2019 Mavericks Banking on Euro Core for Success

2019 Dallas Mavericks Betting Storylines

The Dallas Mavericks knew they had drafted a player when they picked Luka Doncic third overall in the 2018 draft. But they couldn't have known just how easily he would take to the NBA game, how good he would look, or how high his ceiling is. He was just the fifth player ever to average 20-5-5 as a rookie, joining an incredible group that includes Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and, bizarrely, Tyreke Evans. He became just the second Euro, following Pau Gasol, to be named Rookie of the Year. And the Mavericks were smart enough to realize that they needed to build a winning core around their young superstar in a hurry. As they were looking to continue the legacy that Dirk Nowitzki, arguably the best Euro the league has seen, built, it only makes sense that they look to two more Euros. Joining the Slovenian Doncic was the Latvian unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis. His ACL kept him out last year after the Mavs acquired him, but he is on the court in the preseason. And judging by the 18 points he scored in 19 minutes last time out, he's feeling just fine. The team still needs to find the pieces to complement their big two. But they have the luxury of a little time - Doncic is 20, and Porzingis is 24. They have an ideal coach to work with them, too. If the Mavericks were a stock, I'd be buying and holding them.

2019 Dallas Mavericks Additions and Departures

There was at least a little risk in adding Porzingis because his contract was set to expire before he ever played for the team. The Mavs took care of that this summer, though, inking a five-year max deal. That was the biggest priority for the team, and it was simple.

From there, it was all about building a roster to support their two young stars. They signed new deals with Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell and J.J. Barea to bring them back for another year of contributions. Trey Burke, who came over in the Porzingis deal, was the biggest name to leave the team - aside from the retirement of Dirk Nowitzki, of course. And they brought some names with more upside than immediate impact to replace the missing pieces and add depth. Seth Curry brings his shooting touch back to town after a successful season with the team in 2016-17. Boban Marjanovic certainly brings size, and he adds to the Euro quota as well. There are no superstars there, but both could be useful.

The team made a useful trade, sending two second-round picks to Memphis in a sign and trade for Delon Wright. Wright is a valuable player who can do a bit of everything, is easy to trust, and is an excellent addition to a backcourt that has a whole lot of different pieces to work with right now.

Nowitzki's retirement is a big deal, because he played for the Mavs for as long as Doncic has been alive. His impact on the Mavs was as big as any player's has been on any franchise. He was Dallas. It was a masterstroke of timing and luck that his last year was Doncic's first - and the first for Porzingis, as it turned out. It was a passing of the torch for the team, and the transition should be smooth.

Dallas did not have a first-round pick in the draft. Their lone action was a swap of second-round picks - their 37th for the 45th, which became Isaiah Roby and two future second-round picks. He's going to take time.

2019 Dallas Mavericks Futures Odds and Trends

Dallas Mavericks Futures Odds

NBA title odds : +4000

Western Conference title odds : +2500

Southwest Division title odds: +800

Luka Doncic MVP Odds : +1600

Kristaps Porzingis MVP Odds : +10000

Season win total: 40.5

Will the Dallas Mavericks make the playoffs: Yes +200, No -240

Dallas was a pleasure to bet on in the first season with their new superstar. Their 45-34-3 ATS record was second best in the league behind only Milwaukee. There was good money to be made on totals as well - they went under 44 times, compared to going over just 37.

2019 Dallas Mavericks Predictions and Futures Odds Picks

I really like the duo at the center of this team. Hard not to if you have a soul. But it is so hard to know what to expect in the short term. Can Porzingis perform at full strength coming back from injury? Do they have enough around the two to remain competitive? If they were in the East, I would write them into a playoff spot in pen. But the West is a whole different animal, and it is so deep right now. I think it's more likely that they fall short, but the eighth playoff spot is certainly in play. I would lean lightly to the over on the season win total . However, if they can win more games than they lose, this will be a big success of a season. It's only just the beginning for these guys.

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