Apr 8, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks
Last Year’s Outcome: 50-32, L, First Round
Best-Case Scenario: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: Poor Dallas, poor poor Dallas. The DeAndre Jordan fiasco still looms over the team and despite their best efforts, the team is in store for a fallout. If everything falls exactly right, the Mavs could be a playoff team. But everything has to fall in line perfectly.
Wes Matthews has to return to his pre-Achilles injury state, Dirk Nowitzki has to go vintage Dirk, and Chandler Parsons absolutely has to step-up. If all of that happens, the Mavericks could sneak in as either the 7th or the 8th seed. Maybe karma comes around and rewards them for the betrayal. That would be a win in itself; simply to make the playoffs.
Worst-Case Scenario: 37-Win Season
Why: In all honesty, a trip to the lottery may be what the Mavericks need the most. It also appears to be a real possibility. It figures that it will take some time for Matthews to return to full strength and the quick rebuild on the fly Mark Cuban undertook doesn’t appear to have staying power. Deron Williams is far past his prime and actually saw his best moments off of the bench last season. The lack of depth at center is also a major concern. Add all of this up and all these concerns may lead to more ping pong balls in the lottery than Dallas has seen in awhile.
What Will Probably Happen: 43-Win Season
Why: There are just too many question marks all over the roster. Their outlook changed so quickly with a change of mind by Jordan, that it almost makes you feel bad for the Mavericks. It just seems that it will take time for Matthews to get up to speed and the roster to gel. Even when if that happens, it will not be enough in a tough conference. They will win at least 35 games, but anything beyond that is a major question mark. Rick Carlisle is a great coach, but nobody is that good.
Next: Denver Nuggets