Utah Jazz: The J-Notes’ Western Conference composite power rankings, September edition

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 14: The Houston Rockets introduces Chris Paul as he speaks to the media during a press conference on July 14, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 14: The Houston Rockets introduces Chris Paul as he speaks to the media during a press conference on July 14, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 02: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a shot over Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 2, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

13) Dallas Mavericks

Avg: 13.1, Hi: 11, Low: 15, Aston: 14

So Dirk Nowitzki is set to suit up for season No. 20 this fall and has gone on record as saying that it may not be his last. That’s a good thing for longtime hoops fans, but it likely won’t do much for the Mavs in the win column next season.

Harrison Barnes was arguably the league’s most improved player last season, averaging 19.2 points and five boards per game. Moreover, Dennis Smith Jr. may end up being the best point guard from the 2017 draft class.

That said, the Mavericks’ days of contending for a title (or even a playoff spot) are done until Donnie Nelson and Mark Cuban can reload the coffers.