Dallas Mavericks among B/R's top sleeper team: Should they be considered a sleeper?

The Dallas Mavericks made the conference finals, but they are still under the radar. They were in the league’s final four less than six months ago. It was a surprising run that few predicted, but that should not take away from what Luka Doncic and company accomplished.

They lost Jalen Brunson, who was the best free agent to change teams this offseason, and now the Mavs are again among the forgotten with nobody picking them to get back to the conference finals or advance further. There is little mention of their frontcourt upgrades or Dallas improving their depth. The experts are all excited about the Clippers and Nuggets getting healthy to challenge Golden State in the West.

Bleacher Report named their top five sleeper teams for the 2022-2023 season, and the Mavs made the list. Should a team that reached the conference finals last season qualify as a sleeper? Does Dallas deserve inclusion? Here is a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks among Bleacher Report’s top sleeper team: Should they be considered a sleeper?

A team that reached the conference finals should not be considered a sleeper, but the Mavericks deserve it. Nobody is talking about Dallas as a legit contender, but if Luka Doncic is on the court, they can defeat any team in the league in a seven-game series.

Christian Wood gives them a stretch five with JaVale McGee providing some rim protection and rebounding when he’s on the floor. Dallas covered their two biggest holes from last season, and they are one ball-handler away from being a legit contender.

Number 77 is special, and he takes his game to another level in the postseason. He averages 32.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over his 28 career playoff contests. Defenses throw everything at him, but the 6’7 guard is unstoppable. Bet against Doncic at your own risk in the postseason.

If the experts are ignoring the Dallas Mavericks, they are certainly a sleeper. They are arguably a better team, despite losing Jalen Brunson this offseason. The Mavs could go on another deep playoff run in 2023, and the rest of the league should be on notice. Expect Luka Doncic to be in top form in the postseason, and that makes them a threat in any series.