The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: Breaking down the roster going into 2019-20

By Kohl Rast

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Dirk Nowitzki #41 and Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate during a game against the Boston Celtics on February 13, 2017 at 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)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Dirk Nowitzki #41 and Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate during a game against the Boston Celtics on February 13, 2017 at 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) /
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Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis Luka Doncic Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Here to stay

Luka Doncic – Don’t worry, people, Luka is not going anywhere any time soon. Aside from being one of the best players in the league this year, he is also 20 years old, meaning his ceiling should be looked at as a potential top 5 player in the league for years to come. He is under contract for the foreseeable future and after his contract is up, he will still be a restricted free agent for the Mavs to sign.

Luka is the central piece to the Mavericks plan going forward and that will be abundantly clear once he starts his 2nd season in the league.

Kristaps Porzingis – If Luka is part 1 of the Mavs plan going forward, consider Kristaps as part 1b at the very least. With an All-Star season already under his belt and the best teammate of his career so far being the great Carmelo Anthony and his 3 assists per game throughout his career. Having a guy like Luka, who is averaging 6 assists per game and expected to do even more than that going forward, will certainly be an enticing situation for KP.

It is best for everyone to view Luka and KP as untradeable assets for the Dallas Mavericks heading into the future.

Must Read. 5 reasons Luka Doncic deserves to win Rookie of the Year

Jalen Brunson – Brunson is the backup point guard of the future for the Mavs. He has already shown what he is capable of early on in his rookie year and has really shown parts of both Devin Harris’ and J.J. Barea’s games at different times. Dallas has always had a deep group of guards to turn to when needed, but Brunson is looking more like a potential future 6th Man of the Year candidate than just another backup point guard.

Tim Hardaway Jr. – Whether you want him here or not, Tim Hardaway Jr. is likely here to stay. There are scenarios where the Mavs could find a trade partner for Hardaway’s massive contract, but I don’t believe that is going to be the team’s focus considering how much money they will already have available this summer. Hardaway could be a nice player off the bench if the Mavs can fill out a starting lineup, but expect THJ to be back in the first unit next year.

Justin Jackson – Jackson has shown what he is capable of over the past couple weeks, leading the team in scoring a couple times while also boosting his shooting averages a little bit. His small contract is nice for the team and if his shooting can become more consistent, he will be a nice bench piece.

Next: Likely Returning