'07 Dallas Mavericks Preview
Dirk Nowitzki Hopes to Make Up for Playoff Disappointment
2007 Dallas Mavericks NBA Season Preview
The Dallas Mavericks wish they could erase their first round embarrassing loss to the Golden State Warriors in last June's NBA Playoffs. Aftering finishing with the best record in the league, earning them the top seed in the Western Conference bracket, the Mavericks fell apart against the run-n-gun Golden State Warriors. Season MVP Dirk Nowitzki was especially bad. This was worse than the criticism they received after falling to the Miami Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals, despite having held a 2-0 series lead.
Owner Mark Cuban did the right thing by not panicking. It would be very easy for him to shake up the roster and make dramatic changes. Yet, this team has proven themselves in the playoffs before and is capable of going all the way. Expect Nowitzki to play with a chip on his shoulder this season. Though, don't expect him to win another season MVP award anytime soon, as voters might feel a bit slighted for having voted for him last season only to watch him crumble in the playoffs. One thing's for sure, the Mavs will be playing with the shadow of last year's crummy playoff performance looming overhead. They aim to advantage the new season and overcome the stigma that they can't get it done in the playoffs.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Erick Dampier 6.3 ppg, 7.4 rbpg (back up: DeSagana Diop)
- Power Forward: Dirk Nowitzki 25.9 ppg, 9.4 rbpg (back up: Brandon Bass)
- Small Forward: Josh Howard 20.1 ppg, 6.6 rbpg (back up: Deveon George)
- Point Guard: Devin Harris 11.8 ppg, 4.9 apg (back up: Jose Juan Barea)
- Shooting Guard: Jason Terry 16.1, 3.8 apg (back up: Jerry Stackhouse)
Key Losses
The team's biggest losses are Austin Croshere and Anthony Johnson. Croshere's perimeter shooting off the bench was key in numerous games, but to fit with what Dirk Nowitzki brings to the table, the Mavs opted for a tougher interior presence to back him up at the power forward spot. Johnson provided the Mavs with additional depth at point guard.
Key Additions
The Mavs off set some of its losses with the addition of Eddie Jones, who should provide support off the bench as well as a perimeter player who can defend. Also, some believe that forward Nick Fazekas and Reyshawn Terry might have steals in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Team Rumors
No rumors of note.
Prediction
The Mavericks won't win 67 games like they did last season, but they will come close with a 62-20 record, which will still be good enough for a top seed in the West. Fortunately for them, the Warriors will miss the playoffs and instead they'll take on Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets, which is a much better match up for Dallas. The Mavs will sweep the Hornets in the first round of the playoffs, and beat the Denver Nuggets in six in Round 2. In the semifinals, they'll lose to the San Antonio Spurs in a grueling seven-game bout.
Fantasy Spin
Dirk Nowitzki should have a big year this season. He'll be playing with a chip on his shoulder after a disappointing playoff performance. Especially if you're in a league that factors turnovers, don't let him slip past the top five picks in your fantasy draft.
Don't overlook Jason Terry. Surely his NBA trade stock isn't what it used to be, but he's a solid contributor in fantasy basketball, especially if turnovers and threes are factored in.
However, don't get too overly excited about Devin Harris. Every year, fantasy owners expect him to break out and though he's solid and puts in some great games during the year, he hasn't had a big enough role to really bust out and shine.
That being said, Josh Howard should be a top fifty player this season. He might be a guy who slips through the cracks in your draft, so you might consider trying to pick him up a few rounds later than you normally would.
NBA Eastern Conference Team Previews: Atlanta Hawks; Boston Celtics; Cleveland Cavaliers; Chicago Bulls; Charlotte Bobcats; Detroit Pistons; Indiana Pacers; Miami Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Jersey Nets; New York Knicks; Orlando Magic; Philadelphia 76ers; Toronto Raptors; Washington Wizards
NBA Western Conference Team Previews: Dallas Mavericks; Denver Nuggets; Golden State Warriors; Houston Rockets; Los Angeles Clippers; Los Angeles Lakers; Memphis Grizzlies; Minnesota Timberwolves; New Orleans Hornets; Phoenix Suns; Portland Trail Blazers; Sacramento Kings; San Antonio Spurs; Seattle Supersonics; Utah Jazz
