Dallas Mavericks: 3 teams that would have to underperform for Mavs to make playoffs

4 of 4

DALLAS, TX – MARCH 26: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced) Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against the Sacramento Kings on March 26, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sean Berry/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Sacramento Kings

The last and the least of the bubble teams is definitely the Sacramento Kings. I know a lot of people have other teams like the New Orleans Pelicans or even the Oklahoma City Thunder ranked ahead of the Kings this year, but after being the 9-seed last year and keeping a young, growing core all together for another year, the Kings could be a dangerous team.

I am a big fan of a lot of the Kings players. I believe De’Aaron Fox is the best player from the 2017 NBA Draft, Buddy Hield is a highly underrated shooter, Marvin Bagley will prove to be one of the best from the 2018 draft and Bogdan Bogdanovic is a great shooter and can be a nice bench player for a solid team.

The Kings may be at the bottom of the list for the bubble teams, but no one should be surprised if they find themselves in the playoff race deep in the season. There are two ways to grow a team that both work in different ways. You can either trade for elite talent or draft and grow elite talent. Sacramento is one of only a couple teams taking that 2nd route.

It has been awhile since the Kings haven’t been the laughing stock of the NBA. The last time they made the playoffs was after the 2005-06 season, and they have been one of the worst teams in the league several times since then. The management and coaching have been put in serious question over that time period.

Next. Luka Doncic buzzer-beater named 5th best play of season

Any of these three teams could have big years and find themselves in the playoffs or they could underperform and be watching the postseason from their couch. For the Mavs, the hope is that each of these teams struggles in order to give them their best chance at making the postseason since 2016.

Home/Mavs News