Dallas Mavericks: ESPN undersold the Mavs in Future Power Rankings

Dallas Mavericks fans are pumped about the franchise, but it did not reflect in ESPN’s Future Power Rankings. Check out why it was too low here.

The Dallas Mavericks are at an exciting point. Mavs GOAT Dirk Nowitzki retired at the end of last season, but young star Luka Doncic stepped up. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis to be his running mate. Dallas has two potential All-Stars under the age of 25 this season.

The Mavericks plan on making a playoff push this season. Behind the two young stars, Dallas is collecting pieces to enhance their skill sets. The Mavs have missed the playoffs three straight seasons, and they don’t plan on making it four. They should only improve every season with their young star duo.

ESPN ranks Dallas 13th

ESPN released its annual Future Power Rankings (subscription required) this week. It is a projection to determine a team’s success over the next three NBA seasons. The Dallas Mavericks checked in 13th on the list.

Why it is too low

The Los Angeles Lakers were in the top ten. Yes, they have a massive market and an iconic brand. The Lakes too have a star duo and expect to outperform the Mavs this season. LeBron James turns 37 in the final year of these Power Rankings, though. Anthony Davis is expected to hit free agency after this season (he has a player option). Saying the Lakers will be better than Dallas next season is a stretch.

The Mavericks have their star duo under contract for all three seasons. Luka Doncic will be just 23 years old at the end of the 2021-2022 season. Porzingis turns 26 just before that final year. That means two young talents in the midst of their prime.

The Spurs ranked one spot ahead of the Mavericks. They are a first-class organization, but their two stars are currently 34 and 30 years old. Fans can clamor about the talent they have built behind them all they want. None of those players can match the level Doncic and Porzingis are playing at right now.

The Mavs should be in the top ten in any future Power Ranking. Their young could prove to be one of the NBA’s by season’s end. Supporters should be excited. The team will continue to improve as they push toward title contention over the next four seasons.

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