The Dallas Mavericks currently rank 23rd in the entire NBA in transition defense, as this has been one of Dallas' more fundamental problems all season. Transition defense in the modern NBA is no easy task, with teams routinely moving the ball forward more than ever to try to take 3-point shots in transition.
But the Mavericks will need to get better at transition defense when they return from the All-Star break, and there are many ways to do that. With the additions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, Dallas is already seeing how athletic its frontcourt has become through just three contests. This should help the Mavericks' transition defense going forward, but the biggest thing the Mavericks have to do to solve this problem is their effort.
Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has an ethereal tendency to fall back on defense when arguing with referees over decisions. This usually puts the Mavericks at a disadvantage in transition defense at least a few times every game. Dallas also needs to do a better job of getting their defense back and setting them up in time, as they sometimes fail to set up or can't get bodies to the body in transition.
Sprint recovery from long misses and turnovers will also need to be a key focus going forward if Dallas wants to improve its transition defense. Hopefully Dallas' influx of athleticism helps fix their transition defense, as it's certainly an area the team will look to exploit heading into the playoffs if the Mavericks continue to let this issue percolate. That's all.
