After finishing the 2018-19 season with just 33 wins, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle is feeling confident about the new campaign The veteran shot-caller even believes his Mavs have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this coming season:

“We really like the roster that we have in place,” Carlisle said, via Dwain Price of NBA.com. “I don’t like to put numbers — try to put numeric predictions on wins or anything like that — but our players are excited for the challenge.

“We’re a franchise that is a championship franchise that is ready to move back into the playoff hunt.”

This is a bold prediction from Carlisle right here, especially considering how ruthless the Western Conference is expected to be this term. There are some newly formed dynamic duos out West, and these pairings will look to dominate what is already a very competitive conference.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Jason Kidd reveals Mavericks’ potential Cooper Flagg plan
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Max Christie (00) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center.
Mavericks’ Jason Kidd gets brutally honest on Luka Doncic trade

Nevertheless, the Mavs have their own Batman and Robin partnership in reigning Rookie of the Year winner Luka Doncic and big man Kristaps Porzingis. The former will be looking to build on what was an amazing debut campaign, while the former hopes to return to proper form following a year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury.

Porzingis' health this coming season will have a tremendous impact on how the Mavs will fare in the West, so perhaps Carlisle believes the 24-year-old Latvian is ready to reestablish himself as one of the league's best big men this coming season.