Know thy enemy: Dallas Mavericks
(Note: I realize these are supposed to go in reverse order of finish from last season, meaning Denver is technically next, but I'm waiting on some feedback from a Nuggets blogger and this one is good to go. So we're going...)
Dallas Mavericks: 51-31 (fourth in the Southwest Division, seventh in the Western Conference)
Key additions: DeSagana Diop (re-signed after being traded away last year), Gerald Green
Key losses: Juwan Howard, Ty Lue, Malik Allen
Last season was not a happy one for the Mark Cuban circus down in big D. Their 51 wins represented the smallest total for the franchise since the 1999-2000 campaign, and 16 fewer than the year before. The Mavs were then waxed by New Orleans, four games to one, in the opening round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, tensions built up among Avery Johnson and, well, just about everyone, from Cuban to the guys in the locker room, and Cuban toward the roster with which he started the season. In mid-February, with the Mavs sitting at 35-18, he dropped the plunger and blew the thing up, sending Devin Harris and a good chunk of the team's future to New Jersey for Jason Kidd.
Fair to say it didn't work in the manner Cuban intended. The Mavs were 16-14 after the trade, and seemed to struggle to find a rhythm with their new PG. A full training camp in Dallas along with a boost from new Coach Rick Carlisle should help matters, but the bottom line is that Dallas is getting old, and pretty quick. But that's just my impression. To get a better handle on the Mavericks, I hit up our blogger inaArms Tim MacMahon from the Dallas Morning News, host of the Mavs Blog (and fellow ban-ee during Cuban's anti-blogger days) with a few Q's:
1) Rick Carlisle for Avery Johnson: Change in coaching personnel, but is it a big change in style? How do you think Carlisle's presence will change the way the Mavs operate?
Tim MacMahon: Based on Carlisle's reputation as a grind-it-out, controlling coach, it's not a big change. Based on everything he's said and done since arriving in Dallas, it's night and day.
Carlisle, who spent a lot of time in Phoenix last season studying Mike D'Antoni's offensive system, has vowed to put Jason Kidd in position to succeed by making the Mavs a running team that won't use many set plays in the halfcourt. Carlisle says he's never used that style because he's never had a point guard like Kidd. He's putting in a system to suit his players instead of trying to make the players fit his system. Defensively, the Mavs are trying to build on the foundation Avery left.
Maybe the biggest change is that the lines of communication are open again. Avery was a dictator, to borrow Dirk's description of his former coach, and players tuned him out by the middle of last season. He totally lost the team when he benched Kidd in a tight loss to the Spurs, which was the first clutch situation after the trade. Carlisle went out of his way to visit his key players this summer and has won them over with his willingness to listen.
2) How close is Mark Cuban to reaching a breaking point with Josh Howard, and how could that impact this season?
TM: You always have to take Cuban's public comments with a grain of salt, but he has never wavered in his support of Howard.
During the Mavs' media day, Howard delivered what came across as a heartfelt apology for five months of acting like an "idiot." I'll give the guy, who went through personal hell last year that included the deaths of his college coach and two women who played major roles in raising him, the benefit of the doubt. Cuban certainly did, never seriously entertaining offers for Howard this summer, including the Kings' proposal of a Ron Artest-for-Howard trade.
Maybe I'm being naïve, but I think Howard has his head on straight again, and his off-court antics won't be an issue this season.
3) The J-Kidd thing didn't really pan out the way (I assume) Cuban had expected last season. With a full training camp under his belt and a chance to better mesh with his teammates, should people expect more from the Kidd-led Mavs?
TM: Kidd absolutely should fit better with this team after a full training camp and with a system suited to fit his skills.
However, I'm not sure that means more should be expected out of the Mavs. It's tough to see them gaining ground on any of the West's top-tier teams. Portland should be significantly improved and in the playoff mix.
It's reasonable to expect Kidd to put up much better numbers than he did after the trade last season, but the Mavs were probably be fighting for a playoff spot again.
4) Age is clearly becoming a factor for this group. Is there a sense that if the team doesn't win now, drastic measures are on the horizon?
TM: I don't see Dirk being traded. Anything else is a possibility if the Mavs aren't title contenders.
The biggest decision Cuban and Co. will have to make is whether to give Kidd, who is in the final season of his max contract, an extension. Neither side wants to negotiate right now, but it could become a sticky issue this winter.
Even if Kidd doesn't come back, I wouldn't expect the Mavs to go into rebuilding mode. Dirk has three seasons remaining on his contract, and Cuban will try to do everything possible to win a title in that span, as unlikely as that may be.
5) Last season they won 51 games. Over or under that figure this season?
TM: I'll cop out and say just about the same. The Mavs have won at least 50 games in eight consecutive seasons. They ought to make it nine, but just barely.
That number sounds about right to me. With Dirk, Howard, Kidd and Jason Terry, the Mavs are too talented to do truly poorly, but from my perspective, they're no longer a legitimate threat to win the Western Conference. A good team, yes. A playoff team? Yes. But the best days of this nucleus are in the rear view mirror.
Thanks again to Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News for the responses.
Projection: Low 50s, low playoff seeding, low-level results in the postseason.
BK
*RE-POSTED FOR FISH GUY AND WHOEVER ELSE*
fish guy, i saw in another thread you wanted info about a fantasy league... we have brought back the Lakers Blog Fantasy League on Yahoo! and expanded the teams, so there's a spot open but hurry up and register!
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/register/joinleague?.scrumb=
Join Custom League
ID: 108133
password: brianshaw
draft is Sunday @ 12:30 PST ...see ya there
Posted by: CBuck | October 23, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I was just going to say before Faith mentioned it
Isn't anyone disturbed about Kobe's unwillingness to get an MRI?
Yesterday his excuse was there was no swelling. Today (after swelling) he says he doesn't want to waste Buss' money.
Some thoughts... Is it 1 or 2 or 3 (your take)
1. Kobe is just a warrior
2. Kobe is worried to stay out of the line-up for any extended period of time because if the team does well without him, his bargaining position with his upcoming contract option could be compromised.
3. ?
KOBE GET THAT MRI
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | October 23, 2008 at 08:36 PM
absolutely no energy the first half. Way to many outside shots
Posted by: keifo | October 23, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Eric M - I'm a Luke fan because he's a Laker. Other than that, that is one white boy that can't jump. There is NO WAY he comes in before Trevor - there will be a mutiny on Chick Hearn Court!!
HmrHed - you missed the - what was it? 15-20 minute delay? - because the wire holding the net to the rim broke & they were going to go across the street to WalMart to get a new net, but then someone thought of tape..... The game started ugly, and so far it continues ugly....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Only thing I can think of is they're afraid of what they're going to find.
Which is stupid coz it's a very long season. He can heal fast if there is a problem which I hope not.
Posted by: Faith | October 23, 2008 at 08:39 PM
sean may may have been "brilliant" in the NCAA
but sean may needs to lose weight in the NBA
Posted by: CBuck | October 23, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Fantasy basketball is a worthy exception to the Tiny URL rule! Fill that league up!
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 23, 2008 at 08:42 PM
hey laker world. I live in Ny and i have no way of watching or listening to LA games. all i get to c or hear is the wack. knicks. CUD SOMEONE PLEEEZE GIVE ME WORKING LINK OR A WEBSITE WERE I CUD LISTEN. THNX
Posted by: lakerfanfromNY | October 23, 2008 at 08:43 PM
THE LINK IS NOT WORKING! URGH!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 08:43 PM
we look very diss-interested out there. Did someone forget to tell the team that we had a game tonight???
Posted by: keifo | October 23, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Must say if there's one thing I don't like about th 77 on the floor?
It's seeing Bynum at the 3 point line. He should NEVER ever be there. Give him the ball somewhere he can do something with it.
Posted by: Faith | October 23, 2008 at 08:46 PM
larry brown's blood pressure is getting worked out... for a preseason game?!?!
Posted by: CBuck | October 23, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Jon K - are you on your bar stool?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Preseasons in most sports typically start ugly (rust) and end ugly (lack of interest/boredom with camp/itchiness to get to the real games).
The ones in the middle are generally better.
This is the lineup I've been waiting to see more of. All three bigs on the floor at once.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 23, 2008 at 08:48 PM
The Big Guys are in
Posted by: Fatty | October 23, 2008 at 08:49 PM
lakerfanfromNY try this:
http://tinyurl.com/5e545c
Posted by: Faith | October 23, 2008 at 08:51 PM
CBuck - that's funny - I was just thinking that May needs to be introduced to Jenny (Craig)...
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Gasol seems like he's going to be the best player on the Lakers this year. Everyone's talking about Kobe and Bynum, but I don't think that's it.
I think it's Gasol.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 08:53 PM
I wish PJ had let the big three run together a little longer...
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 23, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Oh my God!! Lamar with back-to-back threes!!
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 23, 2008 at 08:53 PM
justanothermambafan,
The barstool is for the playoffs.
Which we are going to win along with the Finals.
And I will scream the praises of the Lakers throughout.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 08:54 PM
I'm starting to feel bad for Larry Brown. He looks like he's seriously wondering why he came back to coaching.
OOoooohhh - nice block by the Beast!!!
And then LO!!!!!!! I love LO. I'm an LO homer.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 08:55 PM
justanothermambafan,
My teenage daughter is the "Luke" fan in the family. She thinks he is "Uber Hot".
The only time she will watch a game with me is if he is playing.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 23, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I hate this crap.
These links aren't working for me.
I want to smash everything in my room.
URGH!
I hate fricken Cleveland. There are very little Lakers games here.
What was I thinking?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Faith thnx 4 some reason it doesnt work but im listening on nba.com. its better than nothing. hopefully throughout the year they allow u to listen on nba.com thnx anyways
Posted by: lakerfanfromNY | October 23, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Following the game through Yahoo Sports sucks.
I used to be able to listen to it through Ridgecrest Internet radio, but NOOOOOOOO!!!! they somehow cut off broadcast.
URGHHOSKDJF mepdimnapsedoiugmfqecmntpgerjhgmfpwicdfrxosuim!
To summarize: Urgh.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 09:00 PM
weird it was working for me.
Must be safari.
Posted by: Faith | October 23, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Mark Cuban is a doucebag.
Look up doucebag. His face is right there on Wikipedia.
Absolutely.
He is the standard all doucebags aspire to.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 09:01 PM
farmar has made a friggin' career out of making those shots
Posted by: CBuck | October 23, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I hope LO doesn't fall in love with the 3.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 23, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Faith,
The fact that it is working for you and not working for me makes me want to throw my steel towed boots through my television playing "South Park" right now.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Jordy at the buzzer - I'm thinking we'll see a lot of that this year too.
Jon K - sorry about your geography problem, man. That sucks....
Eric M - are you sure the real reason she wants to watch is if Luke's playing? Tell me, does the dog play with you? LOL - just kidding man!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Wow - Luke with an offensive foul. I think that's the first one he's ever had, right?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 09:09 PM
OMG - I did NOT just hear that idiot TNT announcer say that Mbenga was from the DOMINICAN Republic of the Congo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude needs a geography lesson...............
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Sun Yue is not a NBA player. I don't care how cute he is nor how much money in merchandising he brings to the Lakers from China.
We're lucky we're so deep.
Ridiculous.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 09:11 PM
This team is amazing. They're just never out of the game.
Posted by: Faith | October 23, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Jon K,
Is Cleveland so backward you don't get TNT up there?
Posted by: Xodus | October 23, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Theoretically thinking... Lamar Odom could be the Greatest sixth man of all time. Better than Bob McAdoo with the Lakers.
Special.
And Bob McAdoo was special.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 09:17 PM
justanothermambafan,
"OMG - I did NOT just hear that idiot TNT announcer say that Mbenga was from the DOMINICAN Republic of the Congo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude needs a geography lesson..............."
I didn't hear that, but that's hilarious.
Posted by: Xodus | October 23, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Jon K,
I know he's a Celtic, but Kevn McHale played 6th Man quite a bit and there's no way LO ever surpasses him.
Posted by: Xodus | October 23, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Xodus,
Who's lame? Me.
Thanks a lot. I wasn't aware it was on TNT.
Thanks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 23, 2008 at 09:25 PM
JAMF,
Ouch!
Posted by: Eric M. | October 23, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Coby with the slam - you could see that Daddy like...!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Jon K,
Enjoy the South Park if you couldn't get the Lakers. Heck I would always choose watching the Lakers over any other TV (unless it was something that I could win a million dollars) but hey South Park is an awesome show.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 23, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Jon K,
haha. No problem.
Posted by: Xodus | October 23, 2008 at 09:33 PM
X / Eric M - I KNOW!! I had to hit replay to make sure my ears weren't deceiving me. THAT is just ANOTHER example of the HORRIBLE announcing we can expect whenever TNT has the game.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Ok - I missed it - what happened to LO's head?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 23, 2008 at 09:40 PM
I can sleep well tonight. Finally, Sun Yue is on the scoreboard. lol
Relax Jon K. As Laker Tom says, mark my word, Sun will be a Laker as long as he plays in the NBA.
G'nite to all.
Posted by: Lakergurl | October 23, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Looks like Coby does have a spot on the Lakers.
Who knows, if he could resign for a good price I wouldn't object to him being on the Lakers, he could be a very decent role player. He has really shown tons of growth and skill since last season when he did play lol.
With the exception of Brian Cook, Mitch has found some really good pickups in the draft (Sasha, Drew, Ronny, Jordan). His free agent pickups are still so and so (Smush is bad but Coby might turn out decent) and trade is B- since one was very questionable (Caron for Kwa-may) but that was negated by the Gasol trade.
The Last Pre-season game begins and the last stop is the Inland Empire.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 23, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Did someone mention South Park?
Evil Cartman back on the air.
Guys don't be too hard on Luke and Sun. Luke is just coming off surgery and Sun is stepping way up in class. It will take some time until you love these two.
I love you guys
Posted by: Evil Cartman | October 23, 2008 at 09:49 PM