The Mavericks have four of the top 100 players in the NBA according to Sports Illustrated.
In the site’s annual pre-season player rankings of the top 100 in the league, four Mavs made the cut. And they didn’t just slip in, either. Here are the rankings, which are based on all types of factors, including standard per-game stats, advanced metrics, and past achievements:
Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 |
|||||||
| Player | Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirk Nowitzki | 14 | ||||||
| Tyson Chandler | 39 | ||||||
| Chandler Parsons | 56 | ||||||
| Monta Ellis | 66 | ||||||
Here’s part of what SI had to say about new Mav Chandler Parsons:
“He brings so many different positive attributes to the table: he has logged heavy, heavy minutes in each of the last two seasons; he is a proven high-volume, solid-efficiency three-point shooter; he can create for himself and others in spot situations; he has ideal size for a wing defender and plays with discipline on that end; and he fills up all aspects of a box score through high-energy, selfless and fearless play.”
Here are some words on No. 14 Nowitzki, slotted one spot behind Houston’s James Harden and two spots behind No. 12 (and fellow power forward) LaMarcus Aldridge of Portland:
“Nowitzki is this good right this second, having just led the Mavs to a virtual tie for the best offense in the league last season before challenging the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. At 36, Dirk is still utterly impossible to defend, wrecking opponents with his shot-making and bending defensive principles to his will.”
Clearly, SI basketball minds think very highly of the top of the Dallas roster. But, as we all know, it takes talent off the bench to turn a good team into a great team. This year’s Mavs squad is arguably as deep or deeper than last season’s team that boasted perhaps the league’s best second unit. The expectation around the country is that the Mavericks will win plenty of games this season and possibly make a playoff run. If that’s going to happen, it will take contributions from every man on the roster, from top-ranked Nowitzki all the way down to the 20th man on the training camp roster.
Be sure to check out the rest of the player rankings. Do you agree with these Mavs’ placements on the list? Do you think more Dallas names should have appeared? Let us know in the comments!
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