NFL
By Monte Perez:
The Dallas Mavericks exceeded all expectations in 2021. The young Mavs made it to the Western Conference Finals, before being swept by the Golden State Warriors, 4-1. This was a great accomplishment for a team that has not been out of the first round of playoffs since 2011. That was the year Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd led Dallas to their first-ever NBA Championship.
(Photo Credit: USA-Today).
Kidd returned to Dallas last season as the team’s head coach. Under his tutelage, the team compiled a 52-30 record. It was the franchise’s first 50-win season since 2014. The former Dallas point guard brought toughness, a defensive mentality, and accountability to everyone in the organization. Dallas finished the year sixth in defensive rating and second, in turnovers. The Mavs only turned the ball over 12 times per game. As a team, they learned how valuable each possession is. The Dallas offense struggled at times, only averaging 108 points per contest, which was ranked 24th in the NBA.
Mark Cuban’s team was very aggressive when the season ended. The Mavs signed three-time NBA Champion, JaVale McGee, to a 3-year $20 million contract. When he is healthy, McGee provides defensive length, and shot-blocking, and is a perfect finisher in the pick-and-roll offense. Luka’s assists should increase with his new center on the court. In five out of the last 7 seasons, McGee shot over 60% from the field.
Photo Credit: (ESPN.Com).
Dallas also acquired PF, Christian Wood from the Houston Rockets. Wood averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds last season. He shot 50% from the field, and 39% from three-point range. Wood is the perfect stretch four. He can score inside and out, and unlike Kristaps Porzingis, he can be an elite rebounder.
Luka Doncic is only 23 years old, and the comparisons to NBA legends are happening on a yearly basis.
- Last season Doncic averaged 28.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists.
- Larry Bird (1987) averaged 28.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists.
- Dirk Nowitzki (2005) averaged 26 points, 9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Dallas Mavericks 2022 Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF: Reggie Bullock
PF: Christian Wood
C: JaVale McGee
The Mavericks have drastically improved their front line in scoring, rebounding, and defense. This is now one of the biggest starting lineups in the NBA with no one under 6’5. Doncic now has another scorer in Wood. Jalen Brunson will be playing for the New York Knicks next season but, if this team can add some production off the bench, they can win 60 games. Dallas is building a contender in the Western Conference. Their future is bright.
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