2012-2013 NBA Division Preview: Southwest Division

3. Dallas Mavericks – 36-30 (2011-2012)

For as much grief as can be given to the Mavericks for missing out on both Deron Williams and Dwight Howard, Mark Cuban found a way to at least save face with the secondary acquisitions he was able to make. While I’m far from agreeing with his post-summer assessment that he’s better off not signing Deron Williams and acquiring Dwight Howard, I’m not willing to completely write the Mavericks off as a doom and gloom case. Trouble is, they could have used a healthy Dirk Nowitzki to return after what ended as an up and down season in 2011-12.

—- Represent Lakers Nation with your own LN t-shirt! —-

Nowitzki is far from healthy, as the 7-foot sharpshooting PF is just returning to riding an exercise bike following a recent knee procedure. Initial reports had a return date around 4.5 weeks into the season. Now, more optimistic estimates have Nowitzki available somewhere between the second and third weeks. The additions of Brand and Kaman should somewhat remedy the absence in the interim, but they are going to need a healthy and strong return from their face of the franchise in order to remain relevant in the playoff picture out West.

Mayo and Collison are good pick-ups. Regardless of Mayo’s defensive limitations and propensity to over-dribble at times, I’d like to think Rick Carlisle will be able to find a way to maximize his talents with time. Collison, while not Jason Kidd in terms of the experience, is more than serviceable and looking to improve at just 25-years-old. Vince Carter and Shawn Marion both have enough in the tank to provide a veteran presence.

Key Additions: OJ Mayo, Darren Collison, Elton Brand, Chris Kaman
Key Departures: Jason Kidd, Lamar Odom

Next Page: Houston Rockets

You May Also Like

Lakers Podcast: Lonzo Ball’s Progress, Rajon Rondo In Mentor Role, Kyle Kuzma Raining Threes

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of the Las Vegas Summer League and the Lakers Nation crew is here on location to check out the action…

Patrick Beverley Reveals Message In Lakers Locker Room After 2-9 Start

To put it lightly, the Los Angeles Lakers’ start to the 2022-23 NBA season has been a disaster as they currently sit at 2-9…

Lakers Nation Podcast: Episode 2 (Preseason Edition)

LakersNation.com’s Jabari Davis and Trevor Lane were joined by Jamieson Welsh (Fox…

SNAPCHAT: Jordan Clarkson Gives Fan Money At Six Flags

The off-season for the Los Angeles Lakers is already underway and the team has gotten off to a quick start by hiring Luke Walton as the new head coach…