Stephen A. Smith drops fearless Mavericks prediction that goes against the grain

The Dallas Mavericks begin a new era of basketball on Wednesday. Last season, Dallas rolled out a starting lineup that consisted of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II. Now, after an offseason full of surprises and last season's trade, the Mavs will have a new lineup consisting of Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, Lively II, and Thompson. The fifth spot will likely go to D'Angelo Russell or Washington, depending on what Jason Kidd decides.

However, whichever lineup Kidd rolls with, it seems one expert believes Dallas should be the favorites to win it all next year.

Stephen A. Smith recently jumped on Carmelo Anthony's 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast to discuss his favorite team to win the NBA title. Without hesitation, Smith predicted Dallas to make a deep run, assuming things work in their favor. His words are something Mavs fans hope come true after everything they've experienced.

Smith believes Mavericks can win the NBA Finals if healthy

Smith has been known to make outrageous outbursts and comments, as Dallas Cowboys fans have come to envy him. Yet, his recent comments might have Mavs fans jumping for joy. In simple terms, he believes the Mavericks could accomplish something they haven't done since 2011. Basically their title hopes will depend on their two all-stars.

"If Kyrie Irving comes back healthy and Anthony Davis is healthy, I think should be the favorite to win it all," Smith said.

His comments 40 seconds after the statement above, is what really excited fans.

"I believe that the Dallas Mavericks, if healthy, will win the chip."

His reasoning for the proclaimed statement proves Nico Harrison and Kidd have all the ingredients to make some noise. For example, one thing he mentioned was the Mavs' history against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Smith highlighted the 2024 playoffs when Dallas beat OKC in six games. He detailed how the Mavericks are the Thunder's kryptonite and that last season the Thunder had an easy path to the Finals, as they didn't have to face Dallas.

One of the advantages Smith highlighted was the team's depth. He stated that "Lively II, Gafford, and these brothers can play." Basically, he was speaking highly of the Mavs' frontcourt. If you recall, Dallas has a two-headed monster in Lively II and Gafford, who can both make things easier for Davis. Remember, Davis had been beginning to play power forward, and Dallas finally granted him his wish. This should work in Dallas' favor, as Davis excelled at the four during his time in New Orleans.

Smith also touched on other things, including Flagg's ability to excel at the next level, Kidd's success as a coach, and Washington's development. In simple terms, if everything goes right in Dallas, then there isn't any reason they shouldn't be the favorite to make a deep run. The Mavs just need Irving to come back at full strength and revert to his old form.

So, only time will tell if Smith's proclaimed statement becomes a reality. It'll be up to Davis and the rest of the crew to hold things down until Irving returns. Plus, Dallas will have to hope Irving doesn't have any setbacks. Smith's recent quotes should be enough to get every MFFL excited for the upcoming season.