NBA: Way-too-early Western Conference predictions for 2017-18

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 12: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handels the ball against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 12, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trailblazers defeated the Suns 110-101. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up the court against the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dallas won 91-74. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

14. Dallas Mavericks

X-Factor: Dennis Smith Jr.

Mark Cuban has not been shy on the tanking talk. His words may be tested in this loaded Western Conference.

While he may or may not start, Dennis Smith Jr. put on a show in the Summer League this offseason. He and Seth Curry will be part of the core in Dallas’ rebuild process. Curry, Smith Jr., and Wesley Matthews will fight for the two guard spots.

When you tune out the hate and disappointment of Harrison Barnes by Mavs fans and just look at the stats, his first year in Dallas was a fairly impressive one – 19.2 PPG on 46.8 FG% in 78 games is nothing to be ashamed of.

Dirk Nowitzki will is a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, there’s no doubt about that. The former NBA Champion is in the twilight of his career, but can still score and provide great experience. Salah Mejri could be in the starting lineup, depending on whether disenchanted Nerlens Noel returns as a RFA.

The rest of the rotation includes Yogi Ferrell, J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dwight Powell.

This Mavericks team last season kept themselves in games with their style of play. They ranked in the top-5 in 3PA while having the second-least turnovers in the league. The problems lie on the defensive end.

Unlike some other rebuilds, this looks to be one of the longer ones in the league. It will be a few years before this team is a serious contender in the West.

Final Record: 26-56

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