5 Expectations for the Dallas Mavericks This Season

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Oct 19, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Montrezl Harrell (5) shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut (6) and forward Harrison Barnes (left) defend during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Elite Defense from the Mavs Squad

In the Dirk Nowitzki era, the Mavericks have been known for their prolific offenses and high scoring games. As long as Dirk is healthy and Rick Carlisle is scheming, the Mavs haven’t had many problems scoring the basketball.

However, defense has been a problem for Dallas ever since Tyson Chandler left after the 2011 Championship season. The Mavs simply focused on offensive production and won games by scoring efficiently and at a high rate. Whether it was the lack of a true paint presence or the older age of many past Mavs squads, they haven’t put together a solid defensive roster for a number of years, until now.

The additions of Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes from Golden State join Wesley Matthews and young stud Justin Anderson to give the Mavericks a truly defensively talented group. Deron Williams and Dirk will always be a relative liability, but this years Mavs team should be able to tout a stifling defense that will not only cause turnovers but make opposing teams earn every bucket. If Dallas is top 10 in the league in overall defense and points allowed per game, then they will have met expectations.

Next: Harrison Barenes Offensive Role