My main concern

[Hitman]

Quite the team we have assembled here, huh? I mean, who would have thought the Mavs would be rolling with a team of Dirk, Nash, Finley, Jamison AND Walker. It is one of the most talented, if not THE most talented group of 30 and under players EVER assembled on one team. There are issues, but the team is stock with talent.

Here is my concern:

The Portland Trailblazers never won because they had TOO much talent. There was no clear cut leader, and that is one of the reasons they blew that 15 point lead to the Lakers some years back. You need to have a franchise player in this league. The Wolves are talented, but they are KG's team. The Spurs are talented, but they are Shaq's team. The Spurs are talented, but they are Duncan's team. The other players on those teams have to scale back THEIR games. The franchise has to be the franchise. The franchise player should not scale back their game.

I hear a lot of talk around the Mavericks (especially now with Walker) about how EVERYBODY is going to have to sacrifice shots, everyone is going to have to "scale back a bit"...and I don't think that is the way it should be. I think, even with all this talent, the reason the Mavericks will win the NBA title is because Dirk Nowitzki is among the 3 or 4 best players in the world. Their success is predicated on, in my opinion, this becoming true. So while I think that Jamison, Walker, Nash and Finley have to sacrifice their games somewhat for the betterment of the team...I don't think that is the case with Dirk. I think he should be shooting 20 shots a game this year, and the ball must go through him with the game on the line. And if he is not getting his 18-20 shots per game, his production with the game on the line is going to suffer (as witnessed in game 6 of the Sac series, when he didn't touch the ball at all in the 2nd half but then was asked to shoot in the waning moments -- it just does not work like that, ESPECIALLY with a guy like Dirk.)

For this team to work, Dirk needs to play with absolute RUTHLESS AGGRESSION. When he does this, the team will be close to unbeatable.

I just hope Don Nelson realizes this.

[PiusDoe]

Nash is the catalyst. Maybe not the authoritative leader on the court, but I don't think this team would be successful if there was such authority over the team on the court. Instead, Nash will invite everyone over to his house for a sleepover; they'll order some pizza, play some video games, and Nash will let some of the guys see his dad's porno mags...and they'll be the best of friends just kickin' freakstyle on the court...sleepin' in late but coming to play big time. At least thats the way it works in my mind.

...with some Parliament Funkadelic in the background...

...or maybe the 'Gin and Juice' cover by the Gourds....

[ReDIRKulous]

Nice post hitman. I totally agree with you. But it might help if other teams don't know that, if you know what I mean? It can be good for them to not know where the fire is going to come from. But Dirk needs to be established as a super star for this team to get anywhere.

The Portland Trailblazers never won because they had TOO much talent. There was no clear cut leader, and that is one of the reasons they blew that 15 point lead to the Lakers some years back. You need to have a franchise player in this league.

I disagree with this though. Why do people think the Mavs have too much talent but the Lakers are lock because they are stacked with great players? The problem wioth Portland is really that they got rid of a great coach rather than getting rid of a cancerous player(Rasheed). If your best player is a complete moron like Sheed then you are screwed. But too much talent? Not a problem imo. especially if you keep rotating certain player like the Mavs have. Like if we had kept Nick he probably would have become a problem. If we were to keep Antoine too long he would probably become a problem as well. I don't think Toine will be here long term. I do think Jamison will be a Mav for life though.

[LRB]

Hitman as far as Portland is concerned I would say that they never got a title because they never had great chemistry as a team. The Mavs apprear to be light years ahead of the very best chemistry Portland was ever able to generate.

As fart as Dirk being the go to guy and playing with ruthless agression, I totally agree. The Boston celtics of the 1980's also had an incredibly talent laden team, but Bird was the man and he played with ruthless agression that arguably surpassed anyone who has played the game. Dirk isn't in Bird's class, at least wise not yet, and it would be unrealistic to expect him to show the same sort of ruthless agression as Bird. But he does need to improve greatly on the ruthless agression and be the go to guy on this team for the Mavs to be their best.

[Dirk41= konsesjonen]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous
Nice post hitman. I totally agree with you. But it might help if other teams don't know that, if you know what I mean? It can be good for them to not know where the fire is going to come from. But Dirk needs to be established as a super star for this team to get anywhere.

I disagree with this though. Why do people think the Mavs have too much talent but the Lakers are lock because they are stacked with great players? The problem wioth Portland is really that they got rid of a great coach rather than getting rid of a cancerous player(Rasheed). If your best player is a complete moron like Sheed then you are screwed. But too much talent? Not a problem imo. especially if you keep rotating certain player like the Mavs have. Like if we had kept Nick he probably would have become a problem. If we were to keep Antoine too long he would probably become a problem as well. I don't think Toine will be here long term. I do think Jamison will be a Mav for life though.

Dirk already IS a Superstar. I believe top 5 player's are!

[Dirk41= konsesjonen]

GREAT Post Hitman. Very true. I am afraid becauser of Nellie's obsession with the "Point forward" that he'll try and make Walker the guy who is always touching the ball. We need to have a closed door meeting with Walker, Delk and Jamison and let them know this IS Dirk's team and they will difer to him.

[sike]

LRB, I think I saw some of that needed agression from Dirk starting to poke out last season...certainly nowhere near the level of Bird...but give time....Dirk is almost too nice sometimes though, He needs to knock a dude on his butt every once in a while...if he ever is going to be truely agressive, He'll need a good kick in the pants from Nellie....something like: "Boy, you have got to be the man for this team!" If Nellie tells Dirk that he is undoubtably the go to man, you will see Dirk explode!

Unfortunately, Nellie likes playing matchups too often, and Dirk won't end up with the shot....

[ReDIRKulous]

Dirk already IS a Superstar. I believe top 5 player's are!

He sure doesn't get superstar calls. At least he hasn't to this point. Hopefully that changes this season.

[grndmstr_c]

I disagree with that, especially if Dirk is matched up against centers. There's not a center in the league that has a chance at guarding him unless SA plays TD at the center or Minny plays KG at center. We may start the plays off with Walker, but the goal of the play will almost always be to get Dirk or Steve (our two best shooters) an open look. That's part of the beauty of AW if he takes to the point forward role. Steve's shooting talent was underutilized when the offense started with him (or went through Nick and Nick alone). The new offense may change that.

[Mavs Rule]

Yes, I agree completely. The only way we will win it all is if Dirk is the franchise player. My concern is that with the two Twans coming in, will they defer to Dirk as the franchise player. Of course Nash and Fin already defer to him as that player. Dirk has to take the step from Franchise player to leader of this team IMO for us to win it all, just like Shaq, TD, and KG are the leaders of their team. Dirk's easy going personality does not fit in with this though, and I am worried that Walker's personality does.

What will be the leadership structure of the Mavs this year. Fin has filled that role for years, but will Dirk take over at some point? Maybe Fin should continue at least one more year since it would be easier for Walker to fit in with his Chicago buddy as leader more easily. Does Walker end up passing to Fin more often when he is point forward? Will there develop a quiet competition between Walker to Fin and Nash to Dirk combos? I hope it doesn't come to this, but the chemistry issue will be interesting with five possible allstars and three possible leaders in Fin, Walker, and Dirk. Your opinions please.

P.S. Race does not figure into this at all, so leave those weak comments on the editing room floor.

[Dirk41= konsesjonen]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous

He sure doesn't get superstar calls. At least he hasn't to this point. Hopefully that changes this season.

Good point, however, I think the Mavs as a whole get shafted.

[LRB]

Originally posted by: sike
LRB, I think I saw some of that needed agression from Dirk starting to poke out last season...certainly nowhere near the level of Bird...but give time....Dirk is almost too nice sometimes though, He needs to knock a dude on his butt every once in a while...if he ever is going to be truely agressive, He'll need a good kick in the pants from Nellie....something like: "Boy, you have got to be the man for this team!" If Nellie tells Dirk that he is undoubtably the go to man, you will see Dirk explode!

Unfortunately, Nellie likes playing matchups too often, and Dirk won't end up with the shot....

Sike, I agree that last year and the even the year before to a much lesser degree we have been seeing Dirk progressing in being more agressive. He still has a long way to go. Also part of the problem is Dirk is till very young. It will probably be easier to increase in agression and assuming the full role of Dallas Mavericks resident superstar as he matures in age as well as experience. Still I hope for great strides from him in this area this year. I would love to see Dirk put some people on their @ss. Maybe Fort can teach him some tricks. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[sike]

that is a great possibility, Fortson has got more @ss than just about anyone....oh you meant...something else..I'll just sit here and be quiet now...

[Chiwas]

Dirk needs to play with absolute RUTHLESS AGGRESSION.

I thought about this yesterday. Dirk would have to play selfish to make the team most effective. But...he won't, he is not that kind of player.

He will be again the star of the team that sacrifices (an important) part of his potential to let play the other options.

In some way it is not bad, but Walker's effectivenes is far from Dirk's. I'm worried about this. Walker doesn't seem (isn't) as disciplined as Jamison.

Walker would need to improve his FG% and FT%. And return to the double digits rebounds. It's the only way Dirk's unselfishness would be worth.

I think Nelson has a lot of work to do along his staff.

[sike]

Chiwas, I have been thinking the same thing...Dirk always thinks team first...and in the long run that may hurt his team...It is up to Nellie to make Dirk realize that he must step up again (seems like every year we say this) and take the lead of a very offensively talented team to be the man! If he does all other will fall in line(because they know his skill and superior talent...but does he have the grapes to do that??? We'll see

[Hitman]

Originally posted by: sike
Chiwas, I have been thinking the same thing...Dirk always thinks team first...and in the long run that may hurt his team...It is up to Nellie to make Dirk realize that he must step up again (seems like every year we say this) and take the lead of a very offensively talented team to be the man! If he does all other will fall in line(because they know his skill and superior talent...but does he have the grapes to do that??? We'll see

Although I normally don't worry about such things, I think this year the Mavs should make it a point to announce Dirk last during introductions...kind of a nod to the fact that "Dirk, this is YOUR TEAM...You have a LOT of TALENT around you, now take us to the promised land!"

Dirk is TOO much of a team guy sometimes. He needs to start demanding the respect of the KGs, Duncans and Shaqs of the world.

[sike]

good call Hitman, it would mean something to Dirk, I'd bet......This is your team big guy, take control!

[ReDIRKulous]

That is a good point about Dirk being introduced last... and you know who should tell them to do it? Finley.

[sike]

Amen, Dirkulous...The days of "Finley is the heart of this team" are over....Dirk must now become this team's heartbeat....Fin should step and and recognize that Dirk needs a push...

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: sike
Amen, Dirkulous...The days of "Finley is the heart of this team" are over....Dirk must now become this team's heartbeat....Fin should step and and recognize that Dirk needs a push...

You can't push someone into being a leader - either they are or they aren't.

[Murphy3]

Although the mavs may not have 1 clear cut leader, it's safe to say that they do have a three headed monster at the leadership position in Dirk, Fin, and Steve. I see no issues with leadership on this Mavs team, unlike the Blazers when they were at their peak

[grndmstr_c]

I read a quote from Fin this offseason where he said, in effect, that Dirk now knows how good he is. It made me happy to read this.

[sike]

wrong...max, Dirk is so young and is in the odd position of respecting Finley and Nash so much that he would never want to step on their toes...but that is what the Mavs need him to do..."take the mantle of leadership" may be a better way of saying it...ok? It is time for him to take the leadership that he was not ready for in previous seasons....and you can become leader...many grow into leadership and that is what Dirk needs to do. I agree that you can not become a "screamer" or "yeller" if that is not in your nature, but you can lead..and now is Dirk's time to lead.

[Max Power]

When Magic Johnson walked onto the court for the 1st time there was no doubt that he was the leader. Same with Larry Bird, Doctor J, and Michael Jordan. Some players take longer to establish themselves as the leader but it still has to come from WITHIN.

Dirk's not the unquestioned leader of this team (yet) because he doesn't want to be. It has nothing to do with Finley, it is up to Dirk.

[sike]

In reply max, i would say that all these men were clearly given the mantle of leadership coming in..they were the man...Dirk has not had this luxery...he will have to rise above the rest, to be certain, but he will take the on court leadership of this team as he matures and grows....I agree that it comes from within...but did you realize that you just mentioned some of the top ball players of all time? Dirk is not at that level yet...give time..perhaps some day he will....equal them in skill and leadership..he is certainly not there yet.

[Mavs Rule]

Originally posted by: Murphy3
Although the mavs may not have 1 clear cut leader, it's safe to say that they do have a three headed monster at the leadership position in Dirk, Fin, and Steve. I see no issues with leadership on this Mavs team, unlike the Blazers when they were at their peak

IMO the Big 3 do have seniority which should be respected by the incoming players, but Steve is not the leader of this team. Steve is a great on- and off-court influence, but not the leader. Fin has been leading up to now, and Dirk should take over soon. The other possible leader could be Walker. He was leader on the C's and the players respected him up there. Since he is coming to another team it would make sense that he would defer at least a year.

My above post addressed some chemistry issues, that others must not see as issues. There was no discussion about them which is disappointing. But Dirk must take over LEADERSHIP to get the thophy to Dallas. His unequalled basketball skillset, his high confidence in himself and his team, his social skills, and his high basketball IQ are qualities which should bode well for him as the leader of this team.

[sike]

his social skills???? wow! I agree, but social skills...I did'nt realize you had to know which fork to use and how many courses there were in a formal dinner to be a leader(just having fun, I know what you mean..."media savy"..)
Chemistry is not something I worry about after seeing how they handled NEV...Cuban and Nellie can turn anyone to see things their way...this I will believe until something proves differently[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Simon2]

I don't think that there can ever be a case of too many good players. I kinda think of it like shark's teeth. One player goes out and another good player goes in. As a result, there's a continuous barrage of points. Portland lost because they lost a 15 pt lead in the 4th quarter. That had nothing to do with them having too many good players. They just lost it to Shaq and Kobe. Mavs might have a better chance with this group.

[Simon2]

I don't think that there can ever be a case of too many good players. I kinda think of it like shark's teeth. One player goes out and another good player goes in. As a result, there's a continuous barrage of points. Portland lost because they lost a 15 pt lead in the 4th quarter. That had nothing to do with them having too many good players. They just lost it to Shaq and Kobe. Mavs might have a better chance with this group.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: Max Power

You can't push someone into being a leader - either they are or they aren't.

Exactly. Why people on this board don't understand that is beyond me.

[FilthyFinMavs]

The difference between the Blazer's and the Mavs is that the Blazer's had NO leader on that squad. Talent yes but leadership no. You have 3 potential leaders on this team already and you add 2 potential all stars. This is a whole different situation here. This is the last thing that Mavs fans need to worry about is having too much talent. Actually, it's pretty idiotic if you ask me.

[LRB]

Originally posted by: Max Power
When Magic Johnson walked onto the court for the 1st time there was no doubt that he was the leader. Same with Larry Bird, Doctor J, and Michael Jordan. Some players take longer to establish themselves as the leader but it still has to come from WITHIN.

Dirk's not the unquestioned leader of this team (yet) because he doesn't want to be. It has nothing to do with Finley, it is up to Dirk.

All of these were Americans and native English speakers. How about some leaders whoe were foreign born and nonnative English speakers and that started playing the NBA at age 19 while skipping the college ranks altogether.

Dirk has a fairly unique situation. He needs to come along in Leadership, but he also has some things that make it harder than other leadership prodigies in the past. BTW Tim Duncan was allowed to ease into leadership of the Spurs without really ill affects. Dirk's personality is closer to Tim's than to Bird's.

That doesn't mean I don't want to see him improve in leadership this year, just that I think that we need to have realistic expectations.

[ReDIRKulous]

Excellent points, LRB. I think you hit the nail on the head.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: LRB

All of these were Americans and native English speakers. How about some leaders whoe were foreign born and nonnative English speakers and that started playing the NBA at age 19 while skipping the college ranks altogether.

Dirk has a fairly unique situation. He needs to come along in Leadership, but he also has some things that make it harder than other leadership prodigies in the past. BTW Tim Duncan was allowed to ease into leadership of the Spurs without really ill affects. Dirk's personality is closer to Tim's than to Bird's.

That doesn't mean I don't want to see him improve in leadership this year, just that I think that we need to have realistic expectations.

Sure Dirk has strikes against him and those strikes might mean that he never becomes a true leader on the team. And that's not taking anything away from Dirk - some folks are leaders and some aren't. Not being the leader of the Mavs doesn't mean that Dirk won't be the best player, it just means that he isn't the dominant personality on the team.

But there isn't anything that Finley can do that will make Dirk a leader. There isn't anything that Nash can do, or Walker, or Jamison. It's all Dirk.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: LRB

All of these were Americans and native English speakers. How about some leaders whoe were foreign born and nonnative English speakers and that started playing the NBA at age 19 while skipping the college ranks altogether.

Dirk has a fairly unique situation. He needs to come along in Leadership, but he also has some things that make it harder than other leadership prodigies in the past. BTW Tim Duncan was allowed to ease into leadership of the Spurs without really ill affects. Dirk's personality is closer to Tim's than to Bird's.

That doesn't mean I don't want to see him improve in leadership this year, just that I think that we need to have realistic expectations.

I disagree with that argument. I don't think language is what is stopping Dirk from being a leader. I think it has more to do with him being the youngest out of the bunch. Fin is 30 and Nash is 29. When Fin and Nash get up there in age I see Dirk becoming the leader we all want him to be but Fin and Nash are fairly young themselves but alot older than Dirk. I just can't see those guys looking to Dirk for leadership when they have been in this league alot longer than Dirk has.


Let's make sure we have no confusion here. Finley is the heart and soul of this team but he and Nash are both leaders. There is room for another leader on this team. You can never have too many leaders. That sounds like having too many scorers on a team.

[LRB]

Originally posted by: Max Power

Sure Dirk has strikes against him and those strikes might mean that he never becomes a true leader on the team. And that's not taking anything away from Dirk - some folks are leaders and some aren't. Not being the leader of the Mavs doesn't mean that Dirk won't be the best player, it just means that he isn't the dominant personality on the team.

But there isn't anything that Finley can do that will make Dirk a leader. There isn't anything that Nash can do, or Walker, or Jamison. It's all Dirk.

I agree with you that there isn't anything that Nash or Fin or Walker or even Nellie can do to make Dirk a leader. Dirk has to make himself a leader. I do think there other, especially Fin and Nash, can make it easier for Dirk to be a leader. I would say that they are already doing about all in that area that's possible though. In other words Fin and Nash aren't doing anything to hold Dirk back, but are instead being supportive for him progressing.

[Mavs Rule]

You can never have too many leaders.

Disagree. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Ever heard that trusim?

[ReDIRKulous]

Having Finley say that he wants Dirk to be announced last during the pre-game ceremony is a small, pretty much meaningless thing... but I do think it would be a great gesture to let Dirk and the world know that he is without a doubt the best player on the MAvs and might help him move towards becoming the leader.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: Mavs Rule

Disagree. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Ever heard that trusim?

That is so true. When you have too many leaders it is because you don't really have a leader.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous
Having Finley say that he wants Dirk to be announced last during the pre-game ceremony is a small, pretty much meaningless thing... but I do think it would be a great gesture to let Dirk and the world know that he is without a doubt the best player on the MAvs and might help him move towards becoming the leader.

Having Finley say that makes Finley look like a Mom and Dirk look like a baby. Leaders don't need anyone to baby them to do anything. Kobe always had Shaq on his team but that never stopped him from developing to be a leader.