The Dallas Mavericks lost in the second round to the Denver Nuggets in the 09' playoffs. This time the Mavs weren't the favorites but the under dogs - which they are not familiar in being.
The team established itself as an elite force in the Western Conference and a heavy slew of talent has always been present in Dallas.
The last two seasons have been somewhat disappointing for the Dallas Mavericks compared to seasons past. Mark Cuban has realized this, and has elected to do something about it.
The Mavs plays in a very tough Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, the improving Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. In the 08-09' there were 6 teams in the West with more then 50 wins - this upcoming season should be no different.
The Western Conference is loaded with very good teams and winning the West will prove to be very difficult for the Mavs. Dirk can't win games by himself all the time and will need even more help from players like Jason Terry, Josh Howard and newly acquired Shawn Marion.
Drew Gooden will be a big presence in the paint for Dallas. One of the Dallas Mavericks' weakest points in recent years has been rebounding. Gooden should help in this area with his size, 6'10 and 250lbs.
Dirk Nowitzki is often forced to focus on rebounds, which takes away from his ability to do what he does best - score the basketball. He's still put up big numbers over the years, but it's been tough come playoff time. He's been called out on his presence when it comes to playing under pressure.
The Lakers are the favorite once again to win the West, but things can change, players can get hurt, teams that were once good the previous season aren't so much the next, many things can happen. The Mavs hope they will rise again to the top of the West, but it won't be easy. - 30542
The team established itself as an elite force in the Western Conference and a heavy slew of talent has always been present in Dallas.
The last two seasons have been somewhat disappointing for the Dallas Mavericks compared to seasons past. Mark Cuban has realized this, and has elected to do something about it.
The Mavs plays in a very tough Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, the improving Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. In the 08-09' there were 6 teams in the West with more then 50 wins - this upcoming season should be no different.
The Western Conference is loaded with very good teams and winning the West will prove to be very difficult for the Mavs. Dirk can't win games by himself all the time and will need even more help from players like Jason Terry, Josh Howard and newly acquired Shawn Marion.
Drew Gooden will be a big presence in the paint for Dallas. One of the Dallas Mavericks' weakest points in recent years has been rebounding. Gooden should help in this area with his size, 6'10 and 250lbs.
Dirk Nowitzki is often forced to focus on rebounds, which takes away from his ability to do what he does best - score the basketball. He's still put up big numbers over the years, but it's been tough come playoff time. He's been called out on his presence when it comes to playing under pressure.
The Lakers are the favorite once again to win the West, but things can change, players can get hurt, teams that were once good the previous season aren't so much the next, many things can happen. The Mavs hope they will rise again to the top of the West, but it won't be easy. - 30542
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