Dallas Mavericks: 5 Things To Watch For

With October almost upon us, the NBA season is now in sight. Preseason begins next week and the regular season kicks off in a month. The itch is real, and MFFLs are looking for relief in seeing what this team is capable of. The Mavericks are known for having high expectations but must face a difficult challenge playing in the Southwest. Each team made the playoffs the previous year and each made upgrades in the off-season. Division champions, Houston, added Ty Lawson. San Antonio landed prized free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. Memphis picked up Matt Barnes and former Maverick Brandan Wright. New Orleans added Kendrick Perkins and Chris Douglas-Roberts. With the difficulty of play ahead, Dallas has little room for error. As the season unfolds, there will be plenty of events that will determine how well the Mavericks succeed.

Here are a list of the top 5 things worth watching in the upcoming season.

5. Mid-Season Additions

Each of the past five years the Mavericks have made significant additions to the team mid-season, except in 2013. Below is the list of players signed or acquired by the Mavs. The first thing worth watching in the coming season is if Dallas will make any moves, to add a necessary piece, to help make a playoff run.

• 2014-2015 Amar’e Stoudemire, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Powell, JJ Barea
• 2013-2014 None
• 2012-2013 Derek Fisher, Anthony Morrow
• 2011-2012 Lamar Odom, Vince Carter, Delonte West
• 2010-2011 Peja Stojakovic, Corey Brewer

4. Justin Anderson a Key Contributor

Selected with the 21st overall pick in the draft this year, the Virginia Cavalier looks to take the next step to the big show. Anderson impressed in the summer league averaging over 17 points a game. He has made a name for himself with his work ethics and hopes it will pay off for him in the season. Dallas needs someone to be an impact player off the bench, giving plenty of opportunities to Justin to be that guy. When asked about his role heading into the season, he responded “As of right now, being a rookie, it’s important to play hard each possession, learn the spacing, and be a 3-and-D guy”, (Reddit.com). If Wesley Matthews is unable to go from the beginning, he will see increased time to prove himself.

3. Dirk Nowitzki surpasses Shaq for 6th All-Time on Point Leaders List

Trailing by just 447 points, Dirk would be on pace to surpass Shaquille O’Neal on the 28th game of the season, if averaging 17.3 points per game again. Dallas plays in Toronto that night of December 22nd. The game before is home versus Memphis, and after is at Brooklyn. Mavericks fans would love for it to occur at home, but either way it will be a special night for one of the league’s greats. Dirk, most likely, would need two more seasons to move into the top 5, as he is 3,300 points behind Wilt Chamberlain.

2. Current Injury Recovery and Avoiding Others

My previous article focused on the X Factor for the Mavericks this year. Casey Smith and the training staff will have their hands full, as the try to rehab Wesley Matthews, Chandler Parsons and JaVale McGee. They will also be occupied in monitoring Dirk Nowitzki, as he looks to remain healthy. If Dallas is able to keep each of these guys on the court, and avoid any others visiting the training room, there is potential for being a playoff team. Otherwise, it could be a long season for Maverick fans.

1. A Renewed Deron Williams

No one knows what to expect with Deron Williams in a Mavericks uniform. Hope lies in a motivated D-Will ready to prove he is still among the elite point guards in the NBA. However, fear resides in that the flashes off the once great guard in Utah no longer exists. Deron comes to Dallas with little pressure, but all the opportunity to succeed. If he wants, he can rely on Matthews, Parsons and Nowitzki to handle the scoring. He will also have the chance to create shots for himself, when he desires. The Mavs look to make the playoffs, but expectations stop there after missing out on DeAndre Jordan. Williams could play the hero in the coming season, or could just go along for the ride.

Author: Andrew Mills

Dallas Mavericks fanatic. Will always reference the team as we. Will always assume the players can hear me from my couch. Will always be quick to critique. Will mourn losses and only celebrate championships. MFFL

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