Dallas Mavericks: 5 goals for Yogi Ferrell in 2017-18

2. Solidify himself as a top defender with the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks enjoyed the emergence of point guard Yogi Ferrell in 2016-17. In 2017-18, the expectations for Ferrell are a little different, but that shouldn’t keep him from finding playing time in the rotation.

Ferrell just needs to use his 6’0″, 180-pound frame and be the lockdown defender the Mavs need him to be. He pulled in his fair share of accolades in 2016-17. He earned the Rookie of the Month award in February, averaging 12.0 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game despite Dallas’ 6-5 record.

The Mavericks ranked fourth in the NBA in points allowed per game (100.8) but 15th in defensive rating (108.8). With stronger defenders in Ferrell and Smith at the point guard position, there’s certainly potential for the pair to turn into solid defenders.

One way or another, Dallas will need a strong defensive performance from its guards if it hopes to survive in the sharpshooting Western Conference. With Nerlens Noel manning the paint, Ferrell has an opportunity to play a key role on the defensive side of the ball. He’ll just need to assert himself and get the job done.