Time to preview the 2010-11 Dallas Maverics
Music to listen to: Sunrise by Norah Jones
Last season/offseason changes: The Mavs finished last year with a record of 55-27 but lost in the first round of the playoffs to San Antonio. The impressive thing is that this was the tenth-consecutive 50-win season for Dallas. Unfortunately, they’ve also lost in the first round of the playoffs in four of these years.
The main players to leave Dallas is Erick Dampier and Eduardo Najara.
The newest additions include Tyson Chandler and Dominique Jones
Strength: It all starts with Dirk Nowitzki, who re-signed with the Mavs over the summer and is putting together a Hall of Fame-caliber career. He averaged 25 ppg last year and has showed little signs of slowing down.
The Mavs also will have the benefit of having Caron Butler for a full season. He will be the clear second scorer behind Nowitzki and will thrive in this role.
The overall depth of the Mavs is impressive in general.
They have size in the front court with Chandler and Brandan Haywood, whose roles will be more imperative in the playoffs when size is a bigger factor.
The backcourt also has solid players in J.J. Barea, Rodrique Beaubois and annual Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jason Terry.
Weakness: I’m worried about the physical stability of Kidd.
He’s held up well in his second tour of duty with Dallas but you continually see point guards of any athleticism give him major trouble.
Seeing how the West consists of Russell Westbrook, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Deron Williams, etc., that’s a problem.
Also, I have a feeling that Shawn Marion is going to slow down as well and that hurts the Mavs defensive unit.
Most important player: Its Nowitzki
Celebrity crush from the city: I’m taking Norah Jones again. There’s just something about a talented woman, especially a musician, who has her vibe that I can’t resist.
Coaching: Rick Carlisle has reached the point of his career that we already know what to expect from him and his teams. He was a winner in Detroit and has done a nice job in Dallas.
First memory of the team: I remember quite vividly the Jason Kidd/Jamall Mashburn/Jimmy Jackson era. They had a good run until Toni Braxton got in the fold. Bros before females, especially when it messes with your job. Enjoy the highlights below:
Best case: Western Conference finals
Worst case: First-round playoff loss
Uniform grade: I wish they brought back the logo with the white cowboy hat. What says Dallas more than a white cowboy hat? For that, the unis get dropped a peg. Grade: B-
Overall outlook: Dallas will win 50+ games, maybe win the Southwest division and get a top-two seed in the West. However, at the end of the day, do you think that the Mavs get passed the Lakers or even a healthy San Antonio squad in the playoffs? That’s the question that Dallas will have to answer this season.
Those are my thoughts, what about yours?
2010 Backdoor Cut Previews:
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Southeast Division
Northwest Division
Pacific Division
The Sports Inquirer 
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