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2018 NBA Power Rankings: Should the Houston Rockets be the favorites in the West?

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 17: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and J. Cole attend the 2018 JBL Three-Point Contest at Staples Center on February 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 17: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and J. Cole attend the 2018 JBL Three-Point Contest at Staples Center on February 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

25. Dallas Mavericks (22-48)

Dallas being this low this late in the season has to be demoralizing for this franchise. This is a proud franchise that is not used to being at the cellar of the NBA, specifically in the last decade or so.

But this is part of the process, something that Mark Cuban has even publicly advocated. I’m not sure if the Mavs are openly tanking, but Cuban has made it clear that it’s the best thing to do at this point in the season.

Whether they’re doing it purposely or not, the Mavs are in line to get a top 5 pick – depending on what may happen in the draft lottery.