The Dallas Mavericks lost in the second round to the Denver Nuggets in the 09' playoffs. This time the Mavs weren't the favorites but the under dogs - which they are not familiar in being.
The Mavs have fallen back the last couple seasons - they were once the frontrunner in the West but now have become an average team. It wasn't too long ago they were going deep into the playoffs.
In 06, the Mavs were up two games on the Miami Heat then lost 4 games in a row. The Mavs did rebound a season later with an outstanding record of 67-15, only to lose in the first round.
The Mavs plays in a very tough Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, the improving Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. In the 08-09' there were 6 teams in the West with more then 50 wins - this upcoming season should be no different.
Most notably, Shawn Marion's addition to the team will give the Mavs a defensive toughness that the team desperately needs. Shawn Marion will reunite with former teammate Jason Kidd (they played together in Phoenix with the Suns), and his all around versatility will be invaluable to the team. If Marion can contribute like he did in Phoenix, this move will payoff big for Cuban.
Drew Gooden will be a big presence in the paint for Dallas. One of the Dallas Mavericks' weakest points in recent years has been rebounding. Gooden should help in this area with his size, 6'10 and 250lbs.
With Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden in town, they should definitely see improvements on defense.
The Lakers are the favorite once again to win the West, but things can change, players can get hurt, teams that were once good the previous season aren't so much the next, many things can happen. The Mavs hope they will rise again to the top of the West, but it won't be easy. - 31494
The Mavs have fallen back the last couple seasons - they were once the frontrunner in the West but now have become an average team. It wasn't too long ago they were going deep into the playoffs.
In 06, the Mavs were up two games on the Miami Heat then lost 4 games in a row. The Mavs did rebound a season later with an outstanding record of 67-15, only to lose in the first round.
The Mavs plays in a very tough Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, the improving Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. In the 08-09' there were 6 teams in the West with more then 50 wins - this upcoming season should be no different.
Most notably, Shawn Marion's addition to the team will give the Mavs a defensive toughness that the team desperately needs. Shawn Marion will reunite with former teammate Jason Kidd (they played together in Phoenix with the Suns), and his all around versatility will be invaluable to the team. If Marion can contribute like he did in Phoenix, this move will payoff big for Cuban.
Drew Gooden will be a big presence in the paint for Dallas. One of the Dallas Mavericks' weakest points in recent years has been rebounding. Gooden should help in this area with his size, 6'10 and 250lbs.
With Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden in town, they should definitely see improvements on defense.
The Lakers are the favorite once again to win the West, but things can change, players can get hurt, teams that were once good the previous season aren't so much the next, many things can happen. The Mavs hope they will rise again to the top of the West, but it won't be easy. - 31494
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