The Smoking Cuban
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Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

By Kohl Rast

Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) sets the play against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 116-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) sets the play against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 116-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks look to start the Las Vegas summer league right with a match against the Miami Heat tonight. Here are the players to keep an eye on.

The Dallas Mavericks have concluded the Orlando portion of their summer league schedule and did so with an excellent 97-92 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Despite going 2-3 in the Orlando league, the Mavericks saw some excellent play in former Marquette guard, Vander Blue, who will be available in Las Vegas tonight as well.

Now that the opening days of the Summer league are over, teams are preparing to show fans what many have been waiting for. That includes a look at how the new rookie class will fair against other NBA talent, as well as taking a look at last year’s rookie class and their improvements.

With that understanding in place, the Mavericks will be headlined by the first round pick from last year, Justin Anderson. Simba had a very unique rookie season that found him thrown around in and out of the rotation before he really showed his capabilities in the playoffs against Oklahoma City just months ago.

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Anderson now looks to capitalize on a few roster changes including the loss of Raymond Felton to get a spot permanently in the Dallas rotation this year. If all goes well in the summer league, Anderson should become a household name in Dallas.

After Anderson, a few other names stick out as players the Mavs fans should keep an eye on. Those names include Dorian Finney-Smith, A.J. Hammons, Perry Ellis, Kyle Collinsworth, and Jameel Warney.

Dorian Finney-Smith and A.J. Hammons have both already signed contracts for the Mavericks and will be on the roster in the coming season. With no money to spend and an abundance of youthful talent already in the system, a few more of these names could find their way to the Dallas team.

Feb 25, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Kyle Collinsworth (5) brings the ball up the court during the second half against the Portland Pilots at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won 99-81. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Kyle Collinsworth (5) brings the ball up the court during the second half against the Portland Pilots at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won 99-81. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

My one player to watch after those that have already put pen to paper for the Dallas Mavericks is (unsurprisingly) Kyle Collinsworth. Collinsworth is a former 4-year guard/forward from Brigham Young University.

Collinsworth has the length, speed, and athleticism to potentially be a solid role player one day but needs to find a more regular shooting stroke before that will happen. He does have competition from Perry Ellis to be a backup for Harrison Barnes, but there is a definite need at the wing for the Mavericks.

Next: Mavs Sign Dorian Finney-Smith

The Dallas Mavericks face off against the Miami Heat in the Las Vegas opener tonight at 9:00 CT. For live twitter updates and a recap of the game, keep an eye on our twitter and follow the site for all up to date news on the Dallas Mavericks.

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