As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Dallas Mavericks are poised to be title contenders once again. Despite a strong performance as the fifth seed in the West and a Finals appearance against the Boston Celtics in 2024, the Mavs are being overlooked.
Even with the departures of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency, the Mavericks bolstered their roster by acquiring Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Just over two weeks ago, Marshall was recognized as the most underrated forward in the NBA, and Thompson’s contract was named the best “value-for-money” deal of the summer.
Mavs Disrespectfully Ranked Third in the West After Finals Appearance
On August 5, John Schuhmann of NBA.com released his power rankings for the Western Conference, placing the Mavericks as the third-best team behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets.
The Thunder, who were the top seed in the West last year and boast MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rightfully hold the first spot. However, ranking the Mavericks below Denver is seen as disrespectful.
The Nuggets have declined in the offseason, losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson. While they acquired Russell Westbrook, he is not the MVP-caliber player he once was. Additionally, Nikola Jokic will turn 30 in February, an age where centers can start to decline.
The only team that might contend with the Mavericks for a higher ranking is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards, in full superstar mode, led the Timberwolves to their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2004. Minnesota is fourth in the power rankings, behind the Mavericks.
The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves to reach the Finals, winning all three road games in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves, however, beat the Nuggets in the second round to face the Mavs, adding to the perceived disrespect toward both the Mavericks and the Timberwolves.
Fuel for the Fire
Being ranked third below Denver can serve as motivation for the Mavericks to silence their critics this upcoming season. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving just beginning to develop their chemistry and on-court dominance, the Mavericks have the potential to reach the Finals again next season and establish themselves as a powerhouse in the West.
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