MAVERICKS

Dallas Mavericks: Three reasons to watch

Michael Singer
USA TODAY
Harrison Barnes poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center.

With the 2016-17 NBA season on the horizon, USA TODAY Sports highlights the top three reasons to watch all 30 teams. We also recap any significant moves made in the offseason and project how your favorite team will finish.

Watchability ranking: 21st

What’s different? Out with Chandler Parsons, in with Harrison Barnes, who signed a max deal with the Mavericks. They also traded for Andrew Bogut.

Ageless wonder: Dirk Nowitzki is 38 and going on his 19th season with the Mavericks. Players with that kind of tread are rarely rewarded with two-year deals worth $50 million, but that’s what Mark Cuban thought was a fair price for a player who had taken significantly less money earlier to ensure the Mavs remained flexible. He averaged more than 17 points for the 17th consecutive season, and there’s absolutely zero reason to assume he won’t do it again.

Banking on Barnes: There might not be a more scrutinized role player than Barnes. He was a good defender last season and spaced the floor well for the Golden State Warriors, but how can anyone reasonably be expected to thrive as the fourth or fifth offensive option? But Barnes is 24. He started every game for the Warriors during their title run two years ago. He scored a career-high 11.7 points a game last season while trying to forge a niche. The confidence Dallas has shown in him will be effective. A change of scenery could be just what he needs.

How Wes goes, so go the Mavs: Wesley Matthews seems to be an excellent barometer for the Mavs. He can either make significant progress two years removed from a ruptured Achilles tendon, return to form as an elite three-point shooter and maintain his status as the team’s best perimeter defender, or he could continue to struggle mightily as he did last season. If the Mavs get some version of the former, they could advance to the conference semifinals. Another season like last year, and it’s tough to see them making headway in the West.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

(Statistics from 2015-16 season)

  • Deron Williams - Points: 14.1, assists: 5.8, rebounds: 2.9, steals: 0.9, field goal percentage: 41.4%
  • Wesley Matthews - Points: 12.5, rebounds: 3.1, assists: 1.9, steals: 1.0, field goal percentage: 38.8% 
  • Harrison Barnes (with Golden State) - Points: 11.7, rebounds: 4.9, assists: 1.8, steals: 0.6, field goal percentage: 46.6%
  • Dirk Nowitzki - Points: 18.3, rebounds: 6.5, assists: 1.8, blocks: 0.7, field goal percentage: 44.8%
  • Andrew Bogut (with Golden State) - Points: 5.4, rebounds: 7.0, assists: 2.3, blocks: 1.6, field goal percentage: 62.7%

How good can they be? Barnes flourishes, Bogut’s mean streak helps the Mavs defensively and Nowitzki’s jumper remains flawless. If that happens, the Mavs could have another 42-win season.

USA TODAY’s projection: 40-42

Follow Michael Singer on Twitter @MSinger