dallas, but with the other big men back in the rotation, his production has decreased somewhat (when everyone has played). The Mavs don't need more big man depth for the playoffs, regardless of how good Jones has been, and it may make more sense to sign him in the offseason rather than using their soon-to-be open roster spot on him and keeping them from filling some of their other holes.
He wouldn't be getting much playing time to begin with, now that Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford are back in the lineup, and there are other positions that Harrison must address instead of center.
Jones has earned himself a standard contract by dominating with efficiency, athleticism, and hustle, and any team would be lucky to have him as a back-up big.
3. Kessler Edwards
Kessler Edwards was Dallas' starting five earlier this season when the team was going through one of the wildest injury whirlpools in team history, and even though Mavs fans may have forgotten about him since he hasn't played since March 25, he will still end up being in consideration for this final roster spot.
Edwards averaged 4.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this season while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from downtown, and his defensive versatility, hustle, and 3-point shooting were huge boosts for the Mavs, and he showed up when they needed him most.
Considering Dallas needs more perimeter defense, Edwards is a great option to give them a wing defender who can guard multiple positions while being an effective option to knock down open shots in limited quantities (especially above the break).
2. Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. seems like the most unlikely of these candidates to secure Dallas' final roster spot, considering that there have been no rumors linking him to the Mavs yet, but fans' minds have been racing ever since he was spotted in the tunnel following a game at the American Airlines Center. He hasn't been on the Mavericks since Luka Doncic's rookie year back in the 2018-19 season, and now may be the perfect time to bring him back.
The Mavs need guard depth now more than ever, and his spectacular perimeter defense would make him an excellent fit into Jason Kidd's system. Dallas showed interest in signing him last summer, and Smith Jr. would likely welcome a reunion with open arms since he has been out of the NBA all season.
1. Brandon Williams
Mavs fans fell in love with Brandon Williams's game last month when he dominated in his elevated role, but just like Jones and Edwards, he is currently ineligible for the playoffs since he is on a two-way deal. Williams feels like the most likely player out of everyone to secure a standard deal with Dallas' need for more shot creation and guard depth, and he'd likely have a bigger role than any of the aforementioned players if he is signed.
Williams' ability to score at all three levels is remarkable, and if the Mavs sign him, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kidd heavily leaned upon him in the playoffs. Bringing back Williams and seeing how he performs in a playoff atmosphere would be a great audition to see if he has what it takes to step up in big moments, and him continuing to learn behind Irving would be beneficial for his development.
