12-16-2020, 08:16 AM
https://theathletic.com/2251334/2020/12/...next-step/
"Dallas’ league-leading offense has been described in some quarters as the best of all time. This is narrowly correct, as the Mavs’ offensive efficiency of 116.7 was indeed the best ever but only because the rising tide of the current era lifts all boats. The league’s 23rd-ranked offense last year, Orlando, would have led the league in 1999-2000.
A more crucial distinction is that this year’s Mavs were 6.1 points above the league average on the season, which is fantastic but not historically elite (the 2003-04 Nash-Nowitzki Mavs, for instance, had a mark 9.2 points above the league average). That’s good news, in a way: even though the Mavs led the league, there is still room for this elevator to go up more. In particular, if Doncic can master 3s off the dribble (he made 31.6 percent), the league is in a world of hurt."
***
"One still worries about this team at the highest levels. The shot-creation strain that falls almost entirely on Doncic late in games makes Dallas too predictable, and none of the bigs are adept at punishing switches. They may be able to address these issues in-season, but it won’t be simple. Porzingis, of course, remains a concern until he makes it through a season upright.
Nonetheless, don’t overthink this. Even a year ago the Mavs had the league’s sixth-best point differential, and they made themselves substantially better in the offseason. I’m not sure if it should be a surprise, but I think the Mavs’ record will surprise people."
[b]Prediction: 47-25, 2nd in Western Conference[/b]
"Dallas’ league-leading offense has been described in some quarters as the best of all time. This is narrowly correct, as the Mavs’ offensive efficiency of 116.7 was indeed the best ever but only because the rising tide of the current era lifts all boats. The league’s 23rd-ranked offense last year, Orlando, would have led the league in 1999-2000.
A more crucial distinction is that this year’s Mavs were 6.1 points above the league average on the season, which is fantastic but not historically elite (the 2003-04 Nash-Nowitzki Mavs, for instance, had a mark 9.2 points above the league average). That’s good news, in a way: even though the Mavs led the league, there is still room for this elevator to go up more. In particular, if Doncic can master 3s off the dribble (he made 31.6 percent), the league is in a world of hurt."
***
"One still worries about this team at the highest levels. The shot-creation strain that falls almost entirely on Doncic late in games makes Dallas too predictable, and none of the bigs are adept at punishing switches. They may be able to address these issues in-season, but it won’t be simple. Porzingis, of course, remains a concern until he makes it through a season upright.
Nonetheless, don’t overthink this. Even a year ago the Mavs had the league’s sixth-best point differential, and they made themselves substantially better in the offseason. I’m not sure if it should be a surprise, but I think the Mavs’ record will surprise people."
[b]Prediction: 47-25, 2nd in Western Conference[/b]