Dallas Mavericks Outlook: Over/Under on ESPN Projections?

By Paul Wang

Oct 9, 2017

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 7: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives with a fan after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 7, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 19: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 19, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Mavs defeated the Nets 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

5. Seth Curry

"FG% FT% 3PM REB AST STL BLK PTS 2016-2017 Statistics .481 .850 2.0 2.6 2.7 1.1 0.1 12.8 ESPN 2018 Projections .452 .835 1.8 2.8 2.8 1.1 0.1 11.9"

In the final year of his bargain two-year contract, Seth will be in the enviable position of playing for a major payday in the offseason. As the presumed 5th starter, Curry will have plenty of opportunity to shine alongside rookie point guard Dennis Smith.

Given that Seth morphed into a human flamethrower following the All-Star break last season (16.2 PPG on 51% from the field and 45% from three), it should be a blast to watch the Mavericks backcourt tandem light it up this year. Opposing defenses will have quite the problem trying to contain Dennis Smith’s explosiveness and Seth Curry’s craftiness.

With both motivation and opportunity, I find no reason for the regression in ESPN’s projections for Seth. In fact, 2018 may be the year that Seth firmly establishes himself as a bona fide scorer and starter in the NBA.

Verdict: OVER

(Note: This was written prior to the injury.)

Next: Nerlens Noel