How the Dallas Mavericks Can Get Back on Track

Despite some people who believe that Mavs made a mistake when they traded Devin Harris for future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, I would have to disagree.

If you are looking a few years down the road, I could maybe understand their argument. Unfortunately, we live in a “right now” world and the time is now for the aging Mavericks; in case anyone has forgotten, Dirk Nowitzki is already on the wrong side of 30.

I honestly believe that the Mavs are all around better this year than they have been the last two. Kidd has made the offensive flow so much better and has brought a defensive presence, which has been felt, especially at the end of some close games.

I believe that Jason Terry has improved his passing and defense as a result of Jason’s presence. The fact that they are the number two steals duo in the league is evident of this fact.

The Mavs are currently sitting number nine in the Western Conference, but I don’t believe that says too much about this team or its potential. Especially when they are only out of first place by eight games. Many of the games they have lost have been close. From Denver, to San Antonio, and even both Laker games.

You got to also consider that Josh Howard has been out a number of games due to injury.

There are a few issues that need to be addressed by this team in order to become a legit contender, though:

1. Inside scoring presence

I just don’t see this team with a dominant inside scorer. Dirk gets in the paint sometimes, but not nearly enough. Brandon Bass is starting to make his presence known , but he is playing behind Dirk so obviously his minutes are going to be limited.

2. Getting to the line

The Mavericks are not getting to the line, nearly as much as they need to, they are averaging 21.2 free throws a game, shooting 81%. They could use more production in that area.

3. Defense

Most people would agree that offense has never been a real issue with this particular team. They are averaging 99.7 points per game but giving up 98.3. You do the Math! Will they step up and make the plays in the clutch moments, and better yet, do they have a true defensive stopper, to handle the Bryant, Paul, Parker and other western conference blazers.

4. Shooting guard position

As of today, Jason Terry is the obvious sixth man of the year. I think the Mavs need to look hard at picking up a guy who can not only be a defensive stopper, but someone teams have to respect his offensive game as well.

5. Win the games they should

The bottom of the Western Conference is relatively weak, along with most of the Eastern Conference. With the top nine teams in western conference, it can go either way on any given night. So they have to pick up the wins against the teams that they should beat.

We shall see how they progress as the season goes on. I believe that Rick Carlisle has done a great job with this team and his experience will get them to the place that they need to be. This is a team that other teams need to watch. It they get it going they could be scary for the rest of the West!