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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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images. /

3. Remain patient with young prospects

With Luka Doncic ascending and becoming the primary ball-handler of the Dallas Mavericks, point guard Dennis Smith Jr. has seen his role decline. The former No. 9 overall pick is averaging 13.0 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game, all of which are lower than his rookie season.

Smith, 21, has not proven to be the best fit alongside because of his inability to space the floor. According to the New York Times‘ Marc Stein, the Mavericks were open to hearing out offers for the sophomore guard.

Still, Dallas should not be so quick to move Smith. He is not only young, but is one of the fastest and most athletic guards in the association. He may not shoot or pass exceptionally just yet, but he should be given time to develop those areas of his game.

Even though he has struggled this year, Smith has remained confident and aggressive. On Dec. 28, after failing to shoot the ball before the time went off in the Mavs’ 114-112 loss to the Pelicans, he wasn’t hesitant to shoot it the next game. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 30, he hit the game’s final shot with 24.8 seconds left to give the Mavericks a 104-103 lead. The Mavs went on to win 105-103.

Yet, there might be a bigger, underlying issue than forcing Dallas to try and move Smith. Jason McIntyre called Smith “selfish,” which might be mean there are immaturity issues that Dallas is trying to avoid. If this is in fact true, the team should still give Smith time. Moving him too soon might lead to regret if he blossoms into a better shooter or they get pieces that did not equal his trade value.

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