Mavericks must muscle up on defense

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Mavericks must muscle up on defense

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By Marc J. Spears
Special to ESPN.com


MAVERICKS TRAINING CAMP GUIDE
Location
AmericanAirlines Arena; Dallas, Texas.
Preseason schedule (all times ET)
Oct. 8: Sacramento, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 10: Denver, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 23: at Boston, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: at Orlando, 8 p.m.
Team roster | Depth chart | Offseason moves


Camp question
While defense remains a big question mark for the Mavericks, still not having that bruiser in the paint is a major concern. No, there is no answer to stopping Shaquille O'Neal. However, every championship caliber team needs a mammoth player that isn't afraid of mixing it up and pushing people around. All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and Raef LaFrentz are talented offensive players, but pushing people around is not their style. Shawn Bradley tries, but he's just too slender. Evan Eschmeyer has a little bulldog in him, but he's just average otherwise. Plus when he is on the court, either Nowitzki or LaFrentz usually aren't. Recently acquired 250-pound forward/center Popeye Jones could be the best option and isn't afraid to bang. But since he stands just 6-foot-8, even a can full of spinach can't help Popeye from stopping much taller Western Conference centers like O'Neal, Vlade Divac, David Robinson, Arvydas Sabonis and Yao Ming.

Camp project
On Feb. 20, the Mavericks made a blockbuster trade in which they acquired LaFrentz, point guard Nick Van Exel, swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad and Avery Johnson from Denver. While all the former Nuggets added a lot of talent to the Mavericks' roster, adding them to an already successful team in the middle of the season made it difficult to jell. Now, the ex-Nuggets will have an opportunity to feel like true Mavericks as they will have a training camp together. Don't be surprised if the much-happier Van Exel is more assertive offensively. LaFrentz will be more comfortable in the offense as well and will be a strong factor defensively. A healthy Abdul-Wahad will add much-needed defense to a team desperate to stop someone from scoring. Johnson is the consummate professional, a coach on and off the court, and is good enough to start on some other teams.

FANTASY GAMES KEY CAMPER
Who to watch: With all the firepower around him, one might think Raef LaFrentz is a bad fantasy play. That's not true. We're likely to see LaFrentz ignored when it comes to offense this preseason, and that might make others shy in drafting him. Don't make that mistake. Once the season starts, enjoy the eight boards and three blocks a night.
— Eric Karabell

Camp comeback
Will Abdul-Wahad finally reach his potential this season? The 6-6, 223-pounder is probably surpassed only by Michael Finley as far as athleticism on the team, is strong as an ox and capable of strongly defending every position but center. Abdul-Wahad has the talent to receive All-NBA defensive team consideration. The problem, however, for the Frenchman is trying to stay healthy and finding confidence in his mid-range jumpshot. Injuries have limited Abdul-Wahad to just 53 games over the past two seasons and he has never played 60 games in a season during his six-year career. If he can stay healthy and get consistent in hitting a 12-foot jumper, the former San Jose State star could be a great surprise to the Mavericks.

Camp controversy
Keep an eye on the point guard position, where the Mavericks could be deeper than any other team in the NBA. Sure, Steve Nash is an all-star and a great scorer and it's doubtful that his starting position can be taken away. But Van Exel will be a much better Mav with a training camp under his belt. When hot, Van Exel can be one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA. People forget that Van Exel was averaging 21.4 points per game when he was dealt and opened last season as one of the NBA's top three scorers. With Finley healthy and probably logging a lot of minutes at shooting guard, it could be tougher to get Nash and Van Exel on the court at the same time. Something has to give.


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