After defeating Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics brought home the NBA title after 16 years. Entering the series, both teams were considered evenly matched, but Jason Kidd’s team faltered under the Celtics’ heavy defense.

After facing a 1-4 defeat in the 2023-24 NBA Finals, the Mavericks’ coach is ready to yet again face the best team in the NBA in the Finals. In an interview with NBC Sports, Kidd said that he hopes to meet the defending champions in the finals next season.

Kidd also gave props to the Celtics and said that the team was built to compete for the title even next season.

“You got to go through Boston, they won this past season and they are built to compete for another one,” Kidd said. “So, you got to go through Boston. You got to beat the defending champs. I am happy they are in the East and so hopefully we can see them again.”

Kidd added that this season would be even more difficult for every team because more teams have gotten better with their roster.

Last season, the Mavericks were ranked fifth in the Western Conference. They were only two games ahead of the New Orleans Pelican, who were ranked seventh in the West.

After the offseason trade, teams like the Pelicans are expected to become a big threat to the Mavericks. The Pelicans added Dejounte Murray to their roster this offseason.

Can the Dallas Mavericks make NBA Finals again?

The Dallas Mavericks were not the favorite to make it out of the West last season and are not the favorite even in the upcoming season. Their path to coming out of the West would be far more difficult than last season, but easier if the Klay Thompson trade works in their favor.

Apart from the Pelicans, the OKC Thunder have gotten better than last season. They have added a defensive player in Alex Caruso behind their elite offensive power. The Minnesota Timberwolves added 2024 No. 8th Draft pick Rob Dillingham to their roster.

Perhaps the Sacramento Kings pulled the biggest trade in the Western Conference. In a three-team trade, the Kings traded for DeMar DeRozan. Despite not making the playoffs, the Kings were a formidable team last season. With the addition of DeRozan, their chances of being one of the best in the West are much higher.

The biggest threat would be rising in the West from the Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, the Grizzlies, with a series of injuries, were invalid. Now with their team coming back fully healthy, they are sure to make noise this season. They possess an outstanding combination of defense and offense.

The Mavs rightly deserved to be in the NBA Finals last year. This upcoming season, more forces have risen in the West and the road is not going to be easy whatsoever.