they are going to have the ability to get some stops in the clutch now that they have lively and grant. even though the defense is not going to jump to a top 10 defense the mavericks simply improving from last to a top 20 defense is going to have a significant impact on the win-loss record. they lost so many close games last season, so they could end up winning over 50 games (unlikely) but will be closer to 46-48 wins. still not a legit title contender but Nico really corrected the course of this ship with this offseason. now its simply building on it.
The defense still needs a lot of work. Kleber at the 5 was abysmal yesterday, DJJ despite the size & decent defense is a poor shooter. I think we need to try to get a true backup big & wing at the deadline & maybe go for an elite defensive wing next offseason (when we’ll have all our picks)