Getting ready for the playoffs

[DTL]

So, continuing from the fruitful discussion of an earlier thread, let's hash out some ideas about what the Mavs need to do to get ready for the gruesome Western playoffs (and beyond, hopefully) coming up pretty soon.

1) My number one worry is the health status of our "defenders." Griffin seems to be having problems again, Newman's also not all there, and we can never be sure about Buck. If we can go into the playoffs with at least two of these fully healthy, I like our chances.

2) NVE seems to have finally found his game. Will this mean some more rest time for Nash down the stretch? I wonder how much of Nash's recent "slump" has to do with him being worn down and out.

3) What'd be your ideal playoff roster? And what'd be the realistic one (considering injuries, motivation, productiveness, etc.)?

Just a couple of ideas to start off the discussion.

[Drbio]

1.) The health of our defensive specialists is a concern. I have not heard anything definitive on injuries relating to Newman or Buckner so I really don't a comment other than one of those guys will make the roster. I think Griffin is ok and will be there.

2.) It's nice to see NVE finding his comfort level with Dallas. He is driving the ball nicely and is probably the only Mav to consistently do so. I think that once he realized that the Mavs didn't mind him shooting and that Nellie was 100% in his corner that he broke out. As for Nash, I wonder if his reduced minutes haven't contributed to this recent mini-slump. Nash plays better when he gets loads of minutes. I know he is sore and has a series of nagging little injuries like you said, but the thought was there.

3.) Reading Nellie's mind and picking the playoff roster is just about as hard as winning a bingo game or a lottery. I think the following guys are locks: Dirk, Finley, Nash, Raef, NVE, Wang, and Najera. That leaves 5 spots on the playoff roster for the following guys to compete for: Bradley, Buck, Griff, AJ, Eschemeyer, TAW, Manning and Newman. Since we know that TAW is out for the year, that leaves 5 spots open for 7 guys. Out of this list I would have to say that Buck, Griff, and Bradley are the favorites based on their play and recent comments by Nellie. If I am right, that leaves 2 postseason spots open for AJ, Esch, Manning and Newman. I don't see Manning coming off the injury list any time soon to get enough playing time to contribute. The same could be said for Esch, but having an extra big guy around in the post season is a luxury and Esch heals faster than old man Manning (even though Manning has a nice history of clutch shots in big games). I have a gut feeling about Newman being left off. He is not playing much and rumors are swirling about another injury. In the past, Nellie has favored the guys that are on the floor. AJ is a tough tough call for me. I just don't know. To wrap this rant up, here is my guess at the postseason Mavs roster.

Locks: Dirk, Finley, Nash, Raef, NVE, Wang & Najera
Just made it: Bradley, Buckner, Griffin
Had to sweat it outAvery Johnson & Even Eschemeyer
Out TAW, Manning, Newman*

*I will note that if Esch can't play, I think Newman gets his slot.

My $0.02

Doc

[Hoopsmeister]

3) Locks: Dirk, Finley, Nash, Raef, Van Exel, Najera, Wang
Locks if healthy: Buckner, Griffin
Probably in: Bradley, Newman, Avery

Out: Eschmeyer, Manning, Abdul-Wahad


That pretty much matches my ideal playoff lineup too.