Dallas Mavericks: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Predictions

The truth of the matter is the Dallas Mavericks won 33 games last season with a not-so good roster. This season, the roster is improved a bit with drafting Smith Jr. and Noel re-signing but there’s still sure to be some growing pains for this group.

The Dallas roster isn’t the biggest group in the backcourt. Smith Jr. and Harris are listed at 6’3″ while Ferrell and Barea are listed at 6’0″. It will be interesting to see how head coach Rick Carlisle plays these guys, albeit together or with three guards on the floor.

They did it a ton last season and it got them some victories. With a lack of depth on the wing, they’ll need one of their guards to play out of position, which will most likely give us a glimpse of Smith Jr.’s versatility.

On the perimeter, Barnes, Curry and Matthews should benefit from the attention Smith Jr. will draw with the ball in his hands. Look for an uptick in their 3-point production this season.

The Mavericks have some rookies who can make a splash, too. P.J. Dozier, Brandon Ashley and Maxi Kleber should jump in the rotation at some point this season. They’ve got some trade-bait in Wesley Matthews and J.J. Barea, but they lack the depth and experience to make a meaningful splash as a deep playoff team.

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Dozier and Ashley give Dallas solid slashing options off the wing. Kleber gives them another solid big man who can earn minutes in the rotation. It could be another draft season for the Mavericks, this year outside of the lottery, but the potential is there for them to win around 43 games and sneak in as the eighth seed in the West.