The Dallas Mavericks had much higher hopes for last season than being ousted in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs against James Harden and his Houston Rockets. Anytime you have the talent they have surrounding a sure-fire first ballot hall of famer such as Dirk Nowitzki, the expectation is always going to be championship or bust. As first reported by ESPN, Dallas just got some major help on their coaching staff in the form of Melvin Hunt. The former Denver Nuggets coach has reportedly agreed to join Rick Carlise’s coaching staff. Hunt had other suitors as well, mmost notably the New Orleans Pelicans.
Hunt served as the interim head coach in Denver last season for 23 games, finishing with a respectable 10-13 record considering the weak roster. However, Denver decided to go in a different direction when they hired ex-Kings head coach Mike Malone, allowing Hunt to enter the open market. Carlisle released a statement regarding the hire on Friday night with ESPN:
“Melvin Hunt joins our staff as lead assistant. Monte Mathis, who has been part of the Mavericks’ organization for 10 years, is exploring other NBA coaching opportunities and has the option to become head coach of the Texas Legends of the NBA Developmental League.”
Dallas seems excited about the addition to the coaching staff and they have every right to be. The Mavs are focused on making the team substantially better via free agency in which they’ll look to find someone they can pair in the front court with Nowitzki and will also look to the draft to find additional backcourt help. Big D should have a big offseason this summer and adding a great basketball mind should be a great way to kick it off.
