Let's deal in reality before we step into the fantasy world.
The Mavericks are not going to be a playoff team in 2018-19. There's simply too much ground to cover for a 24-win team in the Western Conference, no matter what kind of magic they might have up their sleeve.
So let's all agree that they are aiming to be back on the NBA map in the 2019-2020 season. Making the playoffs that season is plausible.
Now, let's step into fantasy world.
If this is a process that will last two more years, then the Mavericks have a plan that, with a little luck, can be executed and will put them in the playoffs in two years.