A bit at a time, Mavs are getting more length. That should help, especially defensively. Even if the pieces individually are so-so defenders, having lots of length can make it much harder for the opponent to play against. And if the individual defensive skills can be coached up just a bit, then having better athletic traits on the team should show dividends.
One other thing that matters a lot in the long run - the Mavs are adding rotation-level guys, and their contracts are both at about MLE level or just a bit more. While we'd like to have a team full of all-NBA players making max salary, the reality is that after you have a couple those LEGIT elite players making max, you have to apportion the remainder carefully. I would submit that THJ's 18M is an overpay by 4-5M, but the rest of the roster is good players at reasonable pricing.
One other thing that matters a lot in the long run - the Mavs are adding rotation-level guys, and their contracts are both at about MLE level or just a bit more. While we'd like to have a team full of all-NBA players making max salary, the reality is that after you have a couple those LEGIT elite players making max, you have to apportion the remainder carefully. I would submit that THJ's 18M is an overpay by 4-5M, but the rest of the roster is good players at reasonable pricing.