NBA Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks: 5 Realistic Expectations For 2014-15 Season

Dallas Mavericks: 5 Realistic Expectations For 2014-15 Season

Dallas Mavericks
Getty Images

After an offseason full of big moves, the Dallas Mavericks are prepping for a serious title run. Here are five realistic expectations for Mark Cuban's squad.

5. Rick Carlisle Wins Coach Of The Year

Rick Carlisle Mavericks
Getty Images

5. Rick Carlisle Wins Coach Of The Year

Rick Carlisle Mavericks
Getty Images

If Dallas can put it together early, Carlisle will be a top candidate for Coach of the Year. It’s never easy for a team full of new acquisitions to win early, but Dallas might be the perfect situation for that to happen with veteran leadership, an effective scheme in place and a hungry owner and front office. It could be a fun year for Carlisle and the Mavs.

4. Jameer Nelson Has Career Year

Jameer Nelson Mavericks
Getty Images

4. Jameer Nelson Has Career Year

Jameer Nelson Mavericks
Getty Images

Nelson’s shooting percentages have been in rapid decline since Dwight Howard left him stranded in Orlando. That should change on a team full of weapons like Dallas. Nelson might have a career year at the age of 32, something that is quite rare in the NBA.

3. Tyson Chandler Wins Defensive Player Of The Year

Tyson Chandler Mavericks
Getty Images

3. Tyson Chandler Wins Defensive Player Of The Year

Tyson Chandler Mavericks
Getty Images

Chandler was brought back to Dallas to do what he does best: defend. The scoring will be there, but with lax defenders like Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki in front of him, Chandler will have to protect the basket effectively, which I think he will do. He has never averaged less than a block per game, but this might be a career year for him where he gets close to two per game.

2. Chandler Parsons Emerges As True Superstar

Chandler Parsons Mavericks
Getty Images

2. Chandler Parsons Emerges As True Superstar

Chandler Parsons Mavericks
Getty Images

Parsons is finally free of the toxic situation in Houston. That alone should elevate his game. The 25-year-old swingman averaged 16 PPG last season with the Rockets. Though his numbers may not increase, his value will. He will become a more all-around player and should be the top option in many situations. The big three of Parsons, Nowitzki and Ellis is one of the most dangerous in the NBA.

1. Make A Serious Run In The Playoffs

Monta Ellis Mavericks
Getty Images

1. Make A Serious Run In The Playoffs

Monta Ellis Mavericks
Getty Images

Dallas has retooled their team for a serious run at the title. They’ve added three new starters and bench full of scoring options and versatile players. Dirk Nowitzki’s window is closing, so this is the season to make a real run at a second NBA championship.

Share Tweet