Current Roster
PG: Dennis Smith Jr./JJ Barea/Devin Harris
SG: Wesley Matthews/Seth Curry/Nicolas Brussino
SF: Harrison Barnes/Dorian Finney-Smith
PF: Dwight Powell/Jared Uthoff
C: Salah Mejri/AJ Hammons
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Dirk Nowitzki
G DeAndre Liggins
Restricted
C Nerlens Noel
Who They Drafted
1-9 Dennis Smith Jr, PG North Carolina State
The Mavericks may have lucked into the steal of the first round (though luck and rival GM ineptitude are interchangeable in this case), and got a player with limitless potential that fits perfectly in their system. Rick Carlisle's offenses always create a ton of space to operate, which suits Dennis Smith's game perfectly, as he is one of the quickest, most explosive players in the draft and giving him extra room will make it even easier for him to break down defenses and get to the rim unimpeded. Smith will have Nerlens Noel as a role man and Dirk Nowtizki, the best pick-and-pop player in NBA history, to run with. When Nowitzki sets a screen, it draws so much attention that even the least effective guards have an advantage getting to the rim, and Smith is far from ineffective. If he starts, Smith could easily be in the running for Rookie of the Year because he'll get so many high efficiency looks and have quality shooters and scorers to dish the ball to, something he is more than capable of. One should never get too far ahead of themselves when it comes to NBA prospects, but provided Smith and Carlisle can work together, it is hard to see how this doesn't work out exceptionally well for the Mavs.
What They Need Going Forward
Dirk Nowitzki will obviously return and it is highly likely they will get Nerlens Noel back as well, which gives them a pretty solid starting five, leaving only depth signings. Aside from their glut of smaller guards, (a position they can deal from if they so desire) many of the Mavericks backups are unproven, so they make look to sign some veterans at the forward and center spots. A defensive wing like Thabo Sefolosha or CJ Miles would make a lot of sense, as would a solid vet big such as Amir Johnson. A trade using Wesley Matthews is also a posibility, as he has a lot of fans around the NBA. If a rare miss of the playoffs, the Mavericks look like their back on track to return to the post season.
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