Dallas Mavericks: ESPN’s BPI gives team slim chance to make the playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks have just a four percent chance of qualifying for the playoffs this season according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index.

The Dallas Mavericks began the offseason with the plan of returning to contention in the coming season.  They made some bold moves to push themselves into the mix.  The Mavs traded up on draft night to select Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic and brought in All-Star DeAndre Jordan to man the middle.  Dallas should certainly be better, but was it enough?

ESPN released their Basketball Power Index (BPI) preseason projections on Aug. 28.  You can read more about how they calculate the numbers here.

How did the Mavs rate?

The Dallas Mavericks rated as the 20th best in the NBA according to ESPN’s BPI.  They are 12th in Western Conference as well ahead of only the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings.

Diving in further, ESPN calculated the playoff odds of each team and Dallas checked in at just four percent to qualify for the postseason.

Underrating the Mavs

The metric may account for a lot of things, but it is not factoring in the potential impact of Luka Doncic.  He could not only be the best rookie this season but play at a just below All-Star level.  Doncic would literally make a Ben Simmons type impact from a year ago.  He is a skilled passer and should dominate in the pick-and-roll with Jordan.

The play of Luka Doncic and improvements from Dennis Smith Jr. are the Dallas Mavericks chance to prove the numbers wrong and qualify for the playoffs this season.

Final thoughts

ESPN’s BPI predicted the Dallas Mavericks with just a four percent chance to make the playoffs this season.  The Mavs are underdogs after two straight down seasons and that should mean the pressure is off.  They can play free and easy.  The team will be better, but how much will determine their playoff fate.

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