Thats a loss for Dallas in the longrun. Either he walks next year or gets a huge contract. I am surprised that the Mavs couldn't close the deal with a 3 year 60mil, last year player option or another kind of a shorter term deal to secure him a bit longer. He switched his agent to Clutch sports that has always played agressive in the rookie extention talks. Think of Bloedsoe and T.T.
Noel without a doubt has a big role in their plans for the next season. His career so far has had mixed results with injuries and poor team structure. I expect 2 dunks, blocks and steals per game from him if he manages to stay healthy. Now with Noel in the fold at least for a year, Dallas is a sleeper playoff team in the west.
- Elite coach in Rick
- Good structure and team succes for the past 15 years.
- Potential star in Dennis Smith
- Proven veteran 3&D help at the wings in Barnes and Mathews
- Good roller, vertical spacer and defensively active center in Noel
- Shooters at guards in Seth Curry and Yogi
- More guards that somehow produce, Barea and Harris
- And don't forget on Dirk. He can still put the ball in the hoop, that jumper is still automatic and makes defenders gravitate toward him.
They would need to outseed 3 out of 6 these west teams to make it: Portland, Utah, Clippers, Nola, Denver and Memphis.
All of these teams, as well as Dallas, have their issues and could dissapoint.
I will root for them to make the playoffs, but it would require, reasonable team health and Smith jr. to produce right away. I like them mainly cause of Dirk but also as they have proven to be a competitive franchise throughout the years.
