2 days, and I'm getting more and more excited by the day. Especially considering it's Mavs-Kings opening up, and that's probably the most exhilerating matchup in the NBA. The Mavs trounced the Queens in Dallas a few days ago, but we all know that pre-season means nothing, and you can never expect anything when these two teams meet.
Here is my Mavs report:
On Offense. Well, the loss of Steve Nash certainly hurt their offensive rhythm, but I think the Mavs did a very admirable job making up for it, acquiring G Jason Terry from the Hawks. They'll be in much more of a rhythm than last year, now that SF Antoine Walker is gone. They shouldn't hurt much when Terry leaves the game either, as rookie PG Devin Harris looks like the real deal. SG Marquis Daniels and SG/SF Michael Finley are solid, and SF Jerry Stackhouse can break down a defense and get to the line with efficiency. PF Dirk Nowitzki, however, will be the focal point of the offense. His numbers went down last year with Fs Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison, but both of them are gone now. Look for him to step up and have a monster year.
Defense Improvement? Say it ain't so! I'm afraid it is. When it comes to the PG, SG, and SF, they're as solid defensively as you'll find, between PGs Jason Terry and Devin Harris, SGs Michael Finley and Marquis Daniels, and SFs Jerry Stackhouse and Josh Howard. PF will be a weakness, however, word is that PF Dirk Nowitzki has worked on his athleticism in the off-season. PFs Alan Henderson and Calvin Booth will spell him, and both are admirable at defense. Starting C Erick Dampier is the first legit center that the Mavs have had since James Donaldson, circa 1987. He can play defense against big men and will get some blocks, too. His backup this season, rookie DJ Mbenga, has great instincts. Expect a much-improved season from the Mavs on defense.
No Rookies on the Wood Make the Game Go Good. That was Don Nelson's motto before last season, however, Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels made him change that philosophy. It will further continue this year, with Devin Harris expected to get solid time, and DJ Mbenga charging up the depth chart.
Diamond in the Rough. Last year, it was Marquis Daniels. Someone who passed straight through the draft and turned out to be a stud over the course of the season. This year, it could be rookie center Didier Mbenga, who goes by DJ (though they're pronounced almost identically :p). Stashed in a Belgium Pro League last year, the 7-footer from the Congo "runs like a gazelle" according to new assistant coach and likely future head coach Avery Johnson. Erick Dampier, Calvin Booth and Shawn Bradley were projected to be the team's top three centers. The idea was to develop Mbenga and first-round pick Pavel Podkolzin in the hope they could contribute next season. Mbenga has forced the Mavericks to amend that plan. He has averaged 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and one blocked shot in three preseason games and is the sort of active, athletic presence the team wants on the court.
Guard Depth. This one thing the Mavs definitely have. Before the preseason, people said that the 2-3 position was overcrowded. However, injuries have remedied that, sadly. Michael Finley, Marquis Daniels, Josh Howard, and Jerry Stackhouse are all capable starters. However, Daniels has been out for months with a badly sprained ankle. He will not be ready for the season opener on Tuesday, and neither will Stackhouse, who is out with a thigh contusion. Howard and Finley will start against the Kings.
It all depends on how this new team meshes, but they have the offensive and defensive talent to be something special. They're accomplishing something weird, and that's rebuilding whilst competing. In the past two season, making the playoffs, they've managed to find their future PG (Harris), SG (Daniels), and SF (Howard). Though Nash is no longer here, we can still manage. Just as long as we can get healthy.
