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Dallas Mavericks: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

By Jerran Anderson

DALLAX, TX - JUNE 23: Donnie Nelson, Mark Cuban, Dennis Smith Jr., Rick Carlisle and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks introduce their 2017 draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. during at a press conference on June 23, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glen James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAX, TX - JUNE 23: Donnie Nelson, Mark Cuban, Dennis Smith Jr., Rick Carlisle and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks introduce their 2017 draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. during at a press conference on June 23, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glen James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Yogi Ferrell will win the Sixth Man of the Year award

The Dallas Mavericks could have a logjam in the backcourt this season, so they would be wise to bring Yogi Ferrell in off the bench, for two reasons: 1) Ferrell and Smith Jr. were a formidable force at the guard spots in Summer League and 2) They can give this offense a boost with their ability to push the pace when needed.

Ferrell is a mature player who understands his role on both ends of the floor. He’s a solid defender whose also capable of running an offense, whether as a distributor as a scoring option.

He averaged 13.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game with the Mavericks in Summer League next to Smith Jr. in the backcourt. Both are sure to enter as the top choices for starter in 2017-18.

When it comes down to it, the Dallas Mavericks may be a stronger team down the stretch with Ferrell and Smith Jr. on the floor.

Other things would have to change in the rotation, but the Mavericks have a bit of versatility in that regard. Noel can still man the center position, Harrison Barnes can play the stretch-4 and Wesley Matthews can slide over to the small forward position. Of course that leaves Nowitzki out of the loop, but he’ll need his rest.

As small-ball begins to takeover the league, especially in the West, the Dallas Mavericks seem to be ahead in that regard.

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