Preseason NBA Power Rankings 16-30

Apr 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward

(41) spins to shoot the ball during the fourth quarter as Houston Rockets forward

(1) defends in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Mavericks 103-94 to win the series 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

17. Dallas Mavericks
Projected Record: 41-41

The Dallas Mavericks are and have been a very good team.  But many presume great teams simply are great, and do not modify their projections no matter what happens to the team roster, and ultimately, chemistry.

The Mavericks no longer boast the services of PG Monta Ellis, C Tyson Chandler, nor PG Rajon Rondo.  While they did acquire c Zaza Pachulia, and PG Deron Williams, I’m not buying the story that the team will simply take the new players and reach the heights of the 2014/15 season.

I see more of a gentle descent, perhaps back to the .500 of the 2012/13 season.  Sorry Mavericks fans… but I don’t think you can replace the engine of a Lamborghini with that of a Jeep and remain the fastest race car on the track.

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