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Misfit Mav · 08-31-2005, 05:57 AM

Pretty good, fair article in my opinion:

Dallas Mavericks (58-24)

Additions: Doug Christie (Sacramento), DeSagana Diop (Cleveland), Rawle Marshal (Oakland) and Josh Powell (Manresa).

Subtractions: Michael Finley.

Strengths: Extremely deep team... They have reliable backups at every position except center... Scoring should not be a problem... They have one of the biggest matchup nightmares in the NBA in Dirk Nowitzki... The German forward is surrounded by offensive players like Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry or Keith Van Horn... Pretty good rebounding team... Josh Howard looks like a star in the making- and he's not the only young player with a lot of promise in Dallas... There is no other squad in the NBA with so many seven-footers... Dallas will have four this season.

Weaknesses: The Mavericks are making the transition to a more defense-oriented style, but do they have the tools to play that type of basketball?... Will players buy into this new philosophy?... Doug Christie is the player with more defensive pedigree, but his best years are behind him... Can Jason Terry and Devin Harris be effective handling the point guard duties?... No reliable back-up for the foul-prone Dampier... DeSagana Diop has been a complete bust in the NBA so far... With Michael Finley gone, who is the locker room leader?... Avery Johnson is an unproven head coach.

Projection: 2nd in the Southwest Division / 4th in the Western Conference

Projected Starters

Point Guard Jason Terry: There is little question about his talent, but he is not really a pure point guard and will never be. Will have to play a lot if Harris doesn't improve.

Shooting Guard Jerry Stackhouse: Very talented guard. Can really score the ball. Can be very selfish too. Will compete for the starting job with Daniels and Christie.

Small Forward Josh Howard: Great all-around player. Can score, rebound, and play pretty good defense. Could very well have a breakout year for the Mavericks.

Power Forward Dirk Nowitzki: One of the finest offensive players in the NBA. Don't be surprised if he tops all scorers this season. Must be a leader for this team.

Center Erick Dampier: Will be asked to do the dirty job, but he won't be able to do that if he can't stay out of foul trouble. Had a dissapointing first season with the Mavs.

Sixth Man Doug Christie: Great defensive player with more than decent offensive skills. Will Christie be able to do for the Mavs what he used to do against the Mavs?

Link

08-31-2005, 05:57 AM	#1
Misfit Mav Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 680	Mavericks Preview from Hoopshype.com Pretty good, fair article in my opinion: Dallas Mavericks (58-24) Additions: Doug Christie (Sacramento), DeSagana Diop (Cleveland), Rawle Marshal (Oakland) and Josh Powell (Manresa). Subtractions: Michael Finley. Strengths: Extremely deep team... They have reliable backups at every position except center... Scoring should not be a problem... They have one of the biggest matchup nightmares in the NBA in Dirk Nowitzki... The German forward is surrounded by offensive players like Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry or Keith Van Horn... Pretty good rebounding team... Josh Howard looks like a star in the making- and he's not the only young player with a lot of promise in Dallas... There is no other squad in the NBA with so many seven-footers... Dallas will have four this season. Weaknesses: The Mavericks are making the transition to a more defense-oriented style, but do they have the tools to play that type of basketball?... Will players buy into this new philosophy?... Doug Christie is the player with more defensive pedigree, but his best years are behind him... Can Jason Terry and Devin Harris be effective handling the point guard duties?... No reliable back-up for the foul-prone Dampier... DeSagana Diop has been a complete bust in the NBA so far... With Michael Finley gone, who is the locker room leader?... Avery Johnson is an unproven head coach. Projection: 2nd in the Southwest Division / 4th in the Western Conference Projected Starters Point Guard Jason Terry: There is little question about his talent, but he is not really a pure point guard and will never be. Will have to play a lot if Harris doesn't improve. Shooting Guard Jerry Stackhouse: Very talented guard. Can really score the ball. Can be very selfish too. Will compete for the starting job with Daniels and Christie. Small Forward Josh Howard: Great all-around player. Can score, rebound, and play pretty good defense. Could very well have a breakout year for the Mavericks. Power Forward Dirk Nowitzki: One of the finest offensive players in the NBA. Don't be surprised if he tops all scorers this season. Must be a leader for this team. Center Erick Dampier: Will be asked to do the dirty job, but he won't be able to do that if he can't stay out of foul trouble. Had a dissapointing first season with the Mavs. Sixth Man Doug Christie: Great defensive player with more than decent offensive skills. Will Christie be able to do for the Mavs what he used to do against the Mavs? Link __________________ When asked after the Dallas Mavericks impressive game 3 win over the Sacramento Kings whether he thought the Mavs won because they played well or because the Kings played poorly, Nelson responded that it was hard to tell, much like a thermos. "How do it know?" queried the ever eccentric Nelson. When you put something hot in it, it stays hot. When you put something cold in it, it stays cold. "How do it know?"