As we continue churning out our NBA season previews, we shift our focus to the Dallas Mavericks as they aim to recapture the glory of their unlikely 2011 title run, this time headed by MVP candidate Luka Dončić. The Mavericks last season were eliminated by the Warriors 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals. In these previews, we will take a look at the key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.
Key Acquisitions
Dallas’ biggest move of the offseason was trading for Houston big Christian Wood who is expected to start in the middle for them and play a key role their scheme both offensively and defensively. In 68 games this past season, Wood averaged 17.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg, and 1.0 bpg shooting 39.0% on nearly five three-point attempts per game. The 27-year-old’s effectiveness in the pick-and-pop along with his presence as a rim protector should mesh nicely with Dallas’ roster and offer an effective two-man game for Dončić to create opportunities through.
Dallas also added veteran big JaVale McGee on a three-year, $17 million deal. A three-time NBA champion, McGee will likely share backup centre duties with Dwight Powell – a role he embraced last season in Phoenix. In 74 games with the Suns, he averaged 9.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 1.1 bpg on .651 TS% in just 15.8 mpg. A terrific rim protector and rebounder, McGee helps sure up Dallas’ frontcourt and brings a steadying veteran presence that the team should benefit from.
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Fantasy Stars
There is little doubt that Dallas’ fantasy star will be Dončić, who is ranked first among all two-guards and third among point guards. In 65 games this past season, the 23-year-old averaged 28.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, and 8.7 apg and finished the season with the league’s highest usage rate. A remarkable playmaker and shot creator, Dončić enters the season as the MVP favourite and holds the key to Dallas’ postseason hopes.
Projected Finish
Jeremy and I both forecast Dallas to earn a top-six seed in the West and avoid the play-in. Whilst the supporting cast around Dončić may lack raw star-power, the likes of Wood, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Spencer Dinwiddie, Reggie Bullock and Tim Hardaway Jr. offer head coach Jason Kidd a variety of lineup options to tinker with and solid two-way balance. The loss of Jalen Brunson may prove difficult to overcome but the rise of Dinwiddie and return of Hardaway Jr. should help sure up the backcourt depth.
