The Dallas Mavericks are looking to be more competitive this season after missing the NBA Western Conference Playoffs last season. However, the Mavs had one of the best drafts last season when they traded up to pick Luka Doncic, who turned out to be last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year. Also, the Mavericks drafted Jalen Brunson, who fit right in as the backup point guard, but will compete to be the starting point guard this season. Due to the trade for Doncic and due to the trade for Kristaps Porzingis, Dallas did not have a pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Therefore, the draft grade for the Mavericks is incomplete because Porzingis did not play at all last season due to a leg injury.
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Since the Mavs did not have any picks, let’s take a look at more of their offseason changes. The Mavericks made two offseason acquisitions that will give Dallas the necessary depth that they did not have last season. First, the Mavs acquired 3-point specialist Seth Curry. Last season, he shot 45% from three-point range off of the bench for the Portland Trail Blazers. For those basketball fans that are into analytics, that equals shooting 68% from two-point range.
Also, Dallas acquired NBA fan favorite Boban Marjanovic. Marjanovic is the biggest man in the NBA at this time at 7’3″ and 290 lbs. Although he is the largest man in the NBA, he is quick enough as a back-up center to not be completely lost on pick-and-roll assignments on defense. Plus, his offensive output is a huge boost that could change the momentum during a game.
Nevertheless, the season will hinge on Porzingis. He must remain healthy throughout the entire season for the Mavericks to have a chance at reaching the playoffs in another stacked Western Conference.
Very interesting. Doncic is a superb player. Is Dirk Nowitzki still playing???
Dirk retired last season. Dallas traded for Porzingis.
Do you like Doncic??? He played for Real Madrid and he was unstoppable
Yes, Doncic is really, really good. They showed the EuroLeague final that he won at Real Madrid in the USA. For him to be that young dominating at Real Madrid was proof that he would be a real good player in the NBA.
This year, Dallas could be competitive … what do you think, dear friend
In this style of NBA with less defense, the Mavericks do have a chance. They do have to rest Porzingis throughout the season because he has too many injuries.
Will Porzingis be away all season? As I understand it, he’s already ready to play this year
He’s ready to go now, but he has not played an entire season yet.
Then they can compete at least for the playoffs