DALLAX, TX - JUNE 23: Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks introduces their 2017 draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. during at a press conference on June 23, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. 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 Glen James/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks had a tough year last year, but it resulted in some great things. What great things can we be hopeful for this year, even if the record doesn’t reflect a winning season?

When it comes to the 2017-18 NBA Season, it is hard to know what to expect for the Dallas Mavericks. With more new players and even more questions than usual, expectations are hard to clear up for the upcoming squad.

To really break it down into what the Mavericks need to do this season, we need to have a clear understanding of what should be considered a successful season. Winning is the usual immediate definition in a general sense, but that is not the criteria that should be set for the young Mavs who only won 33 games last season.

Instead, the successes are going to be more noticeable on an individual basis, as well as the preparation for next season when the tanking should finally be over. As long as Dallas does a few things just right, this season can be a huge success without even needing a playoff birth.

There are a number of different things, both big and small, that could be signs of success for the 2017-18 NBA season for the Mavs, but I have narrowed it down to the 5 most important in my own opinion.

1. Dennis Smith Jr. shows that he is the real deal

This is the most important thing for the upcoming season to me because DSJ has given Mavs fans so much to look forward to. Although his highlight reel is probably going to be incredible this season, we want to see him make major strides in his overall game and become the Mavericks point guard of the future.

The big things that will indicate success are going to be his defensive presence on the court and his court vision/assist numbers. We know he can score the rock well already and are waiting to see that transfer to the big leagues, but fans also need to see that he can be a team player on both ends of the court. That is going to be key to Junior’s success during his rookie year.

2. Dirk Nowitzki has another great year

This one seems like common sense, but everyone wants to see Dirk keep the dream alive. Getting closer and closer to 40 years old, Dirk has still shown that he is a dangerous player on the floor, although not as potent as he was in his prime. If he can continue to chip his way towards the top 5 in all-time scoring, all the better.

The big reason people want to see another great year, however, is because no one is really ready to say goodbye. If he has another solid year with 60+ games and averaging close to 15 a night, he may consider coming back for another year. That would be a dream scenario for Dallas and the NBA as a whole.

3. Seth Curry proves his worth for the future

Everyone has heard the rumors that the cap space Dallas is making available for 2018 is in hopes that Curry takes a big step in his game over the next year. This year will be much better for Curry who will likely get a more substantial workload and will be relied on to score with the second unit. He will have ample opportunity to prove himself for big money.

This is the type of season that will be very important for Curry who is entering a contract year. Dallas wants to keep him around and believes he can become a steady force on the offensive end for years to come, but know that with a good season will come a big dent in cap space. This is something Dallas is willing to commit to and I believe Curry will have a good year.

4. The Mavericks keep cap flexibility for 2018 Free Agency

This is definitely something the Dallas Mavericks should make a top priority, considering the 2018 free agency class that everyone is looking forward to. Some Mavs fans are going to be a little skeptical considering the history of failure Dallas has had over the last 5 or so years. However, with a class like this and the core that Dallas already has, its hard not to take a swing.

Names like Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, Andrew Wiggins, or Joel Embiid are probably a bit of a stretch, but Dallas could definitely pursue the next tier of free agents like Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Favors, Clint Capela, or even Julius Randle. There are just a lot of good players that will be available.

5. Dallas gets another lottery pick to round out a great, young core

The 2018 NBA Draft will also be full of great talent that the Dallas Mavericks would love to get their hands on and, the way the Western Conference is going right now, it shouldn’t be hard for the Mavs to get into the lottery once again. Even though the Mavericks and Mavs fans want to win games, one more year of below .500 ball may be a good thing.

The draft talent is not quite going to be to the level of 2017, but it will still have a solid group near the top. If Dallas can slip back into the bottom 10 teams one more time, they will likely get a talented youngster to keep the youth movement headed in the right direction. This one will be tough to rely on but will be a great thing if it all goes according to plan.

These are just a few of the things that Mavs fans are looking forward to seeing in the upcoming season, but if all 5 of these things do come true, it is hard to argue that the Dallas Mavericks did indeed have a successful season. And each one of them is very doable.