Dallas Mavericks: Better Off without Dirk Nowitzki

You may counter that the Spurs are able to survive with Duncan and Kurt Thomas, but don’t forget, both of them are defensive aces, and the Spurs usually play at unreachable levels anyways. Dirk is a defensive liability out there.

This will be a test of Dallas’ resolve. Many times, it is through times of adversity that teams come together. If the Mavericks have an iota of character, they will come through during these tough times, much like the Rockets did for 2-plus weeks after Yao went down.

The Dirk and Yao injuries could end up portraying very similar scenarios: Losing a big man who got you easy buckets on isolations, and the result being more effective team play, boosted morale and hustle, and better defense.

And, don't forget, the Mavericks are way more talented without Dirk than the Rockets are without Yao.

While they will lose some rebounding prowess with their MVP out, they stand to learn and build team chemistry and team play in the process. The projection here is that they will comfortably make the playoffs and start them on the road, and that any off-court distractions afforded by Mark Cuban will be negated.

And, if Dirk comes back to a Dallas team running smoothly, and quietly integrates himself in, then Dallas may end up a dark horse in this ultra-competitive Western Conference.

Unless, of course, Dallas pulls another Golden State and whimpers quietly into the night. In which case, I will never go out on a limb and defend them again.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?