Dallas Mavericks Annual Roster Check-Up

It’s that time of year again, and no I am not thinking about the premature stages of the NBA season.

In fact, I am talking about the flu season. With H1N1 spreading around faster than a forest fire, why not do an "annual check-up" spin-off of this yearly event?

With the offseason coming to a close, teams are making the final cuts and adjustments for a long season.

We've got the Toronto Raptors stripping their roster and bringing in nine new faces.

The Houston Rockets are left without their leaders Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

And the Memphis Grizzlies are in a hot mess with Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph.

But one team that opened the eyes of many in the league was the Dallas Mavericks. Mark Cuban's texting fingers went straight to work this past offseason and resulted in a couple player grabs.

Without any further delay, here is your annual check-up on the Dallas Mavericks roster.

PG - Jason Kidd

With age as a concern to many Jason Kidd followers, the Dallas Maverick community is just relieved to have him back to play court general for the 2009-2010 NBA season.

After signing a three-year deal worth $25 million, Jason Kidd will be the head honcho in the guard category for Rick Carlisle.

But as the years fly by, many begin to question Kidd's durability and flexibility.

He has been in the league for 15 years now and one can only imagine a retirement announcement to happen in the near future.

However Kidd has other plans.

He clearly expressed his love of the game by playing and starting in 81 regular season games last year. He averaged 9.0 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and 8.7 assists per game; solid stats from a veteran guard.

He proved in last year’s playoff series with San Antonio that he can hang with one of the elite guards in the game in Tony Parker.

It is not a matter of statistical achievements for Jason Kidd because he has already impacted the NBA record books. It is the matter of Kidd staying healthy and fresh so that he can assist in Dallas' quest for gold.

SG - Josh Howard

The annual check-up suspects Josh Howard's ankle to be the decisive factor this season. He was injured last year and is entering this season in similar terms.

His costly injury will sideline him for the beginning of the season; an approximate return date is uncertain.

Although Howard is injured, let us not so carelessly forget what this guard/forward is capable of.

Howard averaged 18.0 points per game in 52 games last season. During the Mavericks championship run in 2006, Howard averaged an amazing 18.9 points per game.

And even when the Mavericks have lost Howard, they were still able to keep up the momentum with key reserves. Antoine Wright and Jose Barea provided a huge spark for the Mavericks last year. Barea averaged 7.8 points per game last year which is solid for a role player.

But in all honesty, I would rather have Howard start than Barea. Howard is a very deadly scorer. He feasts on first quarter points which help him continue the whole game. His defense is above average and he can pass when he desires.

His charisma and ambition, though, has made plenty of turns for the worse. His off-court situations distract him from performing at his best.

If Howard can stay away from the ER and away from evening news reports, the Mavericks ball club could be looking at a great season.

SF - Shawn Marion

You have now entered the Matrix.

The high-flying, fast pace player known as Shawn Marion has touched down in the American Airline Center.

After acquiring Marion in a four team deal involving his previous team, the Toronto Raptors, the Mavericks spent little time in introducing him into their system.

Former teammate Jason Kidd and Marion go back a few years when they both played for the Phoenix Suns. Having this special relationship benefits the team in many ways like on and off court cooperation.

Marion doesn't just bring his unorthodox shot and jaw-dropping dunks. Instead, he brings a style of play that has not been seen by the Mavericks since the early days of Steve Nash.

The running game is something special to the NBA. It provides the audience with friendly play and on-court amusement, and with Shawn Marion this is very well available.

The signing of Marion is a clear image of what Mark Cuban wants to accomplish; a playoff run. The Mavericks got a taste of that last year and want to continue the run.

Cuban is living in the now and is bulking up on players. A playoff run is what he wants and a playoff run is only available if these players want it too.

Marion is just an enthusiastic player willing to help.

PF - Dirk Nowitzki

When many think about the Dallas Mavericks, almost all cannot help but to mention the 7'0" forward from Wurzburg, Germany. The MVP award winner and multiple time NBA All-Star has made a couple of appearances on the All NBA First Team and is one of the most prized jewels in fantasy basketball.

He is the big kahuna. The one. The only. Dirk Nowitzki.

But as you read the opening intro of this slide and review the many achievements in this man's professional sports career, the one thing that seems to be missing is a NBA championship.

His quest for gold has been a story to follow in the NBA. Literally falling from grace in 2006, Nowitzki has not been able to reach that championship plateau ever since.

The mystery is a strange thing to figure out. Recapping the moments help to clear the good possibilities from the bad ones.

Injuries, sloppy playing and player requirements are all options. Even the plain answer of “playoff chokers” comes to mind as well.

However, this does not seem to be the case this year. With a newly established team, the Mavericks are looking for domination in the Southwest division. It will be a hard and challenging task since the San Antonio Spurs have gotten better.

But this is all child’s play for front man Dirk. Right?

Nowitzki averaged 25.9 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game; exceptional numbers for a big man.

Nowitzki has proven that he can perform well on the statistic board, but converting it to key wins has been a task all in itself.

Hopefully the new changes help his Mavericks for the better.

Erick Dampier

Many questions swarm Erick Dampier this season as regards to playing time.

"Will he start or sit" seems to be on everyone’s plate, but only a fake answer has been given so far.

As regards to the starting line-up, Dampier remains a co-starter with forward/center Drew Gooden. Having these two big men is lethal in the Mavericks offense.

With Dampier, you got a center that basically plays the post. He can grab boards and block shots on occasion. Points are not a huge concern with Dampier; just playing hard is his focus.

With Gooden, you got a semi-post, semi-outside player (outside in regards to mid-range jumper). He clears the post making it able for Kidd or Marion to drive. His jumper will come in go, but is capable down low because he has nice hands for a big man. Gooden knows how to finish near the basket.

Both have a wide range of experience and are able to help their team respectively. Gooden and Dampier are educated players willing to help the young ones.

Going with either individual will not hurt Carlisle.

Bench

Jason Terry - Expect the Jet to keep up similar play. His long range is key for the Mavs' offense this year.

Kris Humphries- Has proved during preseason that he is back. This guy played very well for Toronto; watch him make a supporting splash.

Jose Barea - Was the difference in the San Antonio series last year. However, room for improvement is always welcome.

Quinton Ross - Defense, defense, defense.

James Singleton - Supporting cast never sounded sweeter.

Rodrigue Beaubois - Young French guard ready for play. Potential is on the horizon.