[mary]

Some are putting too much emphasis on the Christie acquisition and whether or not this makes the Mavs better defensively. Even the best individual defenders will tell you its about TEAM defense and buiding enough trust and cohesion to be an effective defensive unit.

By the players' own admissions, they did not focus much on defensive schemes during practice when Nellie was coaching. With Avery taking over and getting the benefit of a training camp - that is a thing of the past. How is it that they <i>can't</i> improve defensively by having a coach that will actually emphasize defense?

Last year the Mavs got better defensively because they acquired and played a center that clogged up the lane (even if he didn't do much else at times).

This year the Mavs will be better defensively because they have a Coach who cares about implementing it and not just paying it obligatory lip service.

So....yeah....I think the Mavs will be better defensively.......REALLY.