(10-19-2021, 08:39 AM)fifteenth Wrote: I agree, 55 was my pick. 

I was pretty discouraged about Rick leaving, but I've been happy with what little I've seen and heard of Nico and the tone he seems to be setting with the organization. He had me when he talked about servant leadership and from reports so far, it seems like it wasn't just talk. And Kidd seems to be not only on board with Nico's leadership style, but practicing it. I'm a Rick homer, but I have to admit, JKidd has been refreshing (I'd like to start a whole conversation about this at some point). 

And most importantly, pursuant to a win total, the team seems to be energized and inspired by all of this. 

These are "predictions" for a reason. Disaster could strike at any moment. But I see reason for hope. And against the tenets of internet culture, I like hope, especially when there is evidence to support it, and I don't find pessimism to be the the smarter approach by default. 

Support for hope and for 55 wins:

• The key Mavs who have been here for a few years have won at a 55 win clip before, when they've been healthy and together. 
  
• JKidd's approach seems to be energizing and inspiring the team.
  
• JKidd's offensive scheme and tutelage of Luka could result in better play and more prodcution from the non-Lukas. (RC's strict roles leading efficiency, and JKidd's free-er system leading to  _______, is a conversation we should have. The season and playoffs will have to prove this one out). 
  
• The pre-season seems to have confirmed the idea that this could be the healthiest KP we've seen.
  
• Our bench/supporting cast is much better than our other teams that have won at a 55 win clip.
  
• Luka now should be better than Luka past.
  
• I think Brunson is on the verge of taking a good sized year 4 leap forward. 
  
• There are signs of an improved defensive scheme (which must be confirmed in real games, of course)
  

The argument that seems to support less wins is based on "this is the same team and JKidd sucks". And I think there is evidence that suggests that it's not the same team and JKidd might be doing just fine. We'll see.

(11-02-2021, 10:39 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: We were competitive for most of the game and missing our 2 best front court players. I'm not going to overreact. 

#Istillbelievein50

(10-16-2021, 08:21 PM)fifteenth Wrote: 55

(03-30-2022, 10:23 AM)Kammrath Wrote: Mavs need to go 4-2 or 5-1 down the stretch for my 51-52 win guess to be right. 

3-3 or 2-4 for the 49-50 win crowd to be right. 

Those seem like the only LIKELY outcomes left on the board.....

(03-30-2022, 07:05 PM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: Looks like the collective wisdom is right again. I was optimistic, 55 wins. But, the Mavs are a 55 win team now.

(04-01-2022, 11:19 AM)Mavsfan12 Wrote: They are much better than a 55 win team now.  They are 32-11 since starting a putrid 16-18, which included so many injuries and Covid issues that we were seeing a G-league team out there on a lot of nights.  This team has been on a 61 win pace since Dec 31 and that is what this team is.  One of the best teams in the league.  Your Dallas Mavs.  Enjoy the ride.

(04-01-2022, 11:32 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: Still believe we won’t see the second round

(04-01-2022, 11:32 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: JB, SD and DFS large steps up throughout the year is getting my hopes up though.

(04-01-2022, 11:59 AM)KillerLeft Wrote: IMO, Carlisle really messed up by panicking and changing course in that series (lol, Boban) rather than doubling down on what got them that 2-0 lead. 

(04-01-2022, 11:59 AM)KillerLeft Wrote: Yes! And Powell! And Kleber! And Bullock! And Green!