NBA 18/19: 3 things we have learned from the Dallas Mavericks season so far

#2 The playoffs are a possibility

The Mavericks have recovered from a poor start to the season

Getting to the Western Conference playoffs will be an achievement in itself for the young Mavericks team. The West is extremely competitive, and making the postseason will likely require the Mavericks to finish above teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz.

While the team is not in rebuild mode, the young players on the roster still have plenty of developing to do, and the playoffs seemed a big ask back in the summer. Nevertheless, DeAndre Jordan has been a great addition to the starting five, and the team has already picked up impressive wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors.

Despite the possibility of a postseason appearance, the Mavericks are unlikely to cause serious problems for the likes of the Lakers and Warriors. The experience will, however, be vital to young players such as Doncic, and a playoff series would ultimately provide a great platform for the franchise to build on next season.