Via Macs Moneyball
Key Players: Harrison Barnes, Dennis Smith Jr., Dirk Nowitzki
Compared to past Dallas offseasons, Mark Cuban and the Mavericks were relatively quiet this go around. On second thought, Cuban did say he was considering running for president in 2020, so let's just say the Mavericks had a quiet offseason. Dallas failed to make the playoffs for only the second time since 2000. That failure gifted the Mavericks with their highest draft pick since 2004, which turned into NC State point guard Dennis Smith Jr.. Dirk Nowitzki declined his player option, but did what everyone knew he would do-- resign with Dallas on a 2-year $10 million contract. The next resigning didn't go as smooth. Nerlens Noel declined a 4-year $70 million contract, leading to a standoff between himself and the organization. Noel ended up signing a 1-year qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Best Case Scenario
Via SLAMonline
Dennis Smith Jr. wins Rookie of the Year. Harrison Barnes continues his development, and becomes a true 20+ point scorer. Nerlens Noel proves his rim protection, rebounding, and motor is worth a contract both he and the Mavs are comfortable with. Dallas manages to steal a low-seed playoff spot in the tough Western Conference.
The above list would all lead to a perfect Dallas season, but the main focus should be on future of the franchise Dennis Smith Jr.. Smith has received comparisons from Steve Francis to 2011 Derrick Rose. Scariest part about those comparisons is the fact that Smith could be more athletic than both of them. Bold claim, so here's some evidence:
Via TheFlightBrothers
Under Rick Carlisle's teachings Yogi Ferrell managed to average 11.3 points, 4.3 assists, and a 40% three-point conversion rate. With all due respect to Ferrell, Smith is a bigger and better version in almost every way, and his upcoming season's numbers should reflect that. Based on Smith's Summer League and preseason outings, a Rookie of the Year seems to be on the Dallas horizon.
Worst Case Scenario
Via Mavs.com
Time for everyone's favorite subject--math. If you remember from earlier in the article, the Mavericks were willing to pay Nerlens Noel $70 million throughout four years; that's exactly $17.5 million per year. According to Noel's mother, Dorcina, Noel reportedly said, "If Dallas gives me $20 million, I'm going to be there because they love me there." $20 million minus $17.5 million equals $2.5 million. $2.5 million stopped Noel from being a Maverick long-term. $2.5 million could ruin Dallas' season.
Noel is expected to come off the bench due to Nowitzki being best suited as the team's center, but Noel remains the team's defensive anchor. Although ESPN's Chris Haynes reports there's no bad blood between Noel and Dallas, any animosity Noel holds against the Mavs could destroy Dallas defensively.
Prediction: 38-44