Dallas Mavericks sixth in NBA’s Western Conference Power Rankings

Dallas Mavericks sixth in NBA’s Western Conference Power Rankings: Why they will move up

The Dallas Mavericks finished seventh in the Western Conference at 43-32 last season, but they were better than their record. Dallas was sixth in the NBA in point differential and had the league’s best offensive rating. Underperforming expected wins can be tied directly to their defensive and late-game struggles.

The Mavericks attacked those weaknesses this offseason. They added defense and toughness in Josh Richardson and James Johnson, plus drafted one of the top perimeter options in Josh Green. Dallas is hoping Richardson, Trey Burke, and Jalen Brunson handling the ball a bit can keep Doncic fresher late in games. The Mavs promise to be improved this season.

NBA.com’s John Schuhmann released his first Western Conference Power Rankings of the new season. He had Dallas sixth behind the Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Jazz, and Blazers. Let us take a look at why that should not last long.

Why the Dallas Mavericks should vault up the Power Rankings quickly

It is fair to put Dallas sixth right now. The two teams from Los Angeles appear to be title contenders. The Nuggets made the Western Conference Finals last season. Utah had Denver on the ropes in the first round of the playoffs, and Portland improved significantly this offseason. Do not expect the Mavs to sit sixth long.

Dallas was hoping to play any other team in the first round of the playoffs last season. They arguably would have been favored over both the Nuggets and Jazz if they matched up. Denver also lost three key rotation players this offseason in Jerami Grant, Torrey Craig, and Mason Plumlee. Another leap from Luka Doncic should see the Mavericks passing both Denver and Utah this season.

Portland needs a healthy Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins to be a top-four team in the Western Conference, just as the Mavericks must have Kristaps Porzingis and Dwight Powell at 100 percent. It should be a fun race between them plus the Lakers and Clippers at the top of the conference.

Do not count out the Golden State Warriors with a healthy Stephen Curry either. The Rockets figure to be in the mix if they have James Harden too. It should be a fun season with plenty of happenings in the crowded Western Conference, so stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.