2009-10 Dallas Mavericks preview
2008-09 Results: 50-32, third in Southwest; Lost in Western Conference semifinals to Denver.
Key Additions: F Shawn Marion, F Kris Humphries, F Quinton Ross, F Tim Thomas, F/C Drew Gooden, C Nathan Jawai, G Rodrigue Beaubois, C B.J. Mullens, F Ahmad Nivins
Key Losses: F/C Brandon Bass, C Ryan Hollins, G/F Jerry Stackhouse, F Antoine Wright, F Devean George, G Greg Buckner
WagerWeb.com over/under season wins total: 49
It would seem the Mavericks are a lock for 50 wins, considering they have reached that plateau nine straight seasons. And owner Mark Cuban apparently thinks his championship window isn’t yet closed, as he rolled the dice on trading for Shawn Marion to team with Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Jason Terry and former MVP Dirk Nowitzki. But Cuban also got outfoxed by the Magic, who not only signed former Maverick Brandon Bass but also then shockingly matched Dallas’ offer for center Marcin Gortat, much to Gortat’s displeasure. Now the Mavs still have what they’ve always had: good wing and perimeter players but a pretty big hole in the middle.
Marion, a career 17-point scorer, seems on the downside of his career after being just OK in Miami and Toronto. But perhaps reuniting with Kidd will re-energize both of them. Nowitzki was as good as ever last year, averaging 25.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg during the regular season and finishing with 26 double-doubles and tying a career-high for 30-point games in a season with 26. Frankly the Mavs are going to have to outscore teams this season.
The Mavericks were 66-16 at home the past two seasons, and they are excellent in close games, posting an 18-5 record in games decided by five points or less last season.
But their 51 victories last season was their lowest win total this decade. Sure, they upset the Spurs in the playoffs, but San Antonio didn’t have Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan wasn’t 100 percent. Most of the stars on this roster are north of 30, so injuries will be a concern as well.
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