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Dallas Mavericks: 5 New Year’s resolutions for 2019

By Adam Tayabali

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 30: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 30, 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 - DECEMBER 30: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 30, 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images.
Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images. /

The Dallas Mavericks have had a lackluster 2018, but have many manageable goals in 2019 that, if accomplished, will lead to a very bright future.

Heading into the new year, the Dallas Mavericks survived an ultimately lackluster 2018. The few bright spots included attracting DeAndre Jordan to a one-year contract and the play of the Luka Doncic in the final months of the calendar year. With that being said, the Mavs have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season.

Their fortunes seemed to be changing ahead of 2019, as they had an 8-4 record in November and started December 5-1. Unfortunately, Dallas ended the year losing eight of its final 10 games, including a six-game losing streak.

Still, the Mavericks are a better team than the squad that entered 2018. Last year at this time, they were 13-25. Today, their current record is 17-19. Although it’s not great, it’s an improvement.

With point guard Dennis Smith Jr. recovering from a recent wrist injury and Dirk Nowitzki only having played eight games so far, the Mavs weren’t at full strength to start the 2018-19 season. Now expected to be at full strength and with the new additions of Jordan and Doncic expected to be better acclimated, better chemistry can be developed. Dallas can hopefully get on a roll and make a push for the playoffs in 2019.

The Mavs also had the poor habit in 2018 of playing down to weaker competition, so consistency and better overall play should be prioritized. Although they have a stellar home record, their disappointing play on the road and on nationally televised games needs to be addressed as well.

Regardless of whether they make the playoffs or not, the front office has a budding superstar in Doncic and will have many tough decisions to make in the offseason. Many key players will be either unrestricted or restricted free agents, and deciding who they should keep to build around him will be key.

Here are five New Year’s resolutions in 2019 that can help Dallas continue its upward trend.

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