Weighing the Clippers’ chances of making the playoffs
By Abhishek S
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Having procured significance for the first time since the 2015-16 NBA season, the Mavericks have drafted ably to get to this point. Impressive recruitment of Dennis Smith Jr. in the previous draft, and Luka Doncic and Jaylen Brunson in the present draft have helped ameliorate their roster. The Euroleague MVP would fit like a glove beside the high profile athlete who’d made his mark in his rookie season. The 6’8 guards’ versatility, playmaking prowess, shot creating ability and finesse in the paint deems him as a multifaceted offensive player. While he might confront defensive concerns in his rookie season, he would have a huge hand to play on the offensive end.
On the other hand, the John Wooden Award winner, Jalen Brunson could prove to be one of the steals of the draft. The Villanova guard has a great feel for the game and will instantly log minutes off the second unit. Likely to fill in for the aging J.J. Barea in the future, he could widen his skill-set under the tutelage of the 12 year veteran. Inclusion of the one dimensional, yet elite rim-protecting DeAndre Jordan on a one year deal offers them flexibility going forward. They have the opportunity to use him as a stopgap for a season while seeking a modern stretch 5 in the following off-season. With additional depth and Dirk Nowitzki practically burned out, it wouldn’t be a startling development to see the franchise legend feature off the bench.
Possessing a competitive starting 5 and an experienced second unit, the Mavericks seem to have fine tuned their roster this season. Under highly touted coach Rick Carlisle, they ought to make a significant run as a fringe playoff contender. If Luka Doncic emerges as the player scouts reckon him to be, there could be yet another European prospect brewing in Dallas.
PROBABLE STARTING 5: Dennis Smith Jr.; Wesley Mathews; Luka Doncic; Harrison Barnes; Deandre Jordan.
PLAYOFF LIKELIHOOD: 5/10