5 Biggest overreactions to week 1 of the Mavericks' season

The Dallas Mavericks have started the season 4-0 for the first time since 2004. In that season, Dallas went on to win 58 games. While the 2023 season is just beginning, it seems the Mavericks could follow a similar path to that squad nearly 20 years ago.

The article has yet to truly begin, but the first of five overreactions may have already been revealed. Replicating a near-60-win season is extremely difficult. However, it's far too early to discredit the Mavs' successes.

Dallas averages the third most points in the NBA thus far, scoring 122.5 points per game. And unlike last season, the defense has held up in this small sample size. Despite playing at a faster pace, Dallas is middle-of-the-pack in points allowed per game.

5 Biggest overreactions to week 1 of the Mavericks' season

This team has far more defensive potential than the squad we watched a year ago. Rookie first-rounder Dereck Lively II has been a revelation at center. He has quickly proved to be a quality contributor on both sides of the ball.

Additionally, newcomers Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. have filled the starting wing spots to perfection. Both players have knocked down threes and defended exceptionally well.

The undefeated start has been a complete team effort. But, Dallas wouldn't be where they are without Luka Doncic's masterful start. He's averaged 33.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 37.5 minutes of action.

Doncic's performance is no overreaction. The 24-year-old superstar has already cemented himself as a top-5 player in the league. But, due to the 4-0 start, overreactions are surely a common theme.

5. Tim Hardaway Jr. has solidified his spot on the roster

It's no overreaction that Tim Hardaway Jr. is off to a blazing start. He's second on the team in scoring and knocking down 4.0 3-pointers a game at a 43.2 percent clip. The former Wolverine has always been a knockdown shooter, however this season, he's playing better than ever.

But, despite the strong start, Hardaway Jr. could still find himself on the way out. Throughout the offseason, his name was constantly mentioned in trade rumors.

And even right before the season began, Hardaway Jr. was unsure of his role on the team. Now more than a week in, and Hardaway Jr. leads the league in points scored off the bench. He's the only player in the league to average more than 20 points to not start a game.

Regardless of Hardaway Jr.'s initial successes, he still could find himself on the way out in February, at the trade deadline.

The Dallas sharpshooter still has one more year left on his deal. And best of all, in the last year of his deal, he'll make $16 million as opposed to the $21 million he made in year one of his four-year pact.

If Dallas believes in another player, such as Jaden Hardy, absorbing Hardaway Jr.'s role or acquiring another asset in exchange for Hardaway Jr. will benefit the team. Then it's likely the longtime Dallas guard will join his fourth squad.