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Dallas Mavericks: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

By Simon Smith

DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Luka Doncic #77 Harrison Barnes #40 Dirk Nowitzki #41 DeAndre Jordan #6 and Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 21, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Luka Doncic #77 Harrison Barnes #40 Dirk Nowitzki #41 DeAndre Jordan #6 and Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 21, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Dallas averages 40 3-point attempts per game

Last season, the Mavericks were one of just four teams in the league to have at least five players nail 100 or more triples for the season. In their case, there were six players who recorded this feat, just behind the seven registered by the Houston Rockets.

Overall, the Mavericks averaged 32.8 attempts per game from 3-point range, ranking fourth in the league. This included 13 games in which he they attempted at least 40 from long range. Granted, jumping from 32.8 to 40 attempts from 3-point range in the space of one season is an enormous leap. However, such a dramatic rise is not uncommon with how the league is trending.

From the 2015-16 season to 2016-17, the Rockets leapt from 30.9 to 40.3 attempts per game. Also, the Chicago Bulls just last season attempted 31.1 per game after just 22.3 per game the year prior. While the Rockets’ jump was primarily due to the introduction of new head coach Mike D’Antoni, the Bulls were led by the same kind of coach in Fred Hoiberg.

Of the six players who made at least 100 triples last season, only Yogi Ferrell is no longer with the team. A newcomer who has the potential to add significantly in this area is swingman Ryan Broekhoff. A member of the Australian National Team, Broekhoff is coming off a terrific season with PBC Lokomotiv Kuyban in the EuroCup, where he shot at a 50.6 percent clip from 3-point range on 5.2 attempts per game.

Considering his skill-set, adding Broekhoff is a strong indication the Mavericks will be looking to enhance their overall adherence to the long ball.

So given Smith has a season under his belt, and the attention Jordan is going to attract on his multiple rim runs per game, there’s every reason to believe the Mavericks will significantly increase this aspect of their game and approach 40 attempts per game.

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