Reason To Believe In 2016-2017 Dallas Mavericks?

 

 

The Monstars out west are a lock for the 1-seed. The San Antonio Spurs looks poised to make a smooth transition into the post- Tim Duncan era. You can also bank on Russell Westbrook reaching MVP status now that Kevin Durant‘s volume has gone west.

 

The Dallas Mavericks will finish 4th in the West. Yes, 4th. The 11th hour additions for Dallas have gone so far under the radar. Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut and Seth Curry are exceptional acquisitions but NBA fans and writers are focused on another year of FA failure, striking out on Mike Conley and Hassan Whiteside.

 

PREDICTION:

 

1) Warriors

2) Spurs

3) Thunder

4) Mavs

5) Clippers

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Deron Williams: Clutch 3-PT shooting in 4th qts
14 PPG, 5 APG, 3 RPG

 

Wes Matthews: 6+ months after tearing achilles
12 PPG, 2 APG, 86%-FT

 

Harrison Barnes: Played behind 3 All-Stars
12 PPG, 5 RPG, 38%-3PT

 

Dirk Nowitzki: 20 PPG, 94%-FT, 50%-FG in Playoffs
18 PPG 89%-FT 6 RPG

 

Andrew Bogut: Avg 20 mins- lowest of 11 yr career
5 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 APG, 1 BPG, 62%-FT

 

Seth Curry: Averaged 16 PPG, 5 APG, & 50%-3PT in April
6 PPG, 45%-3PT, 1 APG

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Size:

Dirk – 7’0

Bogut – 7’0

Mejri – 7’2

Hammonds – 7’0

Powell – 6’11

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Youth:

Anderson – 22

Barnes – 24

Curry – 25

Hammonds – 23

Powell – 24

Finney-Smith – 23

Acy – 25

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The Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trailblazers both had underwhelming off-seasons while Mark Cuban and Co. shrunk the athleticism gap that led to their early exit vs OKC. Dallas’ new length in the paint and defensive prowess of Barnes/Matthews will disrupt the top of the West.

 

The key to reaching 4th in the West is Deron Williams. His health must hold up. D-Will needs to keep it under 15 missed games. 

 

The Dallas Mavericks boast three NBA Champions in the starting line-up and a young physical bench to provide havoc. If injuries never become an issue, expect Dallas to reach the 4th spot in the West. Yes, 4th.