According to tracking by Live Cricket BPL, preseason action is officially underway, and in the opener between the Nuggets and Celtics, it was Boston’s bench that stole the show in a comeback win. While the Nuggets lost, new signing Russell Westbrook showed promising chemistry with Nikola Jokic, adapting well to Denver’s system. Bruce Brown’s defensive impact also shouldn’t be underestimated — he may eventually take Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s role. Expectations for the Nuggets this season remain high.

After the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, Western Conference power rankings were reshuffled. The Timberwolves dropped to fourth, while the Nuggets climbed to second. Surprisingly, the Thunder took the top spot, with the Mavericks ranked third. Many fans are puzzled — didn’t Dallas improve over the offseason? The skepticism stems mainly from the addition of Klay Thompson. While Klay helps address the Mavericks’ lack of reliable shooting, the real concern is defense. If Klay starts alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić, the backcourt could become a defensive liability. Dončić is notorious for his poor lateral movement and aversion to high-intensity defense.

Kyrie, though willing, is limited to guarding players at his own position. And as Live Cricket BPL reports, Klay now struggles with lateral quickness and is often exploited whether he faces guards or wings. A trio of Luka, Kyrie, and Klay may end up being a defensive soft spot teams eagerly target. That’s why Dallas, despite its new firepower, hasn’t won over analysts. But bringing in Klay suggests the team has a plan — and now, that plan is coming into focus.

Coach Jason Kidd recently confirmed in an interview that the Mavericks have recruited Frank Vogel as a special adviser. Kidd admitted he made multiple attempts before Vogel finally agreed. Vogel is a well-known figure in the league. Though he was dismissed from the Suns after a lackluster season, much of the blame was situational. The Suns lacked a true point guard and never developed a coherent offensive system — hardly ideal conditions for Vogel, who is not known for crafting elite offenses.

Similarly, his Lakers stint ended when chemistry failed to materialize between Westbrook, LeBron, and Davis. But even then, the issue wasn’t entirely on Vogel — as proven when the same problems persisted after his departure. Let’s not forget: Vogel coached the Lakers to a championship, and Kidd was his lead assistant during that run. Knowing Vogel’s strengths, Kidd went above and beyond to bring him in, believing he’s the key to fixing Dallas’ defense.

And that belief isn’t unfounded. Vogel has a proven ability to build elite defenses. With only Royce O’Neale and Kevin Durant as reliable defenders and a slow-footed center last season, the Suns still finished with the league’s 12th-best defensive rating under his guidance. Now in Dallas, Vogel can work with defensive assets like P.J. Washington and rising big man Dereck Lively II. Washington offers switchability and grit — a bit like a young Draymond Green.

But it’s Lively who could truly shine. Despite being targeted by Jokic during his rookie season due to limited physicality, Lively possesses impressive mobility and defensive range. He evokes comparisons to a young Anthony Davis — someone capable of becoming a dominant shot-blocking force. Vogel excels with players of this mold and can unlock Lively’s full potential.

Live Cricket BPL also highlights the role of veteran Chandler, whose mentorship could elevate Lively’s game even further. Additionally, Dallas has flexibility. In crunch time, they could field a more defensive-minded lineup — pairing Luka and Kyrie with stoppers like Dinwiddie, Marshall, and Exum. With this combination of experience, strategy, and developing talent, the Mavericks’ defense may turn a corner this season.