3 things we've learned about the Mavericks since preseason has started

1. The Mavericks have a lot of work to do before the season starts

While there are a lot of things on this Mavericks roster that'll take time to fully conclude upon since we can only take so much from just three preseason games, there is one thing that most Mavericks fans can definitely agree upon.

That being that the Mavericks have a lot of work to do before the regular season starts, and even though it is just preseason, a 0-3 start is obviously less than ideal. Dallas has a lot of question marks at the current moment, and while not all of them demand immediate answers, there have been some issues that most fans can acknowledge.

Probably the most glaring question mark through three preseason games has to do with the Mavericks' defense and whether they can improve upon their 25th-ranked defensive rating from last season. Dallas has looked underwhelming from a paint protection standpoint, as they gave up 60 points in the paint in their first preseason game in Minnesota and have lost the rebounding battle by a combined 20 boards through three preseason losses.

The proof is in the eye test as well, as the Mavericks centers are struggling mightily to be a consistent presence in the interior. Richaun Holmes has had extremely spotty minutes thus far, and barring a decent stretch in the first game versus Minnesota he hasn't rebounded the ball or played defense to the caliber that is needed as aforementioned, and Dwight has looked extremely shaky as well.

Dereck Lively II isn't a starting caliber center yet but should start if the Mavericks' veteran centers continue to underwhelm. Lively II will have some electric plays for Dallas next season, but his growing pains could inevitably end up weighing out the positives until he gets enough games under his belt.

Dallas also still needs to figure out a set rotation with a logjam at the guard position, and they will need to be better across the board at defending the perimeter and closing out on shooters amidst the more switch-heavy scheme they instilled in this training camp.

There are obvious questions in regard to how good some of Dallas' young players such as Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Who has had a rough preseason) will play to close preseason and to start the regular season, but only time will tell so we'll have you covered with all the latest developments surrounding the Mavericks as the Dallas closes preseason on and heads into regular season play shortly after.