2008 Dallas Mavericks Predictions

Written by Jack Jones on October 28, 2008

The Dallas Mavericks seem to be more of a team on a downward fall than a squad ready to compete with the West’s elite. It was just two short years ago that the Mavs were on top of the world, up two games on the Heat in the NBA Finals, but things have turned into a nightmare since. First getting beat by Miami, then going 67-15 in 2006-07 only to fall in the first round to Golden State. That performance was followed up by another first-round exit, though this time the New Orleans Hornets were the better team. Dallas is listed at +650 to win the Southwest Division.

Successful regular seasons and an almost-title do not get you anywhere with Mark Cuban as he replaced head coach Avery Johnson with Rick Carlisle this off-season. Carlisle seemed to have success wherever he went, but was known for his playoff struggles at previous stops, being replaced by Larry Brown just before the Detroit Pistons won their title. The Mavericks are at 12-to-1 to win the Western Conference.

The Mavericks have a solid frontcourt with Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard. Even though Dirk is constantly facing double teams he still managed to put up 23.6 points while grabbing 8.6 rebounds a year ago. He can also pass the ball as he had 3.6 assists per game, but he needs some help. Howard provided 19.9 points and seven rebounds per contest, but has had some off-court issues serve as a distraction. Howard runs the floor well for a big man, which benefits him with Jason Kidd pushing the ball from the point. Erick Dampier isn’t going to do much on offense, but serves as the team’s best post defender with his ability to block shots. The Dallas Mavericks are at 22-to-1 to win the NBA Finals.

The Dallas players are excited to have Kidd lead them and the things they can do after a full off-season and training camp to get comfortable with one another. Kidd continues to put up great numbers even though he’s getting up there in years. Last year he had 10.8 points, 10.1 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. He most likely will be joined by Jerry Stackhouse in the backcourt. Stackhouse has been coming off the bench in recent years, but is a more tradition off-guard who can provide instant offense. The over/under win total for Dallas this year has been set at 46.5.

If Stackhouse can’t stay healthy or the team wants another option they have Jason Terry as well. Terry is coming off a 15.5 point season while playing mostly point. He’ll back up Kidd and get plenty of playing time along side him as well. He shoots well from the outside and can get to the basket.

Down low the Mavs have forward Brandon Bass to come in and bang it around. He’s a great hustle guy who can hit the boards. Gerald Green was added this offseason and the team is hoping that he can live up to his talent level. Same goes for Shawne Williams, who is known more for his off-court antics than living up to his high level of talent. Devean George is a veteran who can eat up minutes on the outside if either of those two projects don’t pan out.

Final Analysis

Carlisle wants to open things up and get the offense going again. He also wants to give control of the team to Kidd, who is expected to push things and create like he has done so well over his career, but can Kidd still do it at 35? With our NBA predictions we see Dallas as a good team that is going to have trouble battling it out in their division, let alone compete in the West and for an NBA title.

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