National Basketball Association

Mavericks After Dark: Three "Million to One" Predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

First off, let me preface this by saying these things are not likely to happen. In fact they are the complete opposite. Some of them are so ridiculous that this will be the only place you ever hear them.

To me, however, it is important to keep an open mind for a team as confusing and unpredictable as the Dallas Mavericks. When it comes to a team that could easily be anywhere from the 3rd seed to the 12th seed, crazy predictions are expected. These may be past crazy, though.

With that little bit of warning, and a side not that I am not personally expecting these things to happen, let’s jump in.

Apr 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the Mavs loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Dirk Nowitzki, MVP

Insanity, right? Dirk Nowitzki is considered one of the best basketball players to ever put on an NBA jersey, and for good reason. In his illustrious 18-year career up to this point, Dirk sits at #6 on the all time scoring list.

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Only 5 players sit in front of him: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal. That is not bad company to be in. Between those 5 players, there are a total of 15 MVP seasons.

Incredibly, 11 of those MVP awards belong to Kareem and MJ while the other three players share 4. Dirk received his own MVP award in the year 2007 but hasn’t even been in the conversation since then.

However, Dirk has also done something that none of the other players have been capable of. He has been effective in his final years in the league. So effective, in fact, that he led the team in scoring at 38 years old. That takes a man with an unparalleled work ethic.

If Dirk is required to be the driving force for the offense again this year and is able to turn back the clock just one or two more years, we could see the Big German hoisting another individual trophy. Again though, the chances of him getting an MVP award this season are about the same as Kobe Bryant.

Nov 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Number One Defense in the League

If you have been a Mavs fan for the last few years, you realize just how far-fetched this one would have been before this season. And truthfully, any lineup that includes both Dirk and Deron Williams is probably reason enough to doubt the possibility of Dallas being the number one defense.

However, there are those out there who believe that this is not that crazy of an idea. The Dallas Mavericks have added some bonafide defensive weapons this offseason. Wesley Matthews, Justin Anderson and Harrison Barnes are all ready to shut down the wing while Andrew Bogut and Salah Mejri patrol the paint.

Between all of these above average defenders, the Mavs are sure to be better defensively than they were last year. But, it is tough to consider it a real possibility that this Dallas team is ready to jump from a below average defensive team to the best in the league.

Improbable? Yes. Impossible? No. That’s where the million to one comes in.

Sept 11, 2016; Atlantic City, NJ, USA; Mark Cuban smiles as he heads out onto the red carpet before the Miss America 2017 pagent at the Boardwalk Hall. Mandatory credit: Thomas P. Costello/Asbury Park Press via USA TODAY NETWORK

Dallas Mavericks, NBA Champions

As far as unlikely goes, this may be an example you hear in the general public. But, the Mavericks really have put together a more solid team than people are willing to give them credit for. That in itself will surprise plenty of people.

Of course when you see teams like the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Cleveland Cavaliers, it is much easier to write off the Mavs. People tend to forget that the Mavericks were written off in every series leading up to their lone NBA title as well.

Look, I’m not saying the Mavs are frontrunners by any means and could easily struggle to make the playoffs at all. But if this team puts it together and really hits their stride, good things could come out of it.

So which one is most likely? Could Dirk win the MVP? Will Dallas be the best defensive team in the country? And are they ready to hang another banner? Probably not…but you never know.

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