NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Mavericks are balanced with youth and experience

DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Luka Doncic #77 Harrison Barnes #40 Dirk Nowitzki #41 DeAndre Jordan #6 and Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 21, 2018 at the American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Starter — DeAndre Jordan

Depth — Dirk Nowitzki, Salah Mejri

As mentioned before, the Mavericks were finally able to land DeAndre Jordan in free agency signing him to a one-year deal worth $22.9 million deal. Jordan will immediately improve the defense of the Mavericks, as he was the anchor for the Clippers defense for the last several seasons. Jordan’s rebounding prowess will also be huge, and his ability to run the floor and catch lobs will surely be fun for young players such as Smith Jr. and Doncic. Poor free throw shooting will of course accompany Jordan, but he provides a lot of good that can help ease the pain of that.

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Backing up Jordan will be the future hall of famer in Dirk Nowitzki. He is not the same player he once was at the age of 40 now, but he is still able to knock down his signature jumper. Nowitzki is also the leader of this team and will certainly serve as a great mentor to the younger plaers. Rounding out the position is Salah Mejri, who will provide depth as needed, and will also help mentor the younger players with his veteran presence. Mejri has ample experience playing overseas, and the NBA as well.