Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Go Back   Dallas-Mavs.com Forums > Mavs / NBA > General Mavs Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-05-2004, 12:45 PM   #1
orangedays
Platinum Member
 
orangedays's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: New York City
Posts: 2,938
orangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant futureorangedays has a brilliant future
Default Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Looks like Dupree is catching up to the game...Article

Mavs' Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot
By David DuPree, USA TODAY

When it comes to power forwards, the NBA belongs to two players —Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves. But this season there could be third player to stake a claim for ownership —Dirk Nowitzki.

Dirk Nowitzki can score, but will his hard work in the offseason help his passing and defense?

This could be the year that Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks shows that he can also be the type of complete player that separates Garnett and Duncan from the rest of the pack.

Two weaknesses for Nowitzki have been his passing and defense. He worked hard in the offseason and has improved greatly in both areas. After two games, Nowitzki is averaging 26 points, 8.5 rebounds, but he is also averaging 5.0 assists. Defensively, he is getting out on his man and putting as much effort in at that end of the floor as at the offensive side.

"To be a great all-around player, you have to be a better passer," coach Don Nelson told Nowitzki, who averaged only 2.4 assists a game in his first six NBA seasons. "He has the ball in his hands a lot now, and it's not always to shoot," Nelson added, referring to the fact that Nowitzki's friend, point guard Steve Nash, signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent this summer.

"The way the team is set up, the ball is going to go through Dirk," said shooting guard Michael Finley. "He's really stepping up and taking that role."

With a true center in the lineup now in Erick Dampier, Nowitzki doesn't have to be matched against centers at the defensive end anymore.

"Whatever I need to do, I'm willing to do," Nowitzki said. "I'm not a complete player yet."
orangedays is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Old 11-05-2004, 01:00 PM   #2
EricaLubarsky
Inactive.
 
EricaLubarsky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 41,687
EricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond reputeEricaLubarsky has a reputation beyond repute
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Quote:
"The way the team is set up, the ball is going to go through Dirk," said shooting guard Michael Finley. "He's really stepping up and taking that role."
To the tune of 5apg so far, which is over two games, 6th in the league.
EricaLubarsky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 01:08 PM   #3
ddh33
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,146
ddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant futureddh33 has a brilliant future
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

I've always thought Dirk's passing weakness was completely overblown. Often, he simply didn't have the ball in his hands enough. He was virtually a glorified spot up shooter too much of the time with Nash creating shots for everyone. Last season, I think we started seeing glimpses of a better passer than advertised. This season it has been more of the same.
ddh33 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 01:11 PM   #4
FilthyFinMavs
Diamond Member
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
FilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the rough
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

I don't think they were overblown. Even this season I still see him making some of those ill-advised passes but he's definately a better passer this year than last. I see no reason why he can't average 4-5 assists a game if this team keeps shooting the way it currently is especially if the offense is being ran through him.
__________________



1996-2005
FilthyFinMavs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 01:18 PM   #5
LRB
Guru
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 17,057
LRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to beholdLRB is a splendid one to behold
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Every player in the league makes ill advised passes, Dirk is not alone in this. While Dirk is not one of the very best passers in the NBA he's certainly a long way from being one of the worst. With the ball in his hands more, I think we will see Dirk improve a lot in this area though.
__________________
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
LRB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 02:14 PM   #6
SaltwaterChaffy
Platinum Member
 
SaltwaterChaffy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Telling you that your favorites suck
Posts: 2,448
SaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud ofSaltwaterChaffy has much to be proud of
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

I said before the season in another thread that I thought Dirk could average 4.5 assists per game. He's helping me look smart so far.
__________________


SaltwaterChaffy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 02:20 PM   #7
FilthyFinMavs
Diamond Member
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
FilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the rough
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Quote:
Originally posted by: LRB
Every player in the league makes ill advised passes, Dirk is not alone in this. While Dirk is not one of the very best passers in the NBA he's certainly a long way from being one of the worst. With the ball in his hands more, I think we will see Dirk improve a lot in this area though.
Yea every player has them but it shouldn't be consistently happening like passing the ball into double coverage or passing up a shot for that matter. I remember two times last game Dirk had a open mid ranger and past up the shots looking for an extra pass that wasn't needed.
__________________



1996-2005
FilthyFinMavs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 02:23 PM   #8
FilthyFinMavs
Diamond Member
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
FilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the rough
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Quote:
Originally posted by: SaltwaterChaffy
I said before the season in another thread that I thought Dirk could average 4.5 assists per game. He's helping me look smart so far.
If you would've told me that Terry, Fin, Damp, Stack, Daniels and Josh would be shooting the ball like they are now I would've been on board with you but I didn't expect the shooting to be this good out the gate.
__________________



1996-2005
FilthyFinMavs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 02:32 PM   #9
grndmstr_c
Diamond Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,938
grndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond reputegrndmstr_c has a reputation beyond repute
Default RE: Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Dirk's been just a bit more TO-prone than you'd like, but he's not that far off a 2:1 a/to ratio, which is what I'll be looking for from him. Most important to note is that the Mavs have only committed 12.5 TO's per game thus far. If they can keep it that low as a team I'll be fine with it.
__________________
"He's coming off the bench aggressive right away, looking for his shot. If he has any daylight, we need him to shoot the ball. We know it's going in."
-Dirk Nowitzki on Jason Terry, after JET's 16 point 4th quarter against the Pacers.
grndmstr_c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 02:34 PM   #10
FilthyFinMavs
Diamond Member
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
FilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the roughFilthyFinMavs is a jewel in the rough
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

Quote:
Originally posted by: grndmstr_c
Dirk's been just a bit more TO-prone than you'd like, but he's not that far off a 2:1 a/to ratio, which is what I'll be looking for from him. Most important to note is that the Mavs have only committed 12.5 TO's per game thus far. If they can keep it that low as a team I'll be fine with it.
Yea that's great news and to me an even more positive note is that the people who are making the turnovers are our some of our teams best players who aren't really turnover prone.
__________________



1996-2005
FilthyFinMavs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 02:57 PM   #11
jayC
Diamond Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,460
jayC is just really nicejayC is just really nicejayC is just really nicejayC is just really nicejayC is just really nicejayC is just really nice
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

National respect by David Dupree. he had the mavs as the fifth best team in basketball in the USA today basketball preview a few days ago. Dirk is still only 26 and his ceiling is so high. There is some kind of gratification as he grows into a player. I remember the days when he looked lost on the court and didn't rebound. If he could avg 26 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game he would be an MVP candidate. As many changes as this team has gone through it still begins and ends with Dirk.
jayC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 03:13 PM   #12
Scoobay
Golden Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,730
Scoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant futureScoobay has a brilliant future
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

[quote]
Originally posted by: orangedays
Looks like Dupree is catching up to the game...Article

Mavs' Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot
By David DuPree, USA TODAY

When it comes to power forwards, the NBA belongs to two players —Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves. But this season there could be third player to stake a claim for ownership —Dirk Nowitzki.

Dirk Nowitzki can score, but will his hard work in the offseason help his passing and defense?

This could be the year that Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks shows that he can also be the type of complete player that separates Garnett and Duncan from the rest of the pack.

Two weaknesses for Nowitzki have been his passing and defense. He worked hard in the offseason and has improved greatly in both areas. After two games, Nowitzki is averaging 26 points, 8.5 rebounds, but he is also averaging 5.0 assists. Defensively, he is getting out on his man and putting as much effort in at that end of the floor as at the offensive side.

---------------------------

And averaging 2 steals and 2.5 blocks/game... wow, keep that up for a season to say nothing of 57% from the field. yea it's only 2 games
Scoobay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2004, 05:11 PM   #13
sike
The Preacha
 
sike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
sike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond reputesike has a reputation beyond repute
Default RE:Mav's Nowitzki eager to grab elite power spot

The passing has been impressive, but not all that unexpected...many of us predicted Dirk's assist total to see a big hike this year...just Call him Magic Nowitzki...ok, maybe not [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Quote:
Originally posted by: SaltwaterChaffy
I said before the season in another thread that I thought Dirk could average 4.5 assists per game. He's helping me look smart so far.
finally someone took on the burden [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
__________________

ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
sike is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:57 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.