Dallas Mavericks 2009-2010 Facts:
- Western Conference: 2nd Place
- South West Division: 1st Place
- Record: 55 Wins 27 Loses
- Playoffs: Lost to 7th seed San Antonio Spurs 4-2
Key Moves:
Incoming:
- C Tyson Chandler
- G Dominique Jones
- C Ian Mahinmi
- C Alexis Ajinca
Outgoing:
- C Erick Dampier
- F Eduardo Najera
- G Matt Carroll
Once again, the Dallas Mavericks had an outstanding regular season, but got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs. Dirk Nowitzki continues to carry the team and put up MVP numbers, while the next best player on the team is a 37 year old point guard. The biggest move the Mavericks made this off season was resigning Dirk Nowitzki for another 4 years, while trading Erick Dampier for Tyson Chandler. If Chandler is healthy look for him to have a big year going into free agency next summer. The Mavericks hoped Rodrigue Beaubois would come into training camp ready to play and take the starting shooting guard spot, but he’ll miss training camp with an injury. That means Jason Terry will probably start, unless they want to move Caron Butler to Shooting guard and have Shawn Marion start at small forward. Depending on how Dallas plays against other contenders they might want to look at using Caron Butler, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry as trade bait. By mid season we should know if the Mavericks are a serious threat for a championship or just another playoff team. Dirk Nowitzki should’ve thought long and hard before he signed that extension over the summer because he’s looking at another early playoff exit this season.
The crafty, 37 year old Jason Kidd will be leading the Mavericks at point guard again this season. Last year Kidd had an excellent regular season, but was hesitant during the playoffs. Kidd is getting older and doesn’t match up well with speedy point guards anymore and will continue to have problems in the playoffs this season. Rodrigue Beaubois was suppose to play a huge role with the team this season and start at shooting guard, but he’ll miss training camp with an injury. The Mavericks are hoping Beaubois is plays with confident after a sub par summer league and helps them compete when he comes back. Last season Jason Terry began to show his age, by playing inconsistent down the stretch of last season and not showing up in the playoffs. The Mavericks are hoping he recommitted himself during the off-season, since he’ll be in a contract year. Jose Barea will be fighting for minutes, but he’s a nice offensive energy burst when inserted in the game.
Brendan Haywood just signed a five year deal with the Mavericks and will likely start with Tyson Chandler backing him up off the bench. Haywood will be a nice fit in the middle rebounding and blocking shots, but isn’t a great scorer. Chandler will bring energy into the game and fit in nicely with Terry and Shawn Marion off the bench. Caron Butler will go back to his regular position and start at small forward. The Mavericks are hoping a full training camp with the team will help Butler improve his numbers this season. Marion will likely come off the bench, and Coach Carlisle is hoping he won’t have a problem with that. Dirk Nowitzki will have another MVP like year, but he is just hoping that the Mavericks can make it deep into the playoffs. Nowitzki will play major minutes with his primary backup being Marion.
- Predicted Starting Line-Up:
- Center: Brendan Haywood
- Power Forward: Dirk Nowitzki
- Small Forward: Shawn Marion
- Shooting Guard: Caron Butler
- Point Guard: Jason Kidd
- Sixth Man: Jason Terry
Bench: Jose Juan Barea, Rodrigue Beaubois, Tyson Chandler, Alexis Ajinca, Dominique Jones, Ian Mahinmi, Brian Cardinal, Steve Novak, Adam, Haluska, and DeShawn Stevenson.
- All Star: Player: Dirk Nowitzki
- Best Veteran: Jason Terry
- Best Asset: Rodrigue Beaubois
- Best New Addition: Tyson Chandler
- Key Player: Jason Kidd
- Western Conference: 3rd Place
- Southwest Division: 1st Place
Look for the Dallas Mavericks to continue there regular season success, but exit the playoffs early. They lack consistent three point shooters and speed on the perimeter. If Chandler and Butler are rejuvenated, then look for the Mavericks to contend and make noise out west. I predict the Mavericks make a big splash at the deadline and trade Butler, Chandler, or Marion.
