Golden State Warriors: Southwest Division Preview
Dallas Mavericks
2015-16 : 42-40
In a division with so many question marks, the Dallas Mavericks might be the most difficult team to assess. There’s some things to like. There’s some things to be wary of.
The Mavericks’ best player is 38 years old and he hasn’t run in years. He’s seven feet tall and he struggles to get enough lift to dunk a basketball. And yet he’s still really effective.
Dallas’ starting lineup will boast a future Hall of Famer, a three-time All-Star, a three-point specialist, and two starters from the winningest team of all-time. Seriously. But, of course, that doesn’t tell the whole story. It was just fun to do.
Dirk Nowitzki is still fantastic. Deron Williams, once a star point guard, is no where near that level anymore. Wesley Matthew is a solid player who bounced back well after his injury. Andrew Bogut is a really good center who might have a bigger role offensively.
And then there’s Harrison Barnes. There’s no way to sugar coat it–he was absolutely awful in the NBA Finals. He’s a better player than what he was in Games 5-7, but he’s also worse than what his numbers, resumé, and hype suggest. He’s pretty average with no real indication that he’s going to get better, even at just 24.
The issue with Dallas is that it looks like they’re going to rely on Barnes a lot. They seemingly want Nowitzki to hand the torch off to him. And he’s not that player.
The Mavs might be able to muster a little more offense around their German star this year. Seth Curry has had a good preseason, Matthews is a shooter, and Bogut’s passing and screen-setting is special. They’re going to need the defense to win them ball games though because the offense is most likely going to be inconsistent.
Rick Carlisle is a really good coach and will find a way to get the most out of his players. Unfortunately, expecting an aging star and/or Harrison Barnes to carry you isn’t a great move. The Mavericks could surprise some people if everything goes right for them at the same time, but that probably won’t happen.
They’ll be in the hunt for a lower playoff seed. If their hunt for a playoff berth is getting close or if Nowitzki, don’t expect Barnes and Bogut to really be there. The Warriors’ trophy shelf can confirm that they don’t really show up when the team needs them the most.
2016-17 Prediction: 41-41