The Dallas Mavericks are another interesting team to look at going into the 2019-2020 season. Luka Doncic is coming off an incredible Rookie of the Year season. Late 2018-2019 acquisition Kristaps Porzingis has looked good at the start of preseason. What’s not to love about this team? Well, there are a few reasons why. (I think they’ll make the playoffs, just read the entire article please)
Key Additions: Kristaps Porzingis, Seth Curry
Finally, Porzingis seems healthy enough to come back to basketball. Many have missed the 7’3 “Porzingod” on the basketball court. Not many people believe that big men can truly come back from an ACL injury as Porzingis did. If they do, the road is long and tough. However, Dallas fans should be happy with what they are seeing from their new star.
What does the other Curry have to bring to the table? He doesn’t score in the volume of his older brother Steph, but he can shoot the 3-ball with some consistency.
Key Losses: No One
Believe it or not, the Mavericks pretty much retained the same squad from last year. No one of real importance was lost. If anyone did leave they were not of any real significance.
Potential Starting Lineup: Wright, Doncic, Hardaway Jr, Porzingis, Powell
Remember when I said that there were some things to not love about this Mavericks team? This is why. Outside of Doncic and Porzingis, who’s doing anything for this team? I could easily see Curry starting over Wright and Doncic taking over point guard duties. Curry would provide better spacing, but then there is really no one with the second unit that can score.
Projected Wins: 43
Let me reiterate this. The Mavericks will make the playoffs. If Luka can grow from last season, then he’ll already be in the All-Star category of players. Porzingis staying healthy is another major factor in if the Mavericks make the playoffs. In a league that is moving towards dynamic duos, the Dallas Mavericks have two great stars to build around.
As for this season, they will be a lower-tier playoff team and get bounced in the first round. As much as I love a Doncic/Porzingis tandem, there simply is no one else on this team that can help in the way that is needed. Perhaps a current/potential All-Star could be lured to Dallas. Only when that happens will the Mavericks be able to, as a team, make the big leap forward.
