Three New Year’s Resolutions for the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks rolled into 2018 with a head full of steam and are bringing Mavs fans plenty to look forward to for the new year. What things do the Mavs need to be better about in 2018 that they struggled with in 2017?

Happy New Year MFFLs and what a way to finish 2017, am I right? The Dallas Mavericks seem to have figured some things out going into the new year and we will all get to see if winning is going to be a more regular thing, or if the Mavs are giving us false hope.

Although the recent changes have looked good for Dallas, there are still some changes that we would all love to see made. These changes would give Dallas a different look and hopefully see an even more noticeable impact on certain games.

The difference between these New Year’s resolutions and the ones we hear about on a regular basis, is that these ones really need to stay permanent to have a real impact. No more January warriors in these parts, the Mavs are ready to make some permanent changes.

Here are my top three New Year’s resolutions that will make a world of a difference for the Dallas Mavericks.

1. Give Dennis Smith Jr. a shot in crunch time

This looks to be something Dallas really wanted to push coming into the new year, but I would really like to see it as a common practice night after night. It is great that we have shooters like Wes and JJ, good finishers like Harrison Barnes, and unparalleled experience like Dirk, but no one has the explosiveness that DSJ does.

If Dallas wants to win some more close games (something we have been pitiful at overall this season) then the ball needs to be in the hands of the biggest matchup nightmare on the court. That title is no longer Dirk’s but now belongs to the rookie point guard. Good things are on the horizon now that this is the norm for the Mavs.

2. Work on situational lineups

More from The Smoking Cuban

• Dallas Mavericks: Tyrell Terry injures groin in summer league loss to Jazz
• Mavericks: How to maximize Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis pairing
• Dallas Mavericks: Did they do enough this offseason to jump into title contention?
• Mavericks: What to watch for as Dallas faces Utah Jazz in summer league
• Dallas Mavericks rumors: Bulls want first round pick for Lauri Markkanen

I know Coach Carlisle is generally a mastermind with things like this and I won’t question him too much, but we have had some lineups in crunch time minutes that were questionable to say the least. Aside from leaving DSJ out a lot early on, we have also had times where we needed a rebound and Powell was on the court or needed a stop and JJ was on the court.

These are small things that could ultimately turn the tide of the game and the Mavs need to be clear on that if they are going to continue on their current success. We want wins, coach.

3. Bring Seth Curry back

This one seems like a no-brainer but we want to see Seth Curry on the court. Obviously there is some lack of clarity on the situation with Curry and that is part of the problem, but it seems like Mavs fans are being left in the dark with the entire situation.

Seth Curry is a game changer and he is in a contract year. That means the Mavs could really benefit from his play on the court. Now, all we need is to get him on the court. How bout it, Carlisle?

Next: J.J. Barea Should Have His Jersey Retired

2018 is going to be the year of the Mavericks, I can already feel it. We are coming into the new year ready for some great basketball and these small changes could really make a difference. What are your resolutions for the Dallas Mavericks?