The Association: Dallas Mavericks

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 06:42 AM

Conference Finals Recap

April 19, 2017 | by NBA News

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (4) Golden State Warriors

A tight-knit contest for the first three quarters, the Golden State Warriors showed no mercy as they cruised past the Clippers in the fourth and outscoring them 33-15. They will now advance to the NBA Finals after defeating the winning, 114-85.

Durant was yet again the leading scorer with 31 points. Draymond Green continued his tenacious hustle and doing all the dirty work as he racked up 15 boards, 7 assists and also chipped in 16 points.

For Los Angeles, Chris Paul's struggles continue, shooting only 4-19 and also committing 6 turnovers. Despite double-double efforts from Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers simply did not have the shooting stroke tonight and questions will now turn to their two big stars as both CP3 and Blake Griffin enter the offseason as unrestricted free agents. Will they blow it all up or re-up after a somewhat successful Playoff run?

Box Score

Spoiler

(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors

No matter how close the Raptors get in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland is just always one step ahead and it was no different in this one as the Cavs cruise past Toronto, 109-98.

The Cavs took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Raptors 36-26. They were led by Kyrie Irving with 34 points, and who is now averaging a monstrous 36.7 PPG in the Playoffs. LeBron James also notched up another triple double (something he is also averaging in the Playoffs), scoring 21 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists.

DeMar DeRozan had a big game with 29 points, while Valanciunas also chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds. Kyle Lowry struggled with 13 points (4-13 FG) but did have 11 assists and 4 steals. He will now enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent and Toronto must now ponder whether he is still good enough to bring the franchise to the promise land.

Box Score

Spoiler

NBA Finals Preview

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 07:03 AM

NBA Finals: (4) Golden State Warriors vs. (2) Cleveland Cavaliers

April 21, 2017 | by NBA News

BACK-TO-BACK!

Despite gaining home-court advantage, the Golden State Warriors have fallen short once again as the Cleveland Cavaliers repeat as NBA Champions, and their second in franchise history.

The Cavs firmly held a 61-48 lead at the half and did not look back as they continued to roll with their foot on the pedal, winning 110-91.

LeBron James was voted the Finals MVP after his brilliant performance, scoring 32 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Kyrie Irving wasn't far behind either, finishing with 28 points, 11 assists and 5 steals. The Cavaliers were absolutely relentless on the defensive end, notching up 14 steals and forcing the Warriors to commit 24 turnovers throughout the game.

For Golden State, Curry's 27 points and 10 assists wasn't enough as he also committed 8 turnovers. Kevin Durant, who came into this scoring consecutive 30+ points, was unusually passive, scoring only 14 points and attempting a measly 11 shots. One must no wonder what KD will do in the offseason after another postseason run empty handed.

Box Score

Spoiler

**LopaKa** · 11-26-2016, 12:42 PM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

As much as I didn't want to see that matchup, it was bound to happen. Cool to see the Cavs go back to back. Lebron continues to dominate that matchup against Durant.

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by LopaKa

As much as I didn't want to see that matchup, it was bound to happen. Cool to see the Cavs go back to back. Lebron continues to dominate that matchup against Durant.

At least you predicted the winner

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 07:38 PM

League bids final farewell to living legends

May 12, 2017 | by NBA News

Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce have now officially retired from the NBA.

Both players announced earlier in the 2016-17 season of their intentions and now it has become a reality. Yes, next year will be a very different league without these two players who have done so much, not just for the NBA, but for the cities they have played for. Dallas for Nowitzki and Boston for Pierce.

Nowitzki leaves behind an illustrious career spanning from 1998-2017 with career averages of 22.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG in 1,353 games played. His accomplishments includes an NBA Championship in 2011 along with the Finals MVP, as well as the 2007 Most Valuable Player Award.

Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, addressed the media last night stating it was a no-brainer that Nowitzki's jersey number, 41, will be retired effective immediately. He also said it was a matter of 'when' and not 'if' Nowitzki will be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.

Likewise for Pierce, his career spanned from 1998-2017, with 15 of those years with the Celtics. He had career averages of 20.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, playing a total of 1,319 games. Pierce won the 2008 NBA Championship whilst with the Celtics and was named the Finals MVP. He was also a 10-time All-Star and made the All-NBA Second Team back in 2009.

Other retirements in the league include arguably one of the greatest sixth-mans to ever play the game, Manu Ginobili. Ginobili played 15 seasons, all with the San Antonio Spurs, and won 4 titles with them. He was also voted as a two-time All-Star and won the Sixth Man Award in 2008.

Below is the full list of player retirements as announced by the league officials yesterday morning.

In other news, Phoenix Suns head coach, Earl Watson, has decided to resign from coaching duties and retire from the game. Despite barely in the job for two seasons, and only at the age of 37, Watson cited family commitments as the reason to step away. The Suns posted a record of 4-10 last season and will now have all summer to find a replacement.

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 07:56 PM

Wizards win lottery, gets #1 pick

July 5, 2017 | by NBA News

The Washington Wizards are laughing themselves all the way to the bank after landing the number 1 pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.

Just when things couldn't get any more worse for the Dallas Mavericks, who traded their 2017 first-round pick to Washington as part of the John Wall trade back in February, Mavs Nation will now have a tough time to swallow knowing they traded away the number 1 draft pick, and potentially an even more promising superstar than Wall. To add salt to their wounds, Dallas still owe another three years' worth of draft picks to the Wizards.

Washington, formerly Dallas' pick, was an outside shot with only 11.1% to win the top spot, however they defied all odds, overtaking the Jazz and getting the number 1 pick. Owner, Ted Leonsis, was over the moon, "We've got a young group of core and this pick will definitely change the franchise and plateau us into title contentions for many years to come. We did a great job last season and the basketball gods have truly blessed us.", Leonsis said after winning the lottery.

Washington will now have first choice at an incredibly deep draft, touted by many scouts. The draft class includes the likes of Harry Giles, Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Taytum, Josh Jackson, and Dennis Smith Jr. as the consensus #1 pick. It'll be interesting if the Wizards decide to select him as the future point guard of the future with Ricky Rubio, whom they acquired in the trade, already at the helm.

Below is the full breakdown of the draft order and the lottery odds prior.

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 08:49 PM

Coaching Changes

July 12, 2017 | by NBA News

In a flurry of transactions across the league, players aren't the only ones changing teams this offseason. In fact, it's been a busy day for the head coaches as a series of coaching changes were made.

Here is the full breakdown:

76ers acquire Mike Budenholzer from Hawks (2 Yr / $8.08M)
Cavaliers re-sign Tyronn Lue (4 Yr / $20.55M)
Bucks re-sign Jason Kidd (2 Yr / $8.05M)
Jazz re-sign David Joerger (4 Yr / $17.23M)
Hawks acquire Erik Spoelstra from Heat (4 Yr / $10.09M)
Heat acquire Tom Thibodeau from Timberwolves (2 Yr / $5.77M)
Knicks acquire Frank Vogel from Magic (3 Yr / $11.09M)
Pistons acquire Nate McMillan from Pacers (3 Yr / $7.16M)
Pacers acquire Terry Stotts from Trail Blazers (3 Yr / $9.29M)
Trail Blazers acquire Kevin McHale from Knicks (3 Yr / $9.91M)
Timberwolves acquire David Blatt from Kings (2 Yr / $6.35M)
Pelicans re-sign Alvin Gentry (2 Yr / $3.95 M)
Nets hire Lionel Hollins (2 Yr / $4.83M)
Magic hire Connor James (1 Yr / $1.72M)
Suns hire Jeff Hornacek (2 Yr / $4.97M)
Rockets hire Kuba Gooding (1 Yr / $1.50M)
Kings acquire Mike D'Antoni from Rockets (2 Yr / $3.97M)

**vtcha** · 11-26-2016, 08:52 PM

Mind you the above coaching changes was one of the dumbest logic I've ever seen. Poor effort 2K!

Like seriously the amount of 'coach acquisitions' is just ridiculous. Furthermore, just one of the many few examples; the Nets overachieved last season, so instead of re-signing Kenny Atkinson, they decide to hire Lionel Hollins - the same guy they fired prior to hiring Atkinson. Like wtf??

Sigh, I really don't want to control all 30 NBA teams

/rant

**vtcha** · 11-27-2016, 12:19 AM

2017 NBA Draft Recap: Wizards select Dennis Smith Jr. with #1 overall pick

July 19, 2017 | by NBA News

The future is now for the Washington Wizards as they select NC State standout, Dennis Smith Jr.

Smith will join a very promising Wizards squad consisting of Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., Gorgui Dieng and Ricky Rubio. As to whether or not, Smith would replace Rubio for the starting point guard role, Wizards coach Scott Brooks said "It's something we'll have to discuss with those two. But ideally, the plan is for Smith to eventually run the point and hopefully Ricky can mentor him through the initial stages of his career. Ricky is a professional and I'm sure he's totally cool with that."

Duke big man, Harry Giles was selected second by the Minnesota Timberwolves and it is expected he will fill the starting power forward spot, giving the T'Wolves a promising yet deadly core that already includes Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Probably the surprising pick of the night was Kansas forward, Josh Jackson, who fell to the 8th spot. Though the Miami Heat will have no complaints about it as Jackson will join a solid core with Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside.

During the draft, there were many trades however most were very small except for one - the Charlotte Hornets acquired Khris Middleton from the Bucks. Despite an injury plagued season, the Hornets have the utmost confidence that Middleton will be able to return to form and he will join an already talented Hornets squad that has the likes of Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Below is the full breakdown of deals that went down during the draft along with the draft selections from each team.

To Miami Heat	To New York Knicks
8th Overall Pick	6th Overall Pick
Courtney Lee	6th Overall Pick
To Charlotte Hornets	To Milwaukee Bucks
Khris Middleton	13th Overall Pick
Matthew Dellavedova	Marvin Williams
To Milwaukee Bucks	To Phoenix Suns
Miami's 2018 first-round pick	16th Overall Pick
Tyson Chandler	16th Overall Pick
To Chicago Bulls	To Charlotte Hornets
Jeremy Lamb	25th Overall Pick
Marco Belinelli	Chicago's 2018 second-round pick
To Oklahoma City Thunder	To Los Angeles Lakers
Luol Deng	27th Overall Pick
To Cleveland Cavaliers	To Phoenix Suns
Jared Dudley	30th Overall Pick

Full draft selections:

Spoiler

**vtcha** · 11-27-2016, 04:11 AM

Bobby Karalla-USA TODAY Sports

The Mavericks were able to salvage of what has so far been, a miserable offseason, after knowing that they gave up the number one pick, and signed Serge Ibaka to a 3 year, $46.49M deal. Ibaka will immediately thrust into the starting power forward spot, a position that was a glaring hole after the retirement of Dirk Nowitzki. However, Ibaka wasn't exactly Dallas' first choice at the power forward spot. In fact, it was Blake Griffin, who turned down the Mavs offer and stunned the league by joining the Los Angeles Lakers. After Kevin Durant's departure last year set the media into meltdown, Griffin's move is surely bound to send shockwaves, dividing the city of Los Angeles. It has even irked some of his former Clipper teammates, namely Austin Rivers and DeAndre Jordan tweeting out cryptic messages.

As for Ibaka, he politely said there were no hard feelings and totally respects the Mavericks for their decision. "It's all business at the end of the day, they're there to do their job and I'm here to do mine. All we can do now is to get on with our lives and I'm confident this is the start of a beautiful relationship", Ibaka addressed the media.

Dallas also signed shooting guard, Tim Hardaway Jr., and power forward, Thomas Robinson, to two year deals, both with team options at the end of the 2017-18 season.

With new players coming in, unfortunately Dallas had to let go of its' own free agents in order to accommodate for room. As a result, the Mavericks decided to part ways with Jonathan Gibson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nicolas Brussino, and Daniel Ochefu.

Although not landing a superstar this year, Dallas have set themselves to make a splash during the 2018 free agency with a projected cap space of $42 million, where the depth of talent is expected to be much greater than this offseason. But for now, one can only hope that this current roster will perform much better than the last. After all, there aren't any draft picks coming this way for a while.

You can see the full player movements in free agency below.
* Mavericks signings highlighted in blue.

Warriors re-sign Stephen Curry to 5yr/$161.22M deal
Warriors re-sign Kevin Durant to 3yr/$108.19M deal
Rockets sign Patrick Mills to 2yr/$10.62M deal
Clippers re-sign Chris Paul to 4yr/$147.36M deal
Magic sign Nate Robinson to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Warriors sign Joffrey Lauvergne to 2yr/$6.76M deal
Pacers sign George Hill to 3yr/$87.70M deal
Trail Blazers sign Jeff Green to 3yr/$17.03M deal
Mavericks re-sign Andrew Bogut to 1yr/$1.65M deal
Bulls sign Brandon Jennings to 3yr/$9.56M deal
Grizzlies sign Terrence Jones to 2yr/$5.49M deal
Pistons sign Tony Snell to 1yr/$1.12M deal
Pistons re-sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to 4yr/$89.31M deal
Bulls re-sign Taj Gibson to 4yr/$29.91M deal
Heat sign Tony Allen to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Kings sign P.J. Tucker to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Hawks sign Steve Novak to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Clippers sign Andrea Bargnani to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Pacers sign Josh Smith to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Warriors sign Derrick Williams to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Nets re-sign Bojan Bogdanovic to 5yr/$43.97M deal
Lakers sign Blake Griffin to 4yr/$126.31M deal
Mavericks sign Serge Ibaka to 3yr/$46.49M deal
Raptors re-sign Jared Sullinger to 3yr/$36.76M deal
Celtics re-sign Amir Johnson to 4yr/$16.99M deal
Bulls re-sign Michael Carter-Williams to 3yr/$27.84M deal
Kings re-sign Arron Afflalo to 2yr/$7.47M deal
Mavericks re-sign Deron Williams to 1yr/$1.62M deal
Kings re-sign Ty Lawson to 2yr/$9.79M deal
Hawks sign Jordan McRae to 1yr/$1.12M deal
Nets re-sign Chris McCullough to 3yr/$4.81M deal
Hawks re-sign Paul Millsap to 3yr/$108.19M deal
Raptors re-sign Kyle Lowry to 3yr/$106.89M deal
Nuggets re-sign Danilo Gallinari to 4yr/$86.23M deal
Pelicans re-sign Tyreke Evans to 4yr/$62.26M deal
Pelicans re-sign Jrue Holiday to 5yr/$60.25M deal
Warriors re-sign Shaun Livington to 4yr/$12.01M deal
Raptors re-sign Patrick Patterson to 3yr/$16.57M deal
Kings re-sign Darren Collison to 3yr/$19.04M deal
Suns re-sign Alex Len to 3yr/$15.38M deal
Celtics re-sign Kelly Olynyk to 2yr/$6.58M deal
Bulls re-sign Doug McDermott to 2yr/$4.31M deal
Rockets re-sign Tyler Ennis to 4yr/$7.24M deal
76ers re-sign Nik Stauskas to 4yr/$15.22M deal
Warriors sign Marreese Speights to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Hawks sign Gary Neal to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Grizzlies sign Marcus Thornton to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Jazz sign Kevin Seraphin to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Clippers sign Ian Clark to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Heat sign Nick Collison to 1yr/$1.01M deal
76ers sign Kay Felder to 1yr/$905k deal
Mavericks re-sign Devin Harris to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Pistons sign Lance Stephenson to 2yr/$4.86M deal
Mavericks sign Tim Hardaway Jr. to 1yr/$1.50M deal
Jazz re-sign Gordan Hayward to 5yr/$161.22M deal
Warriors sign Nene to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Heat sign Miles Plumlee to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Lakers sign Tony Wroten to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Knicks sign Vince Carter to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Warriors sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo to 1yr/$905k deal
Timberwolves sign J.J. Redick to 2yr/$21.24M deal
Nets sign J.J. Hickson to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Clippers sign Rasual Butler to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Hawks sign Anthony Bennett to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Mavericks sign Thomas Robinson to 1yr/$1.60M deal
Knicks sign Mario Chalmers to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Clippers sign Thabo Sefolosha to 1yr/$1.01M deal
Nets sign Rudy Gay to 3yr/$78.10M deal
Knicks sign Malcolm Brogdon to 1yr/$905k deal
Wizards re-sign Shabazz Muhammad to 1yr/$1.48M deal
Knicks sign Michael Gbinije to 1yr/$905k deal
Wizards sign Zach Randolph to 3yr/$6.29M deal
Wizards re-sign Otto Porter Jr. to 5yr/$134.35M deal
Magic sign Derrick Rose to 3yr/$80.48M deal
Wizards re-sign Trey Burke to 1yr/$4.59M deal
Trail Blazers re-sign Mason Plumlee to 1yr/$3.37M deal
Pistons re-sign Reggie Bullock to 1yr/$3.31M deal
Kings re-sign Ben McLemore to 1yr/$5.38M deal
76ers re-sign Nerlens Noel to 1yr/$5.85M deal
76ers sign Rajon Rondo to 3yr/$23.59M deal
Suns sign Jeff Teague to 2yr/$17.98M deal
76ers sign Andre Iguodala to 3yr/$36.97M deal

**LopaKa** · 11-27-2016, 06:43 PM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Oh man that's gotta hurt knowing you gave up the #1 overall pick :doh:

**vtcha** · 11-27-2016, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by LopaKa

Oh man that's gotta hurt knowing you gave up the #1 overall pick :doh:

Definitely. Now I know how the Clippers felt after the Baron Davis trade

**vtcha** · 11-28-2016, 02:06 AM

How will Harrison Barnes fare in his second year with the Mavericks? | Bobby Karalla-USA TODAY Sports

With the Mavs 2017-18 schedule released on Thursday afternoon, Dallas will be entering their 38th season in the NBA with a home opener against the Denver Nuggets. They'll then fly off to San Antonio to face the Spurs for a feisty Texas showdown on November 18.

On December 2, the Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Lakers and their controversial star signing, Blake Griffin, who caused quite the stir during the offseason.

Dallas will then start 2018 against James Harden and the Houston Rockets on January 13 in a rivalry match-up.

March 1 will mark the first time former Maverick, Chandler Parsons, makes his first ever appearance in Dallas, and this time around, he'll be sure to hear the boos.

Dallas will conclude their regular season, for the second consecutive time, facing against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home.

You can see the full schedule below.

**vtcha** · 11-29-2016, 04:42 AM

2017-18 Season Preview

This season will be a very different season for the Dallas Mavericks. One without Dirk Nowitzki, the face of the franchise for the past two decades.

With Nowitzki's $25 million off the books, the Mavs tried to replace him and held meetings with free agent, Blake Griffin, their primary target. However, for the sixth consecutive year, Dallas missed out, and as a result, resorted to Plan B: Serge Ibaka. Although not as dominant nor the star attraction as Griffin, Ibaka is still a very formidable replacement, and one could argue, a bigger upgrade on the defensive end.

Despite shooting a career low 35.9% from the field last season, Ibaka figures to get better looks with the Mavericks, under Carlisle's offense, and especially with John Wall at the helm. Dallas will be hoping the pick-and-pop combo of Wall and Ibaka gels right off the bat, similarly with how Wall really began meshing with Nowitzki during the later parts of last season. Furthermore, with no more logjams in the front-court, as was the case in Orlando, Ibaka will have plenty of opportunity to showcase his offensive arsenal and he is also expected to be one of the main defensive anchors on the team.

There will also be promising hopes of sophomore A.J. Hammons this season who will look to build off his strong second half outing last season where he earned Rookie of the Month honors and recorded multiple games with a double-double stat line. Furthermore, Dallas added additional outside shooting in Tim Hardaway Jr., coming off career highs of 14.1 PPG last season for the Hawks, and Thomas Robinson, who actually recorded career highs in rebounds (6.0 RPG) for the Lakers.

The roster rounds out with some familiar faces returning in Andrew Bogut, Deron Williams, Devin Harris, and Salah Mejri.

Overall, you could say the Mavericks remained steady on paper. However their playoff aspirations hinges greatly on the performance of John Wall and how he will get the other guys involved, as well as the continued development of A.J. Hammons, who could really be the X-Factor of the team, reminiscing of Hassan Whiteside, as Mark Cuban stated.

Team Roster

#34 Devin Harris | PG
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Height: 6'3"

DOB: Feb 27, 1983 (34 years old)

Weight: 185 lbs

Drafted: 2004 (1st Rnd, 5th by WAS)

Nationality: American

Experience: 13 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	13	17.3	40.5	68.8	1.9	3.7	0.8	0.0	4.0
Career	794	26.1	43.7	79.4	2.3	4.4	1.1	0.2	11.6

2017-18 Overview

Now the longest serving tenured player on the team, Harris will look to continue his role as the backup to John Wall though Rick Carlisle may also utilize him at the shooting guard position depending upon match-ups.

#5 J.J. Barea | PG/SG
Northeastern University

Height: 6'0"

DOB: Jun 26, 1984 (33 years old)

Weight: 185 lbs

Drafted: 2006 (Undrafted)

Nationality: Puerto Rican

Experience: 11 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	21.1	37.7	80.0	0.7	5.0	0.8	0.1	8.4
Career	674	19.3	42.2	79.6	2.0	3.5	0.4	0.0	8.5

2017-18 Overview

Despite shooting poorly last season, at 37.7%, Barea will still be relied upon as the primary scorer off the bench, playing at both guard spots. Barea averaged his second highest career average in assists during the 2016-17 at 5.0 APG.

#8 Deron Williams | PG
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Height: 6'3"

DOB: Jun 26, 1984 (33 years old)

Weight: 200 lbs

Drafted: 2005 (1st Rnd, 3rd by UTA)

Nationality: American

Experience: 12 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	2	28.5	23.8	100.0	3.0	6.0	0.5	0.0	7.5
Career	783	34.8	44.4	82.2	3.2	8.3	1.1	0.3	16.8

2017-18 Overview

After a ruptured Achilles ended his season short, the Mavericks will look to ease Williams back into the line up during the early parts of the season. After acquiring All Star, John Wall last season, Williams is now expected to be Wall's primary backup and to help facilitate the ball in the second unit.

#1 Justin Anderson | SF/SG
University of Virginia

Height: 6'6"

DOB: Nov 19, 1993 (23 years old)

Weight: 228 lbs

Drafted: 2015 (1st Rnd, 21st by DAL)

Nationality: American

Experience: 2 year

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	22.9	43.1	83.3	3.1	0.9	0.7	0.6	5.3
Career	69	14.0	41.2	81.0	2.5	0.6	0.4	0.5	4.1

2017-18 Overview

Although he got off to a slow start, Justin Anderson really came into the picture later during the season when the Mavericks traded away Wesley Matthews, closing out in several key games that resulted in a win.

Anderson has reportedly worked on his outside shooting in the offseason and it will be key for him to continue his progression as wing player. Dallas will look to him being the primary backup to Harrison Barnes, and hoping he can turn out to be a perennial 3-and-D guy.

#50 Salah Mejri | C
Étoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia)

Height: 7'2"

DOB: Jun 15, 1986 (31 years old)

Weight: 245 lbs

Drafted: 2008 (Undrafted)

Nationality: Tunisian

Experience: 2 year

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	5	6.0	66.7	0.0	2.0	1.0	0.2	0.6	2.4
Career	39	10.9	63.2	56.2	3.4	0.4	0.2	1.0	3.5

2017-18 Overview

Native of Jendouba, Tunisia, Mejri is the first player of Tunisian decent to sign with an NBA team.

The 7'2" center will likely back Andrew Bogut in the rotation.

#6 Andrew Bogut | C
University of Utah

Height: 7'0"

DOB: Nov 28, 1984 (32 years old)

Weight: 260 lbs

Drafted: 2005 (1st Rnd, 1st by MIL)

Nationality: Australian

Experience: 12 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	24.6	73.8	45.5	6.6	0.6	0.9	1.8	5.5
Career	658	29.3	53.7	55.6	8.9	2.2	0.7	1.6	10.2

2017-18 Overview

For the first time since his rookie year, Bogut was able to play in every single game last season, helping the Mavericks improve on the defensive category compared to the previous season before.

With the rise of A.J. Hammons, it will be interesting to see whether Bogut can maintain the starting center job for long. But whatever the case, it is a position battle sure to watch for the rest of the season.

#40 Harrison Barnes | SF
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Height: 6'9"

DOB: May 30, 1992 (25 years old)

Weight: 225 lbs

Drafted: 2012 (1st Rnd, 7th by GSW)

Nationality: American

Experience: 5 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	34.2	47.1	79.4	5.8	2.3	0.8	0.8	21.0
Career	321	28.3	44.8	74.7	4.7	1.5	0.7	0.2	10.5

2017-18 Overview

What a difference a year makes. Harrison Barnes really asserted himself last season, posting career highs across the board in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. The Mavs will be hoping an even better breakout this season from their max-contract guy. Maybe Cuban wasn't crazy after all when he said he could envision Barnes the second-coming of Scottie Pippen.

#20 A.J. Hammons | C
Purdue University

Height: 7'0"

DOB: Aug 27, 1992 (25 years old)

Weight: 260 lbs

Drafted: 2016 (2nd Rnd, 46th by DAL)

Nationality: American

Experience: 1 year

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	8	14.0	77.4	60.9	6.8	1.5	0.6	1.5	7.8
Career	8	14.0	77.4	60.9	6.8	1.5	0.6	1.5	7.8

2017-18 Overview

Despite a really small sample, Hammons truly broke out of the gates once Dwight Powell was traded away. Hammons earned honors in Rookie of the Month as well as posting career highs of 15 rebounds in a game coming off the bench. With a +/- of 2.0 per game, it's only a matter before he becomes a real problem for opponents.

#30 Seth Curry | SG
Duke University

Height: 6'2"

DOB: Aug 23, 1990 (27 years old)

Weight: 185 lbs

Drafted: 2013 (Undrafted)

Nationality: American

Experience: 4 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	21.1	37.6	60.0	1.4	1.8	0.2	0.1	6.6
Career	62	16.3	42.9	78.3	1.3	1.5	0.4	0.1	6.4

2017-18 Overview

Shooting a pedestrian 37.6% last season, Curry actually missed quite a lot of makeable shots. However, Dallas as a gaping hole at the shooting guard position and there isn't much depth around. Recent acquisition, Tim Hardaway Jr., could also be locked into a position battle for the starting gig so perhaps the threat of playing time will rejuvenate Curry's shooting touch.

#11 John Wall | PG
University of Kentucky

Height: 6'4"

DOB: Sep 6, 1990 (27 years old)

Weight: 210 lbs

Drafted: 2010 (1st Rnd, 1st by WAS)

Nationality: American

Experience: 7 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	32.6	52.0	83.8	3.6	10.3	3.1	0.8	19.9
Career	436	35.9	43.2	79.1	4.5	9.0	1.7	0.7	18.1

2017-18 Overview

Despite what the Mavericks had to give up to acquire him, Wall actually had a heck of a year last season, shooting a career high 52% as well as racking up 3.1 SPG. He was also selected to his fourth consecutive All-Star game and named to the 2nd Team All-NBA.

Now with Dirk retired, Wall will be the franchise player and the entire season will hinge on him and what he can create, not just for himself, but for others on the offensive end.

#44 Justin Jackson | SF
University of North Carolina

Height: 6'8"

DOB: Mar 25, 1995 (22 years old)

Weight: 200 lbs

Drafted: 2017 (2nd Rnd, 32nd by DAL)

Nationality: American

Experience: Rookie

STATS (College)	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	7	29.1	47.0	90.5	4.1	3.1	0.7	0.0	15.4
Career	85	27.7	47.1	71.0	3.8	2.6	0.6	0.4	11.8

2017-18 Overview

The former Tar Heel has a variety of ways in which he can put the ball in the hoop. His natural scoring ability combined with his size and feel for the game makes him an intriguing prospect to keep track off during the season. However, one area that he could really work on is his 3-point shooting. As a freshman, he shot just 30% from long range, and just 28% last season.

#7 Serge Ibaka | PF
CB L'Hospitalet (Spain)

Height: 6'10"

DOB: Sep 18, 1989 (28 years old)

Weight: 235 lbs

Drafted: 2008 (1st Rnd, 24th by SEA)

Nationality: Congolese/Spanish

Experience: 8 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	30.1	35.9	76.9	7.1	0.3	0.4	2.1	11.9
Career	538	28.8	51.7	74.6	7.4	0.6	0.4	2.5	11.6

2017-18 Overview

After shooting the ball uncharacteristically bad last season (35.9 FG% and 17.9 3P%), Ibaka will look to bounce back on a fresh new team. His life should be much easier with John Wall commanding much of the opposition's attention and Ibaka's floor spacing will be crucial if the Mavericks want to pick apart of opposing defenses.

Furthermore, Ibaka, along with Bogut and Hammons, will be the key guys on the defensive end and his 2.1 BPG from last season, should help catapult the team as one of the top shot blocking teams in the league.

#10 Tim Hardaway Jr. | SG
University of Michigan

Height: 6'6"

DOB: Mar 16, 1992 (25 years old)

Weight: 205 lbs

Drafted: 2013 (1st Rnd, 24th by NYK)

Nationality: American

Experience: 4 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	27.2	46.0	80.0	2.6	2.9	0.2	0.1	14.1
Career	216	22.2	41.6	82.3	1.9	1.3	0.4	0.1	10.0

2017-18 Overview

Although not merely the same caliber that his father was, Hardaway Jr. actually had a pretty good season last year, shooting a career high 46% whilst averaging 14.1 PPG.

With an incredibly thin depth at the shooting guard spot, it isn't out of the question whether Hardaway Jr. can earn a starting role. Whatever the case, he is a sure bet for a sizeable role at that position.

#9 Thomas Robinson | PF
University of Kansas

Height: 6'10"

DOB: Mar 17, 1991 (26 years old)

Weight: 237 lbs

Drafted: 2012 (1st Rnd, 5th by SAC)

Nationality: American

Experience: 5 years

STATS	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016-17 Season	14	12.5	38.1	28.6	6.0	0.2	0.5	0.4	3.9
Career	279	13.7	45.5	50.0	4.9	0.6	0.5	0.4	4.8

2017-18 Overview

For journeyman, Thomas Robinson, this will be his 7th team in 6 years. Quite hard to believe for someone drafted as high as the 5th pick but it is what it is.

For Dallas, the notion is for Robinson to help the team within the rebounding department, which was something they struggled mightily last season, coming dead last.

Player Contracts

Key: Team Option, Player Option, Non-Guaranteed

PLAYER	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22
Harrison Barnes	$23,110,000	$24,110,000	$25,100,000
John Wall	$18,060,000	$19,170,000
Serge Ibaka	$14,830,000	$15,500,000	$16,160,000	$16,830,000
J.J. Barea	$3,900,000	$3,710,000
Seth Curry	$3,030,000
Andrew Bogut	$1,650,000	$1,720,000
Deron Williams	$1,620,000	$1,690,000
Salah Mejri	$1,600,000
Thomas Robinson	$1,600,000	$1,670,000
Justin Anderson	$1,580,000	$2,520,000
Tim Hardaway Jr.	$1,500,000	$1,570,000
Devin Harris	$1,010,000
A.J. Hammons	$905,000	$1,050,000
Justin Jackson	$861,000	$1,560,000
	$76,080,000	$63,540,000	$16,160,000	$0	$0

Future Draft Pick Status

IN

OUT

2019 second round draft pick from Golden State
Dallas has the right to defer this pick conveyance to 2020

2018 first round draft pick to Washington.
Unprotected.

2018 second round draft pick to Milwaukee.
Protected for selections 31-55; if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished.

2019 first round draft pick to Washington
Unprotected.

2019 second round draft pick to Golden State
Protected for selections 31-55; if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Golden State will be extinguished.

2020 first round draft pick to Washington
Unprotected.

**Jumpman14** · 11-29-2016, 11:15 AM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Think you'll be able snag a playoff spot?

The Association: Dallas Mavericks

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