Are You Paying Attention to the Mavericks?

After a couple of unimpressive seasons, the Dallas Mavericks appear to be a real threat once again.

The Mavericks have won eight consecutive games impressively.

While Dirk Nowitzki has yet to suit up in a single game this season, the new-look Mavericks are still posed to make a great run in the Western Conference.

So what’s different?

For starters - Dennis Smith Jr. reached another level of explosiveness. In his second year, Smith appears to be even more confident than he was in his brilliant rookie season. The point guard is averaging 13.5 points per game and over four assists per contest.

Harrison Barnes is being Harrison Barnes - positive, coachable and dependent.

The Mavericks’ newest gem is one Luka Donic, who is making a valid argument to be Rookie of the Year. Donic is averaging a team high 18.6 points and is responsible for almost seven Dallas rebounds per game.

Hopefully Dallas fans have forgiven DeAndre Jordan for changing his mind a few seasons ago and electing to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers at the time. Jordan has more than made amends for the blunder in the first 22 game of the season. Not only is the big man averaging a double double in points scored and rebounds, but he has become such a reliable free throw shooter. For his career, Jordan has made just over 40 percent of his attempts from the free throw line. This season, he is making just under 76 percent from the line for his new team.

Dallas also has a ton of valuable role players, including veterans Devin Harris and JJ Barea. Wesley Matthews is healthy and still has a nice outside shot. Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell are still aggressive and will out-hustle anyone in the NBA.

At the helm of a well-rounded team, that appears to gel well is one proven coach in Rick Carlisle.

The Mavericks should definitely be on your radar.