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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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images
Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images /

1. Dennis Smith Jr. will win Rookie of the Year

The Dallas Mavericks surprisingly found themselves in the NBA Draft Lottery last offseason. After going 42-40 in the 2015-16 season, they went below .500 and saw a number of roster changes throughout the year.

They also had their highest choice in the NBA Draft since 1998, back when they acquired center Dirk Nowitzki from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Nearly 20 seasons later, it looks like the Mavericks have found their next superstar in Dennis Smith Jr. and he’s got Rookie of the Year written all over him for the 2017-18 season.

Smith Jr. put up 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his Summer League debut on July 8. The next night on July 9, against Phoenix Suns and fellow rookie Josh Jackson, he exploded for 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals in a 88-77 victory.

Smith Jr. would go on to earn First Team All-Summer League honors, walking away impressing most of his fellow draft class. After all, in the 2017-18 rookie survey, he was the astounding favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

So, maybe this isn’t such a bold prediction. Either way, expect great things from Smith Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks next season.

Next: Ranking the 10 NBA teams who have 'next' after the Warriors

The youth movement is strong in Dallas and there’s no way to go but up for this group on offense. They have a lethal combination of guards and forwards in their arsenal that can all knock down the 3-point shot at an efficient enough rate to win games.

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