NBA Power Rankings: One reason every team can be optimistic

By Ian Levy | Dec 18, 2018

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 3: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on December 3, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 15: Dirk Nowitzki #41 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shake hands during a practice on December 15, 2018 at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility 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) /

. 15-13. Previous: 15th. dallas Mavericks. 12. team. 79

With Luka Doncic’s runaway Rookie of the Year campaign, loads of familiar veteran faces and a surprising playoff push, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of the Mavericks this season and forget that this is just the beginning. Doncic is just 19 years old. Dennis Smith Jr. and Jalen Brunson are just 21. This summer, Wesley Matthews, J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, Dirk Nowitzki, DeAndre Jordan and Salah Mejiri will all come off the books and Dallas is only on the hook for one more year of Harrison Barnes (who will almost surely pick up his option).

With all that cap space, the Mavericks could be a player for a number of big name free agents and there will be the opportunity to dramatically remake and reload this authority over the next few years as Doncic, DSJ and more into their primes. The Mavericks are better than they were supposed to be, and they’re just getting started.

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