National Basketball Association

Roundtable: Who is This Year's Mavs X-Factor?

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

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Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Quincy Acy (4) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks lost their X-Factor player from last season when Raymond Felton left for Los Angeles. Who will take over as the energizer for the Mavs this year?

When it comes to NBA teams in general, people tend to forget that past the starting 5, teams often need that extra push. Players coming off the bench can do more than just keep a team in the game, it is their job to keep the energy and intensity up for their team.

In the past, the Mavericks have had a number of great X-Factor type players. Raymond Felton last year was a great example. Before that it was Jason Terry for a lot of years and during the championship run, it was often times J.J. Barea and Peja Stojakovic.

The point is, some players just know how to keep a team running and play outside of their normal abilities when the games are most important or when they get their chance. With that being said, our staff discusses who they believe will be the Mavs X-Factor player this coming season.

Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) dunks past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

“Seth Curry taking the next step in his career and Salah Mejri continuing his trend from last year were almost my picks, but Justin Anderson takes the title as X Factor for the Mavs this season. Anderson should be the first guy off the bench and will find minutes alongside of the other starters when the Mavs go small. We all know he has the athleticism and defense, but I think his offense will take a step forward this season.”

–Issac Harris

Apr 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) dunks the basketball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Sacramento Kings 105 to 97. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

“This choice might shock most, but I’m going with veteran forward Quincy Acy. I know it’s still to be decided if Acy will even grab any minutes or make the team, but if he does, I think he’ll a great addition to the Mavs’ front court. Acy is a enforcer, who can get in the paint and disrupt top post scorers, which are all over the Western Conference. Offensively, he’s still limited, but that won’t be him overall purpose; he’ll be in the game to grab rebounds, block shots and be another high energy guy off the bench.”

–Eron Ramadanov

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyle Collinsworth (2) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

“My “X-Factors” are Kyle Collinsworth and Jameel Warney. Warney is a very high production player in rebounds and points in the paint. Dont be surprised if he steals a roster spot and slowly gets a bigger role for Rick Carlisle. Collinsworth is very versatile at 6’6 and can play 1-3. However, he’ll have to score enough to have a chance at making the team. Collinsworth fills up the stats and those guys usually have long careers in the NBA.”

–Ricky Castro

Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Skal Labissiere (1) handles the ball against Stony Brook Seawolves forward Jameel Warney (20) during the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

“This one is surprising. But I see an X-Factor for the Mavericks being Jameel Warney. I love this kid. I started watching him in College at Stony Brook. He was an absolute animal. I told people I think this guy can be a star for a long time. I’m so glad Dallas gave him a contract and I pray he makes the team. It’s a long shot for this question but I went with him because of the part that said someone no one would expect to be a factor. The scary thing here is if Carlisle will actually let him play. If he does, I know he won’t regret it.”

–Austin Denius

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

“The Mavs ” X-Factor” this season will be Seth Curry. A capable scorer, Curry should provide a nice shooting touch to go along with a great handle and sweet passing skills. Rick Carlisle will have no problem putting him in the rotation immediately due to his ability to score and could become the Mavs’ new Jason Terry.”

–Evan Siegel

Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrate after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 85-84 in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

“The obvious answer is Dirk depending on if he continues to defy time, but I’m going with Salah Mejri, the Tunisian Tower of Terror. He stepped up in a big way last year especially in playoff time. I picked him because our back line defense is going to be very important this year, and when Bogut sits or misses time we are going to need similar defensive production from his replacement. Salah is tough, blocks shots at an excellent rate, rebounds and runs the floor well. He also showed flashes of a basic post up game in the playoffs. He’s like Rudy Gobert Lite, and if he continues to improve this year he will be our X-Factor.”

–Shawn James

Mar 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks to pass over Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

“Perhaps the least hyped, but one of my favorite off season moves, was the addition of Quincy Acy. Acy is versatile in that he can gaurd the 2-4 position (making him a fantastic pick and roll defender) and play the 3 or 4 on offense. He is a monster on the boards and defensively in the paint, and has a severely underrated 3-point stroke. As Dirk gets another year older, Carlisle and company will try to limit his minutes. Some people expect Dwight Powell to fill the back up role, but I imagine that Quincy Acy will make a hard case to steal most of those back up PF minutes, and will have a serious impact on games.”

–Sam Casey

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

“The Mavs honestly just have so many options this year that it is hard to choose who could become the X-Factor on any given night. For that reason, I am going to stick with someone I know will always impact a game when he steps on the court, and that is J.J. Barea. Barea has been one of the Mavericks X-factors since he got here and will continue to be so. After his short stint in the starting lineup last season with Deron Williams out, it is easy to see that he is still an incredibly impactful player.”

–Kohl Rast

The Mavericks could have a number of players that become the X-factor for the night, but in the end, it is clear that Dallas is full of talent that could make its case in any game this year. For that reason, our staff has some very different ideas of who could make that impact for the team this season.