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The Dallas Mavericks Don’t Need to Hit the Panic Button Yet

By Kohl Rast

Dallas Mavericks Rick Carlisle Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Rick Carlisle Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It has been a tough start for the Dallas Mavericks and it is just going to get tougher from here. That doesn’t mean the Mavs don’t have a chance to get better though. Let’s give the team a chance to grow together.

The Dallas Mavericks are 0-4 as of now and gearing up to play an undefeated Grizzlies team tonight. If the Mavs are unable to get the win tonight, they will get another chance tomorrow as they travel to Memphis for a home-road back-to-back. Then a more realistic chance for the win column will come on Saturday against the 76ers.

Although an 0-6 start seems dreadful, Mavs fans need to both taper expectations and realize that this season is just getting underway. Dallas has shown some serious concerns over these first four games, but they have also shown us that they are able to compete.

Take the 2nd quarter of the Mavs-Warriors game for example. Dallas outscored the best offense and one of the best defenses in the league, 38-25. That is probably considered the outlier so far in the season, but it does prove that Dallas has more to offer than we have seen the rest of the season.

Although it seems like the end of days for the Dallas Mavericks, it is far too early to make that a permanent expectation. Young teams like the Dallas Mavericks need time to be a cohesive unit and, without that time, there are mistakes that will be made. Dallas is taking bad shots, making bad passes, and missing easy rebounds right now. That is not the norm for a Rick Carlisle coached team.

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 04: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball against Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 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. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 04: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball against Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 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. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The Mavs have also been without some important pieces early on. Dallas has yet to have either Seth Curry or Josh McRoberts on the court, both considered good shooters at their respective positions. They missed Dennis Smith Jr. for two games and have been without Devin Harris for the last three. These missing players have certainly slowed the Mavericks a little, who have had to use some interesting lineups and rotations.

Seth Curry should not be too far from a return. When he gets back, DSJ and Curry should become a very dangerous backcourt. The sharpshooting of Curry and the aggressive driving of Junior will compliment each other well and Dallas’ offense will definitely take a step forward. That will be an important time for the Mavs, especially as the next stretch of games could be a pain.

Next: Did Dirk Talk Noel into Taking Qualifying Offer?

Regardless of what happens this season, the Mavericks should be happy with the outcome. If Dallas makes the playoffs, then Dirk Nowitzki will likely go out with a bang. If Dallas misses, they are back in the draft lottery with a chance to bring home a top prospect. Either way, Dallas can’t go wrong.

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