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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DALLAS, TX – APRIL 7: Yogi Ferrell #11 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball up court against the San Antonio Spurs on April 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 Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Yogi Ferrell

"FG% FT% 3PM REB AST STL BLK PTS 2016-2017 Statistics .406 .831 1.5 2.4 3.7 0.9 0.2 10.0 ESPN 2018 Projections .403 .816 0.9 1.6 2.1 0.6 0.1 6.1"

One of last season’s Cinderella stories, Yogi’s magical run from a 10 day contract to becoming the starting point guard is coming to a close. With Dennis Smith Jr. in town, there will no longer be a need for the diminutive Yogi to play an oversized role.

Regardless, he should remain an important piece in the roster (despite his reduced production). Given that Coach Carlisle is implementing a full court defense, we haven’t seen the last of Yogi’s hustle.

It will be thoroughly entertaining to watch the disruptive, three guard lineups that Carlisle will throw out this year (In case anyone forgot, here’s Yogi locking down CP3 for back-to-back steals and layups).

Verdict: PUSH

Next: Meshing Will Take Time for the Dallas Mavericks

While only time will tell if ESPN really swung and missed with their projections, multiple signs point to the Mavericks outperforming expectations this upcoming season. For one, Coach Carlisle finally has the tools to fix last year’s stagnant pace. Furthermore, the revitalized offense will provide increased opportunity for everyone to light up the box score.

Get pumped up Mavericks fans, this season will be exciting to watch!