The season starts today for the Mavericks. Dallas faces Spurs at Frost Bank Center. The world´s eyes will be watching the match, as Wembanyama´s debut is tonight. What can we expect from the Mavs this season? Has this year´s roster what is needed to get to the playoffs and not disappoint Doncic and the fans?
2022-23 recap
Last year was undoubtedly a failure season. Not even getting to the play-in spots and fighting for a place in the postseason was an absolute disappointment. The Mavericks ended the 2022-23 campaign in the 11th place, one away from the 10th, which would have given them the possibility of contesting for a playoff spot.
The hype was real throughout the middle of March. Mavericks were 4th in the West Conference standings. and the fans were starting to expect a long playoff run, even dreaming of a ring. Irving´s arrival as a second star was nothing but gasoline to the fire in the title belief.
But suddenly a win drought appeared: nine losses and just two wins made them one of the biggest fallouts of the last years. Dreamers were woken up, the high expectations turned into disappointment. In a couple of months, the season had come to an early finish line. The injuries Doncic and Irving suffered, plus a poor defense and a roster without the needed depth, were some of the factors that explained the season’s result.
Irving´s arrival had an impact. He averaged 27 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 51% field goal and 39% in 3p, in just 20 matches. He managed to get fast chemistry with Doncic in the offensive. Together they ran one of the best moments of the Mavs.
Dallas ended the season with a 38-44 record. Just two wins away from Oklahoma Thunder, the 10th team in the West Conference.
2023-24 Roster
Luka Doncic
Seth Curry
Dante Exum
Josh Green*
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Jaden Hardy
Richaun Holmes
Kyrie Irving
Derrick Jones Jr
Maxi Kleber
AJ Lawson
Dereck Lively II
Markieff Morris
Dwight Powell
Olivier Maxence Prosper
Grant Willimas
*Has signed a three-year, $41 million contract extension with the franchise.
Coach
Jason Kidd
2023-24 goals
Qualifying for the playoff is a must for the Dallas project. If not, rumors of exits will start to appear. I believe that the squad has the potential to get through the season, but with these players, I do not see them having a long run in the postseason. That is why hopefully we will see some additions on deadline day, as the roster needs depth in certain areas.
It will be nice to see how the Doncic-Irving duo gets along from the beginning of the season. Of course, they have the skills to work together, but they do not necessarily have the same idea of play creation: Luka likes to have the ball most of the time and let the time pass, while Kyrie prefers to improvise and move the ball around the field.
However, Luka spoke to the press on Tuesday and told them that they have been practicing with him off the ball, getting ready to catch and shoot, as he did during his time in Real Madrid. Could be entertaining if this idea gets along.
First matches
The Mavericks will be tipping off the season visiting the Spurs with Wembanyama´s debut. The world´s eyes will be tuning in, as nobody wants to lose the french rookie´s first match. Lot of expectations on his shoulders, so facing him on his debut night might not be as bad as it could be thought.
The following games will be Nets on Friday (home), Grizzlies on Monday (away), Bulls next Wednesday (home), and Nuggets, the last champion, the 11/3.
We can expect a 3-2 record for this first five meetings, but would be amusing to start with a 4-1 to lift the expectations.
West Coast Hoops 