NBA Power Rankings: Preview the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest

Dearly Departed: Seth Curry, JJ Barea, Delon Wright, Justin Jackson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

New Additions: Josh Richardson, James Johnson, Wes Iwundu, Josh Green, Tyrell Terry, Tyler Bey

Win Projection/Prediction: 42.5/Over

One of the new favorite teams of NBA fans, the Dallas Mavericks have a chance to be great already. They took the first step forward last season in Luka Doncic’s second season (and first together with Kristaps Porzingis). It has been widely covered that they had the best statistical offense of all time last season but needed to focus on the defensive end of the floor. They did just that this past offseason.

All three of Dallas’ rookies have a chance to produce on that end as well as be knockdown shooters. Wes Iwundu was a useful defender in Orlando last season and is an under the radar pickup that should pay dividends. James Johnson provides the type of toughness the team lacked in the playoffs against the Clippers when Marcus Morris felt comfortable bulling Doncic without any repercussions.

The trade for Josh Richardson is the highlight move and it is a fantastic fit. He never fit with the Philadelphia 76ers but will be able to focus as a Maverick on what is going to get him paid next summer. He is a great wing defender that will help hide some of Doncic’s deficiencies.

The only thing keeping this team from being higher as of now is the volatility of the health of Porzingis and to a lesser extent Dwight Powell. They are such important parts of the offensive that meaningful time missed will likely prevent a run to the two seed, as some have predicted. Finishing fourth seems like a happy compromise and a promising step forward for this developing team.