For starters, Mavs have nine - now that's deep

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For starters, Mavs have nine - now that's deep
Players in Nelson's rotation blend in to provide quality minutes

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

Overreacting would be easy after the Mavericks' first two games. They're 2-0 and have stifled two potent opponents with un-Maverick-like defense.

But the thing most worthy of getting carried away about is how form-fitting the team looks so far. They have run nine players into the rotation in both victories and all nine have, at times, looked like they should be starters.

These pieces have blended beautifully so far. They look even better propped up against the memory of last season's talented, but ill-fitting, unit.

At the rate they're going, the Mavericks might just challenge Detroit and Memphis, which visits Saturday, as the deepest team in the NBA.

"I haven't looked at it, but we're definitely deep," guard Jason Terry said.

Coach Don Nelson did not expect his team to be this good this quick. An off-season of dealings raised fears of a sluggish start. Compounding matters was a training camp in which the team's growth was stunted by injuries and ailments.

But early indications are that the moves have vaulted the Mavericks into a position to withstand anything the season or opponents can throw at them.

More important, all nine players have played meaningful minutes at critical junctures of both games. And Shawn Bradley joined the rotation Wednesday against New Orleans, making it 10 deep.

"A lot of guys on this team can play quality minutes," Bradley said. "Whether it's two minutes, three minutes or 30 minutes, guys can go out and contribute. We're going to be a good team."

Just maybe, they already are.

Mavs' tank has a lot in reserve
With players such as Stackhouse, Nelson can 'put teams in a bind'

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

When Don Nelson didn't "like the feeling" he got early in each half of Wednesday's game at New Orleans, he quickly made a change.

Devin Harris, who is bound to have growing pains in his rookie season, was jerked, and Jason Terry took over the point guard duties. The result was an 18-point, four-steal effort by Terry that helped spark the 106-91 victory.

Similarly, Michael Finley played only 25 minutes against the Hornets. Jerry Stackhouse came off the bench to spell Finley and produce 19 points.

These are examples of what the Mavericks' depth is doing for Nelson.

"We're just so much more flexible," Nelson said. "I went with the big lineup [against New Orleans], and that was successful. I went with the small lineup, and that was good, too. I think we can put people in a bind."

And it's not just Stackhouse, Terry and Marquis Daniels who have contributed. Players such as Shawn Bradley and Alan Henderson are realizing that they can be effective, even with modest playing time.

Stackhouse was particularly sharp in New Orleans, rebounding from a 3-of-11 shooting night in the opener when he appeared to force things.

"I love him as a sixth man," Nelson said of Stackhouse. "He needs to force things a little in that role. I wasn't sure of many things coming out of camp, but I was sure that he was going to be our sixth man."

Reversing a trend:

Last season, the Mavericks had the best home record in club history at 36-5. No team in the NBA was better at home.

But their 16-25 record on the road was nothing to shout about.

After winning at New Orleans, the Mavericks hope they can build some early-season momentum on the road.

"It's great to be a good home team, but if we want to go anywhere in the playoffs, we have to be a good road team," Dirk Nowitzki said. "We have to prove ourselves all over again on the road."

The Mavericks were 27-14 on the road two years in a row before going south away from home last season.

Briefly:

The 2004-05 Dallas Mavericks Player Calendar is on sale at all area Minyard stores, Sack 'n' Save and Carnival locations. It also is available at American Airlines Center shops and online at MavsGear.com. Proceeds from the $10 calendar benefit local charities. The Hoops 'n' Hopes group, comprised of wives, friends, family and staff associated with the Mavericks, published the calendar. ... Don Nelson said the New Orleans Hornets should get used to the kind of treatment the Mavericks showed them Wednesday in the blowout. But then, the Mavericks need to take heed, too. "It's going to get harder for everybody," Nelson said, "including us."