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Dallas Mavericks: 3 reasons a winning record isn’t an impossible outcome

By Reid Hanson

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Things don’t look great for the Dallas Mavericks but here are three reasons a winning record isn’t an impossibility this season.

The Dallas Mavericks are off to a rough start this season. With last night’s loss to the Utah Jazz, the Mavs fall to 3-8 and are tied with the fifth worst record in the NBA. In a loaded Western Conference, it seems like the playoffs are pure fantasy this season.

Likewise, a winning record appears an awfully tough task for these Dallas Mavericks. But here’s why calling it impossible would be a mistake…

Integrating New Pieces

Retooling the roster is nothing new for the Dallas Mavericks. It seems every year the Mavs find themselves with a completely new starting lineup. Year to year, the only constant seems to be Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki.

Expecting new pieces to hit the ground running is crazy. It takes time to learn a new system with new teammates. It’s one thing when you have role players and reserves integrating, but it’s an entirely different thing when those new pieces are starters expected to lead the team.

And that’s what Dallas has – new cornerstone players to integrate. DeAndre Jordan and Luka Doncic are key starters who are both new to this team and integral to the success of the team. It only makes sense that with 2/5 of the starting lineup brand new, success isn’t instant.

Developing Young Pieces

Speaking of Doncic – the 19-year-old rookie is playing even better than expectations and looks to be a budding superstar in this league. But he’s still a rookie.

Couple his inexperience with Harrison Barnes’ absence and second year guard Dennis Smith Jr’s inexperience (also starters), and you can understand why this team is struggling to get off the ground right now.

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Chemistry

Finally we have the all-important chemistry aspect. This is where the head coach earns his money. Lucky for us, we happen to have one of the very best head coaches in the NBA. Rick Carlisle has two major tasks this season:

  1. Develop talent
  2. Find the right combinations

Winning is simply a byproduct of effectively handling these two tasks. Some players work better with some players than they do others. That’s nothing new. Altering lineups and making tweaks here and there are key to the progression of this team. Again, it takes time.

Much has been made of Luka Doncic’s rebounding feud with Jordan. And rightfully so. DJ is a known stats padder and friction between the two looks legit (on occasion). But the two also form a pretty unstoppable pair. Watching them play the pick and roll is a thing of beauty. Needless to say, it’s up Carlisle to make this work – and I imagine he will.

Mavs writers needed!

Next. Why the Mavs need more DFS and less Wes Matthews. dark

We’re only 11 games into the season so there’s plenty of time to grow as a team and dig out of this hole. Can we realistically expect the playoffs? Of course not. But a winning record (or close to it) isn’t an impossible task for a team that has potential to improve significantly.

  • Published on 11/08/2018 at 13:01 PM
  • Last updated at 11/08/2018 at 10:58 AM
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