Dallas Mavericks
Team Outlook-
The Dallas Mavericks finished with a 42-40 record placing them as the 6th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs last season. The Mavs were knocked out in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team once again reshuffled a few main pieces in their starting lineup this season. The Mavs lost Chandler Parsons when he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. They replaced the hole in their starting lineup by offering a max deal to Harrison Barnes. The Mavs also traded for Andrew Bogut to solidify their Center position. With the addition of Barnes and Bogut, the Mavs are shifting their focus to the defensive side of the ball. The one constant is Dirk Nowitzki, who is chasing another championship. With the changes, expect the Mavs to struggle on the offensive side of the ball, especially during the early part of the season. If the team gels on the defensive side of the ball, they will be a team to avoid playing against in fantasy.
Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard- Deron Williams-
Deron Williams re-signed to a one-year $10 million deal. The 32-year old averaged 14.1 points/per game with 5.8 assists/per game in 32.4 minutes/per game last season. Williams had sports hernia surgery during the offseason. Expect an increase in usage rate and fantasy value with the absence of Chandler Parsons. Williams is often under-owned for fantasy because he isn’t a flashy superstar.
Shooting Guard- Wesley Matthews -
Wesley Matthews was inconsistent last season while recovering from an Achilles injury. His statistics were off last season as he averaged 12.5 points/per game, his lowest since his rookie season in 2009. During his time in Portland from 2010-2014, Matthews was a solid all-around player. With an entire offseason to train, Matthews should bounce back this season.
Small Forward- Harrison Barnes-
Harrison Barnes agreed to a four-year $94 million max deal with the Mavs. The Warriors were unwilling to match any offer after landing superstar Kevin Durant. Last season in Golden State, Barnes averaged a career-high 11.7 points/per game in 30.9 minutes/per game. Expect Barnes minutes to increase to the mid-30s this season. In Golden State, Barnes was an often forgotten fourth option. The Mavs invested in Barnes with the hope that he will develop into one of the top offensive playmakers on the team. For early-season fantasy value, monitor Barnes minutes and role in the offense as he should see a significant bump in usage rate.
Power Forward- Dirk Nowitzki-
Dirk Nowitzki re-signed to a two-year $50 million deal. The 38-year old said that he will take his retirement “year-by-year” at this point of his career. Nowitzki is entering his 19th season and still projects to be the number one fantasy option on the team. That says a lot because he has a limited fantasy ceiling at this point of his Hall of Fame career.
Center- Andrew Bogut-
After the Golden State Warriors landed Kevin Durant, they traded Andrew Bogut to the Mavs. Bogut is in the final year of his $12.7 million contract. Head coach Rick Carlisle said that he expects Andrew Bogut to play more than 20 minutes/per game. However, Bogut has seen his minutes and production decline over each of the past three seasons. Last season in 70 games, Bogut averaged a career-low 5.4 points/per game and a career-low 7.0 rebounds/per game in 20.7 minutes/per game. Bogut has a reputation for being injury-prone, but when healthy he is still one of the top defensive rim protectors in the NBA.
Key Bench Players
Dwight Powell-PF, C- Dwight Powell agreed to a four-year $37 million deal with the Mavs. That is significant money for a player who averaged only 14.4 minutes/per game last season. Head coach Rick Carlisle said that he “expects Powell to be a regular part of the rotation this season.” Powell added 15 pounds of muscle this offseason so that he can fill in at Power Forward or Center. Expect Powell to see a bump in minutes and fantasy value this season.
J.J. Barea-PG- J.J. Barea projects to be the backup Point Guard again this season. When Deron Williams missed time last season, Barea was a great value play for DFS. Expect more of the same this season if Williams misses time.
Devin Harris-PG- Devin Harris had surgery on his left big toe this past May. Recovery has been slower than expected as he has been limited in training camp. If and when he recovers, Harris will be Point Guard depth for the Mavs.
Justin Anderson-SF- Justin Anderson will be the main wing off the bench for the Mavs. Anderson is expected to take the next step this season and develop into an offensive playmaker. Mavs owner Mark Cuban believes that Justin Anderson has the potential to be an All-Star.
Salah Mejri-C- Salah Mejri had minor knee surgery during the offseason. Mejri is bench depth behind Andrew Bogut and Dwight Powell. He is more of a defensive player with little value for fantasy.
Key Offseason Acquisitions
Seth Curry-SG- Seth Curry took advantage of the Kings being out of the playoff race during the final 7 games of last season, when he averaged a career-high 32.5 minutes/per night with 16.4 points/per game and 5.3 assists/per game. Curry declined the Kings $1 million player option and entered into free agency signing a two-year, $6 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Coach Rick Carlisle said that Curry is “going to be a factor” for the Mavs this season. Expect Curry to have fantasy impact off the bench for the Mavs.
Quincy Acy-PF- Quincy Acy opted out of his contract with the Sacramento Kings and agreed to a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Acy is bench depth with minimal fantasy value.
Key Offseason Departures
Chandler Parsons-SF- Chandler Parsons agreed to a four-year $94 million max deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. When healthy, Parsons is one of the most productive Small Forwards in the league. The Mavs will miss his offensive presence.
David Lee-PF- David Lee agreed to a two-year $3.2 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
Raymond Felton-PG- Raymond Felton agreed to a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Zaza Pachulia-C- Zaza Pachulia agreed to a one-year $2.9 million deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Javale McGee-C- JaVale McGee signed a training camp deal with the Golden State Warriors last month.