Expectations For Each Starter in Dallas

Point Guard: Deron Williams

Deron Williams was one of the last Mavericks to return to the team in their wild free agency experience. He re-signed with Dallas on a 1 year, 10 million dollar deal. Williams battled through injury last year, but was very effective while he was on the floor. Before getting hurt in the playoffs last year, he was really the main reason why Dallas stole a game from Oklahoma City in their playoff series.

Dallas pushed heavily at a signing of Mike Conley this summer, but Deron will end up being the better option in the long run. Conley signed the biggest contract in the history of the NBA, while Deron signed for a good price.

Also, their season averages are pretty close from last year. Deron averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 assists last season. Conley averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 assists. Conley succeeds Williams a little bit in each category, but the money difference far outweighs the stats.

For the upcoming year, Williams could very well see the same type of numbers. As long as he can stay healthy, 14 points and 6 assists shouldn’t be a huge task. The worst he is looking at would obviously be injury.

But, if he can avoid that, the biggest drop off Williams should see is around 10 points and 4 assists. That would still be solid, but after one year in a Mavs uniform, expectations for him will grow.

With the new weapons he has at his disposal in Harrison Barnes and lob attempts to Bogut, it’s easy to picture him getting his assist numbers up. Also, these guys could open up more open shots for Deron.

Williams is in a good situation here in Dallas. He’s the point guard of a team who has acquired new weapons to work with. For this reason, Deron should have a great year. He could be expected to pencil in around 15 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Next: Shooting Guard: Wesley Matthews