Highs and Lows: Dallas Mavericks
Jason Kidd, Dime #40The NBA preseason is underway. While we wait for the real games to start, we’re going team-by-team, from 1 to 30, exploring where each team’s ceiling is for the upcoming season and where their basement is. In other words, what are the realistic best-case and worst-case scenarios for each squad?
Additions: C DeSagana Diop, SF Gerald Green, SF Shawne Williams, PF James Singleton, PG Keith McLeod.
Losses: C Jamaal Magloire, PG Tyronn Lue, SG Eddie Jones, PF Malik Allen, PF Juwan Howard.
Ceiling: Conference semifinals
After getting mugged by the Hornets in the first round of the ‘08 playoffs, Dallas’ offseason player personnel moves were relatively quiet; the two most significant were re-signing platoon starter DeSagana Diop and taking a chance on reclamation project Gerald Green. The real story was ex-coach Avery Johnson being jettisoned in favor of Rick Carlisle, who promises a more free-wheeling motion-style offense that will take better advantage of Jason Kidd’s strengths and allow Dirk Nowitzki to play where he wants. (Dirk complained about being in the post so much during Avery’s tenure). If Kidd, Dirk and Josh Howard play at or near All-Star level, the Mavs are good enough to earn a postseason berth. And with a veteran group of guys — including Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry and Erick Dampier — that all have NBA Finals experience, they can advance at least one round.
Basement: Lottery
Although the core of this team was only put together a few months ago, time is already running out for Dallas in terms of being a legit championship contender; Kidd is 35 years old, Stackhouse and Dampier are both 33, Terry is 31 and Dirk is 30. They had a tough time just getting into the playoffs last season, and while they shouldn’t be hamstrung by chemistry and locker-room issues this time around, they do have to deal with the usual Western Conference heavyweights (Spurs, Lakers, Suns, Hornets, Rockets, Jazz) and some up-and-comers who could knock them out of the postseason picture (Blazers, Clippers). There are the tried-and-true Achilles’ heels, such as Kidd’s shooting and Dirk’s ability to step up in crunch time, and who knows where Josh Howard’s head is at following his tumultuous offseason? The Mavs have another run or two left in them, but it’s entirely possible that their best just won’t be good enough.
‘08-09 NBA preview archives
10/15 — Indiana Pacers
10/14 — Golden State Warriors
10/10 — Detroit Pistons
10/9 — San Antonio Spurs
10/8 — Chicago Bulls
10/6 — Oklahoma City Thunder
10/3 — Washington Wizards
10/2 — Utah Jazz
10/1 — Charlotte Bobcats
9/30 — Memphis Grizzlies
9/26 — Toronto Raptors
9/25 — New Orleans Hornets
9/24 — Atlanta Hawks
9/23 — Sacramento Kings
9/22 — Miami Heat
9/19 — Portland Trail Blazers
9/18 — New Jersey Nets
9/17 — Minnesota Timberwolves
9/16 — Cleveland Cavaliers
9/15 — Phoenix Suns
9/12 — Milwaukee Bucks
9/11 — L.A. Clippers
9/10 — Orlando Magic
October 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
dukesman2000 says:
There is nothing they can do to help the Mavs win a ‘Chip, unless they give Dirk a heart transplant.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Tyrone says:
Man ya’ll Dallas can’t even get out of Texas.
But I think that Dallas be making some bomb chili and yeah you know I likes eating when I watch the Mavs cause they be rockin.
True thugs never lie.
Tyrone
October 17th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
RENO says:
Dallas’ championship window got slammed shut by wade in 06.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Sam I Am says:
Dallas Sucks!
Their window of opportunity closed a LOOOONG time ago.
Best and only chance was their Finals appearance and with Nash in ‘00.
P.S. WOW Tryone you have got to be a real simple man
October 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
nola says:
diop? addition?
October 17th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Sam I Am says:
I would say their best addition was by subtraction…
The Little General
October 17th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
QuEsT??? says:
jj barea will take ove the pg spot when kidd goes away. although i dont like his game, jj barea is pretty good.
October 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
control says:
Is that the best picture you could find Dime? Jason Kidd in the ugliest piece of clothing since http://dimemag.com/2008/10/converse-jack-purcell/ these came out? You could have put a picture of Dirk looking like a goat trying to eat his own face (his normal “yea” face) and it would have been better.
That said, if Dallas wins close to 60 games, they will probably have a first round exit. If they barely squeek into the playoffs, they should go second or third round.
October 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
TownBiz says:
the Mavs suck. And Rick Carlisle is hardly the answer. Dirk schmirk!
October 17th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
N B says:
What’s up with all the hate?
October 18th, 2008 at 8:33 am
dagwaller says:
Hate hate hate…
October 18th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Coop says:
Diop went to the Nets to whoever didnt know that.
Dallas won’t be near the lottery with that team don’t be foolish. Dirk’s ‘heart’ wasn’t the problem either you euro-hater.
2nd round imo.
October 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Gerard says:
I just don’t think that the coach was the real problem.
October 18th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hugo says:
I’m sure we’ll all be surprised by the mavs this season. This team is basically the same that got to the finals and won 67 games. Just with a better coach, a better pg and a system that can take advantage of the strengths of the players. The team gave up on avery at the start of last season. The team didn’t played with energy. Avery just couldn’t come with a good play at the end of close games. Always those damn isolation plays were Josh takes the ball on the wing, eat some clock and step back to shoot a ill 3. I think that this team can be good this season with new players like Green, Wright and Williams. Let’s see.