Dallas Mavericks: 2017-18 NBA season preview
2017-18 Roster
Brandon Ashley, PF
J.J. Barea, PG
Harrison Barnes, SF
Gian Clavell, SG
Seth Curry, SG
P.J. Dozier, SG
Yogi Ferrell, PG
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF
Devin Harris, PG
Maxi Kleber, SF
Wesley Matthews, SG
Josh McRoberts, PF
Salah Mejri, C
Nerlens Noel, C
Dirk Nowitzki, PF
Dwight Powell, PF
Dennis Smith Jr., PG
Maalik Wayns, PG
Jeff Withey, C
Offseason additions
Dennis Smith Jr. (No. 9 overall pick, NC State), Brandon Ashley (free agent), Gian Clavell (free agent), Maxi Kleber (free agent), Jeff Withey (free agent, Utah Jazz), P.J. Dozier (undrafted free agent)
Offseason subtractions
Nicolas Brussino (waived, signed by the Atlanta Hawks)
Quick Thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks have a few new additions to the club that has the franchise looking optimistic for the 2017-18 season. With Dennis Smith Jr. at point guard and Nerlens Noel manning the paint, then Dirk on the wing, the possibilities have endless potential. However, head coach Rick Carlisle has to make it all work.
The Mavericks were last in the NBA in points per game (97.9), even though they were fourth in points allowed per game (100.8).
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They entered the offseason with depth issues on the interior. Re-signing Noel solves those problems for at least one season. Jeff Withey serves as a serviceable backup.
The re-signing of restricted free agent Nerlens Noel is probably the most intriguing part of the Mavericks’ offseason. Noel wanted a max offer while the Mavericks had other plans. Signing him to a qualifying offer is one thing to watch.
The addition of Dennis Smith Jr. at point guard is another storyline to watch out for. Smith Jr. had a great summer for the Mavericks. There were positive signs to his pairing with current point guard Yogi Ferrell in the backcourt in NBA Summer League.
The Dallas Mavericks had the luxury of using undrafted free agents to fill a lot of their voids on defense last season. Yogi Ferrell and Dorian Finney-Smith can bear witness to those benefits.
They’re hoping that can be the case again this season with the signings of P.J. Dozier, Gian Clavell and Brandon Ashley.