[marcusfizer21Participant]

If I may imitate the way The Rock welcomes himself to a particular place, I would do and say it like this for the Dallas Mavericks, “Finally, the Mavs has got past the First Rooouund!” It is definitely a sigh of relief for Dirk and company after having been embarrassed in the past 2 playoffs having been kicked out of the first round. The Dallas Mavericks have been surging this past season, sure, the familiar names are still there like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Josh Howard just to name a few. Not to mention the leadership of Jason Kidd, Dallas would certainly be one of the teams fighting for a spot in the playoffs. The problem with Dallas is that their franchise player is catching up with father time and there are signs of aging for the others. The team needs a valuable commodity and they didn’t get to do much in terms of trades and signings the past season. In a tough Western Conference where almost all teams have a close knit in the standings, the Dallas Mavericks sneaked past in a playoff spot. Despite winning 50 games this last season, they were ranked 6th. But as luck has brought them, they were matched-up against the injury-plagued San Antonio Spurs who had lost Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan (not 100%). The Mavericks simply took advantage of such opportunity as they went on to kick the Spurs in 5 games. It was a sigh of relief on the part of Nowitzki who has been feeling so down during the past two seasons. The next part would be a tougher contest against the surging Denver Nuggets. They never made it a series as they fell to Billups and company in 5 games. Still, it was a learning opportunity for the young guns to aim higher again this upcoming season. The draft wasn’t spectacular for the Mavericks this year but then again, it wasn’t disastrous either. They managed to pick up a couple of solid guys that can be major contributors to an aging team. Rodrigue Beaubois is a prospect who many have said that he can easily be one of the solid, if not, best defenders in the league. His 6’2 frame but 6’10 wingspan will be a big asset for the Mavs off the bench. Nick Calathes and Ahmad Nivins should they be signed in will get fewer opportunities especially since there are 2 PG’s splitting time in Jason Kidd and JJ Barea. Amad Nivins is expected to replace the roster spot vacated by the departure of Brandon Bass. Though the Mavs didn’t really make much noise in the draft, they did made waves in the offseason. One of their biggest acquisition is high-flyer Shawn Marion who will be reunited with old teammate Jason Kidd back in Phoenix. By adding The Matrix, the Dallas Mavericks can easily contend among the Western conference teams. The Mavericks also signed two solid big men that can contribute for the team. Drew Gooden is in his 7th year and has been a solid journeyman for most of his career putting up respectable numbers, Tim Thomas is a 6’10 guy who can shoot in the perimeter. Yes, Dallas is getting older but they are getting wiser. Mark Cuban is never afraid of getting over the salary cap and that’s what made Dallas a great but risky team. A few pieces to add left and the NBA world could be in for a surprise. But for this team, they will have to add extra magic to pull off a success this season. Will Dallas finally get the chance to get back to the Finals with the Lakers looming as the odds-on favorites? Will Shawn Marion ever get back his old Phoenix form? Will Jason Kidd have enough left for this season? A lot of questions and these are just some of them We’ll see whether they can pull it of but definitely, this Dallas team can be a darkhorse for a championship.

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NBA Draft Grade: B-

NBA Offseason Grade: A-

Predicted W-L: 52-30

This is just a writer’s opinion… Anyone care to comment I am open for it…^^

[HaleParticipant]

I love these articles. Can you do Phoenix next?

[MagikKnickParticipant]

im slow, i just realized your going in alphabetical order..
i was like “damn, why does he keep skipping the knicks?

Anyway, once again a damn good post, your really knowledgeable about your basketball, good stuff

[marcusfizer21Participant]

Thanks guys! MagicKnick, you’re right I am doing it in alphabetical order… I wanna do all teams ’cause I have something to say to them all

[HaleParticipant]

Dang, it will be awhile until phoenix then. But I await the day.

[blazer_fan_foreverParticipant]

Incorporate Marion and Howard at the same time? Also, I think Bass leaving is a big loss to them. He brought a needed toughness to a some-what “soft” team. With most teams in the west getting better, I don’t expect the Mavs to make much noise come playoff time. Being a Blazer fan, I would hate to be matched up against Dallas in the first round because we have no answer for Dirk.

[Michael.S.Participant]

I think Bass leaving is a big loss to them. He brought a needed toughness to a some-what “soft” team
Exactly, and actually I think Outlaw would give Dirk some problems

[blazer_fan_foreverParticipant]

Too bad Outlaw hasn’t learned how to play defense or be tough…He could be so good…

[GoodbyeChandlerParticipant]

would trade howard by the deadline. rumors had him going to NJ for VC. but thats not gonna happen.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

I guess it’ll be a while until Toronto,
but yeah, great post .

[Michael.S.Participant]

Outlaw can play D ! Outlaw has soo much potential on both ends, he can cause Dirk problems because he is very long, athletic ,and quick and Diek struggles against those type of defenders

[blazer_fan_foreverParticipant]

But I have to disagree. I remember in the regular season Dirk just destroying Outlaw. Dirk has more strength and more length. I think if Outlaw had a higher basketball IQ he would be a fantastic player…Some things you can’t just teach.

[marcusfizer21Participant]

We’ll talk about the Blazers soon my man…^^

[Michael.S.Participant]

Oden should be able to give Dirk even more problems than Outlaw, he wasn’t available though last year

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

I wonder how they gonna run their lineup?

PG Kidd
SG Howard
SF Marion
PF Nowitzki
C Dampier

???
With Terry off the bench?
Can Howard play SG?

[Author]

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