Dallas Mavericks Roster 2019 Mavericks Roster

If Dallas played in the Eastern Conference, its rebuild would likely be closer to complete than it is now. The Mavericks have picked up a couple of decent players through the draft, but are still not deep enough to compete in the Western Conference. The same brain trust is in place for the Mavericks, which helps provide continuity. The strategy for Dallas seems to be building through the draft and mixing in a strategic signing or two. This strategy can take the Mavericks some of the way back, but Dallas will need to re-establish itself as a destination for free agents with some high profile free agents coming onto the marketplace soon. For now, the Mavericks are a team that lacks an identity and needs to establish one. The Mavericks may eclipse their 24-win total from last season, but do not count on them shattering that mark. Dallas is likely two players away from contention.

Dallas Mavericks Roster Top 3 Questions

Dallas has been a team at the bottom of the best, and it is easy to see why. Dirk Nowitzki is pushing 40 years old, and carry a team full of secondary players. Wesley Matthews was a max deal player that set them back in the salary department. Harrison Barnes left for Dallas after playing with Golden State for a few seasons, but didn’t take a massive step forwards. Dallas drafted Dennis Smith Jr. out of the 2017 draft class, who was one of the guards that fell to them. At the moment he is expected to their starting point guard moving forward, but will need some time to grow. Guards like Seth Curry, Yogi Ferrell, and J.J. Barea also sit in this backcourt, and have had plenty of playing time due to various injuries. The front court is a bit of a mess, as Dallas took a shot on a few guys that haven’t panned out. Nerlens Noel hasn’t quite cracked a starting role as some expected.

How Much Does Dirk Nowitzki have Left?

The Mavericks' legend will move into fifth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list early in the season. At age 40, Nowitzki is obviously slowing down, yet he still plays an important role on this team. At this point, his most critical task will be mentoring the youngsters who will likely take his job when he retires. Anything that Nowitzki can contribute this season will be a bonus for the Mavericks. He is no longer capable of contributing 30 minutes per game, nor should he.

Is Luka Doncic the Franchise Centerpiece?

The Mavericks traded up in the draft to nab Doncic. The teenage guard out of Slovenia has been compared to a young Drazen Petrovic. Doncic excelled as a teenager playing for Real Madrid, leading to outsize expectations for him in the NBA. Doncic played well in the preseason. Dallas will give him the playing time to allow him to learn on the job. What is more is that Doncic will get the green light to shoot as often as he wants. Doncic is as sure of a thing as there is coming out of Europe. He starred against NBA players in the Eurobasket Championships. Dallas' trade to move up to get Doncic may be remembered as one of the better moves in franchise history.

Will Dennis Smith Jr. Continue to Develop

Smith had an uneven rookie season, battling injuries and struggling with his consistency. Smith was woeful shooting from the field last year, falling below 40 percent. While he attempted almost five three pointers per game, he shot only 31 percent from downtown. Smith's true shooting percentage was better, perhaps reflecting his awful outside shooting. Smith's struggles were reflected by his poor 93 Offensive Rating. Smith is a good perimeter defender, but with Doncic and Barnes, his offensive opportunities may shrink until he can fix his shot. The Mavericks have quite a bit invested in Smith, so they will give him every opportunity to grow. Smith did excel in running the offense, and there is definitely room for growth.