The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.

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**Dallas Mavericks (DAL)**

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**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 26-22

Last 10: 4-6

Record Against top ten teams: 3-13

Preseason Expected Wins: 45.5

Current Pace: 44-38

Power Ranking Tier: Second Round “Lock” (B)

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**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 117.4 (10th)

Defensive Rating: 117.8 (23rd)

Net Rating: -0.4 (17th)

Pace: 100.7 (10th)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

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3: D. Exum – L. Doncic – D. Lively II

(3): D. Jones Jr. – L. Doncic – D. Lively II

Net Rating: 26.8

(Net Rating): 6.6

Minutes played(464): 182

4: D. Exum – D. Jones Jr. – L. Doncic – D. Lively II

(4): D. Jones Jr. – L. Doncic – G. Williams – D. Lively II

Net Rating: 35.8

(Net Rating): 3.4

Minutes Played(221): 107

5: K. Irving – T. Hardaway Jr. – L. Doncic – G. Williams – D. Lively II

(5): K. Irving – D. Jones Jr. – L. Doncic – G. Williams – D. Lively II

Net Rating: 27.9

(Net Rating): -2.3

Minutes Played(99): 33

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**Three best players:**

Luka Donic:

35 Points/ 9 Rebounds/ 10 Assists/ 4 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 57.4% 3pt%: 37.5% Ft%: 78.0%

Luka Doncic’s mastery with the Dallas Mavericks continues to sculpt him as an extraordinary figure in the NBA landscape. At the core of Dallas’ offensive scheme, Doncic’s profound command over the game is evident, with his scoring prowess and playmaking excellence setting the tone for the Mavericks. His ability to dissect defenses and score from both inside the paint and midrange showcases a blend of finesse and strength. Doncic’s proficiency at driving to the rim is complemented by remarkable scoring efficiency, while his midrange game adds a layer of unpredictability to his offensive repertoire. Although his three-point shooting, particularly in pull-up scenarios, is a significant aspect of his game, his catch-and-shoot percentages suggest room for enhancement. Despite the high volume of possessions he manages, Doncic’s decision-making is meticulous, mirrored in his low turnover rate for a player with such extensive usage. Defensively, Doncic’s contributions are less pronounced, and his guarding at the rim is notably one of his primary weaknesses, demanding focused improvement. As he continues to progress in his career, Doncic’s relentless drive for excellence, coupled with a more cohesive team framework, sets the stage for not only individual distinctions but a revitalized pursuit of team triumph, firmly establishing him as one of the pivotal talents of his era.

Kyrie Irving:

25 Points/ 5 Rebounds/ 5 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 50.6% 3pt%: 41.1% Ft%: 89.5%

Kyrie Irving’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks showcases his exceptional offensive artistry, marked by masterful ball-handling and scoring finesse. Irving’s scoring prowess, especially from beyond the arc, establishes him as a formidable offensive threat, with his pull-up and catch-and-shoot three-pointers adding a significant dimension to his game. Despite the unpredictability surrounding him, his on-court performance consistently dazzles, characterized by mastery in midrange and close-range plays, though his efficiency at the rim suggests an area for improvement. His playmaking ability orchestrates the Mavericks’ offense rhythmically, while his perimeter defense has been commendable during his time in Dallas. However, Irving’s historically weaker interior defense since joining the Mavericks contrasts with his stronger defensive positioning during his time in Brooklyn. Off-court controversies and his unpredictable availability sometimes overshadow his on-court contributions, adding a layer of complexity to his impact throughout the season. Irving’s unique blend of basketball artistry and intricate journey positions him as a player capable of redefining the game, provided he consistently channels his focus and talent on the court.

Dereck Lively II:

9 Points/ 8 Rebounds/ 1 Assists/ 1 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 74.6% 3pt%: 00.0% Ft%: 54.4%

Dereck Lively II’s introduction to the Dallas Mavericks has quickly established him as a key defensive asset and an invigorating force under the rim. His ability to alter shots and control the paint has provided Dallas with the kind of defensive cornerstone that’s been missing, while his energetic rebounding, especially offensively, injects extra opportunities into the Mavericks’ play. Offensively, while Lively doesn’t threaten from the perimeter, his high efficiency in close reflects a savvy understanding of space and an ability to leverage his physical gifts. His aggressive play, which often leads to drawing fouls, hints at an evolving offensive game that could see improvement as his free-throw shooting progresses. Early in his career, Lively’s expanding skills and evident basketball smarts are becoming increasingly integral to the team’s strategy, evidenced by the trust he’s earned from teammates and the defensive solidity his presence brings. His enthusiastic pursuit of rebounds and the energy he adds on the court are intangible yet vital aspects of his contribution. Lively’s mix of defensive prowess and budding offensive capabilities positions him as a foundational piece for the Mavericks, who are clearly building towards a formidable future in the league with him at the helm.

Strengths:The Dallas Mavericks’ offensive strategy shines through its efficiency, driven by a robust three-point game that ranks among the top in the league. Their commitment to the long-range assault complements their half-court play, keeping defenses stretched and on their toes. Aided by high-volume shooting from beyond the arc, the Mavericks have crafted a versatile and dynamic offense that leverages quick transitions from defense to scoring opportunities. This approach is underscored by their top-tier offensive rating, which indicates a team that knows how to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes and turn the tide in their favor. With a pace that underscores their aggressive and fast-moving style of play, the Mavericks maintain an offensive momentum that is both relentless and strategic. Harnessing their capabilities to launch and convert from deep, Dallas’ offensive engine continues to be a threat across the NBA, defining their identity as a team that can consistently put up high scores and challenge even the staunchest defenses.

Weaknesses:

The Dallas Mavericks’ season reveals a team facing challenges that juxtapose their offensive capabilities. A glaring weakness presents itself in their inability to protect the rim effectively, with opponents capitalizing on this deficiency with a high field goal percentage at the rim, placing the Mavericks among the lowest in the league in this defensive aspect. This issue is exacerbated by their lackluster defense against corner three-pointers, allowing teams to exploit these critical high-efficiency areas. Additionally, while the Mavericks exhibit a robust offense, their execution in half-court and off-ball plays often lacks the fluidity and innovation that could elevate their scoring opportunities. The predictability in their offensive sets, paired with a sometimes inefficient finishing at the rim, hints at an over-reliance on their three-point shooting strategy, which, while potent, does not always translate to a balanced offensive threat. To navigate these waters and reach their potential, the Mavericks must address these defensive vulnerabilities, enhance their offensive playbook’s versatility, and find a more cohesive rhythm that aligns with their pace of play. As they move forward, embracing these adjustments could solidify their path to becoming a more well-rounded and formidable team in the league.

Fun rating 3/6:This team is prone to dynamic outbursts, highlight dimes, clutch plays, and unbelievable finishes. But the march to the foul line, and constant complaining by Luka definitely brings down the enjoyablity a notch. The ball dominance of Kyrie and Luka as well as the heliocentric nature of Luka leads to some ball watching moments that brings down the overall score.

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**The Future:**

Importance of season 3/5:

The current season holds significant, but not critical, stakes for the Dallas Mavericks. With the star power of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving at the helm, they stand as a formidable force capable of challenging any team. Their depth may not scream ‘contender,’ but the duo’s sheer talent bridges many gaps. The Mavericks are positioned comfortably for the future, thanks to a combination of draft assets, promising players on rookie contracts, and the luxury of a young top-tier talent in Dončić. Unlike other teams in a sprint for success, the Mavericks have the luxury of pacing their pursuit, aiming for strategic growth rather than immediate short term moves.

Potential trades:

Trade 1: Trade for John Collins, this trade would require Grant Williams and Maxi Kleber plus some amount of draft capital for John Collins. A trade like this gives the Mavs a big shooter, who can also defend up in smaller lineups.

Upcoming Draft situation: Their 1st is top 10 protected and going to the Knicks.

Projected Tax Space: -.7 Million

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**TLDR:**

Summary:

The Dallas Mavericks’ season is a multifaceted narrative marked by Luka Dončić’s offensive orchestration and the promise of youth in Dereck Lively II. Dončić continues to dominate with a versatile scoring threat and superior playmaking, while Lively II emerges as a defensive anchor and a force under the rim. The Mavericks’ offense, powered by a high three-point output, showcases an ability to keep pace with the league’s best, but their defensive frailties, particularly at the rim where they rank low, temper their achievements. The addition of Kyrie Irving adds a layer of complexity, with his offensive brilliance often overshadowed by off-court unpredictability and a historic weakness in interior defense since his move to Dallas. Despite these challenges, the Mavericks’ blend of star power, strategic depth, and untapped potential positions them as a team ready to pivot towards greater success. Their moderate importance season is cushioned by draft assets and the luxury of a young top-tier talent in Dončić, allowing for strategic growth without the pressure of immediate success. Trade possibilities loom, suggesting adjustments could enhance their roster, but with a near-to-neutral tax space, their moves will be measured. The Mavericks’ narrative this season is not just about the present but also about laying a solid foundation for a competitive future in the league.

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**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

**What I am looking for**

**Storylines/notable events:** A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

**Random interesting stats:** These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

**Memes:** These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

by DeficientFooting