2. Dallas Mavericks
Thanks to rookie forward and emerging star Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Signing All-Star center DeAndre Jordan and trading their top-5 protected first round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to move up and draft Doncic signals that Dallas wants to return to the postseason.
Yet, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Dallas. Dennis Smith Jr., the second-year point guard and hopeful back court partner to Doncic, has had a rough season so far, prompting the Mavericks to shop him on the trade market. Smith and Doncic have not jelled on the court and Smith took time away from the team. While the tension between DSJ and management has cooled down for now, who’s to say that these problems don’t return?
The Mavs might want to move on from Smith and surround Doncic with players more suited to win now instead of the future. Goran Dragic and Doncic’s games are actually pretty similar: Both are capable playmakers that are good at shooting the 3 and driving to the basket, and neither is incredibly athletic. Both players are more effective in a half-court offense than a fast-paced one.
In addition to Dragic, who is already familiar with Doncic’s game after the two won gold in the FIBA World Cup for Team Slovenia, the Mavs receive a 3-and-D player in Rodney McGruder, who could slide right into Wesley Matthews‘ spot in the starting lineup. Dallas also gets a good chance to get back into the first round of the draft, as Atlanta receives their pick unless it becomes top five.
Smith will get the chance to run the show in Miami. The young, ultra-athletic point guard would be a great building block for the future. While his playmaking isn’t strong yet, he’s shown to be a solid passer and versatile scorer. Although he lacked defense his rookie year, he has improved this year. Still, he won’t need to be an excellent defender as long as Miami keeps Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson. Matthews is included to match salaries, but is still a solid 3-and-D player.