Looking back in the previous 5+ years Dallas has always proved one thing, they can spend. Backed by billionaire Mark Cuban, the Mavericks always strive to make an improvement every year and this year is no different despite the sour economy. They’ve added several players that without a doubt could really improve them as far as the whole team is concern.
For the Mavericks this season, there’s no question they are going to reach the playoffs. The only thing to ask is how far? Let’s start to break down the Mavs key figures.
The Core Of the Team
Mark Cuban has invested in Dirk Nowitzki and Dirk didn’t prove him wrong. Seems like the only thing missing for Dirk is the championship w/c he is hoping to get this season. No need to describe Dirk’s capabilities! Other important key players on team are Josh Howard, Jason Terry and the newly re-signed Jason Kidd. Howard had a good season last year and hopes to continue that. Jason Terry is one of the best scorer off the bench and again he will be a vital cog for the team’s surge to championship. Kidd, at 36, has slowed down evidently but still one of the best pure point guards in the history. Whether he’s worth that $25, 3 year contract remains to be unseen.
Dallas’ core is a pretty solid one and if they are all healthy then this team can win more than 50 games.
New Acquisitions
The Mavs signed Shawn Marion, Tim Thomas, Drew Gooden and Matt Carroll this offseason. Marion has seemed to be just a shadow of his old self back in Phoenix uniform but I think if Rick Carlisle can utilize him well, he can really provide a solid game as a Maverick. Tim Thomas played with NY last season before being traded to the Bulls. Thomas is a small forward as well, creating a logjam at 3 position where Howard, Marion are already at. Drew Gooden offsets the loss of Brandon Bass who signed with the Magic. Gooden has never really lived up to the expectations but nevertheless he can be a solid backup player giving Dirk some much needed rest. Bass is still > Drew Gooden. 
Old Guys/ Old Reliables
When Dallas signed Erick Dampier to a mega million contract, they eventually stuck with him. Dampier never really became a player the Mavs have envisioned when they signed him but a healthy appearance this season can really mean a lot of Dallas. The West has a lot of good big men and in order for you to survive you have to have some as well.
One of their little player Jose Barea has proven to be a solid player. Barea can shoot the lights out at any given night with his great outside shooting and quickness, something that compensates him being a defensive liability. Other guys like James Singleton and Quinton Ross are above average relievers and can surely help out on some nights.
Verdict
This is a championship team right here for the Mavs. There is a good mix of old players and young players (average age is 28). Although they have improved their lineup, the fate of the team would still depend on the key guys on team. Dirk has to perform way above expectations for the Mavs to be really competitive in the post season. One common thing in the past three years for Dallas is that they always fade in playoffs, largely due to the fact that they face spirited teams (Warriors, Hornets, Nuggets). But for this season, there should be no team more spirited than the Mavs.
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