Dallas Mavericks: The Matrix Playing Rather Large Role in Big D This Season

One veteran NBA player that has been having a relatively strong year is Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion.

He showed earlier in his career with the Phoenix Suns that he was indeed a great athlete that could jump out the building, earning the nickname “Matrix,” while also having one of the most awkward-looking jump shots that has become a staple of his career.

Although Marion may not look like a typical NBA player, he sure does make up for it with his long arms on the defensive end, the springs in his legs, and his ability to run up and down the floor like a deer even while approaching 34 years of age and the completion of his 13th year in the league.

He has also become a defensive presence in Dallas due to his ability to defend multiple positions and, as a result, defending against the opposing team’s best player in some cases.

The Matrix may be in his 13th NBA season, but he has been averaging 11.0 points to go along with 7.4 rebounds per game, and continuing to be a force for a playoff contender.

At one point this season, Marion was thought to be a potential trade candidate, as the Mavericks were rumored to be wanting to free up cap space for the summer. But the 6'7" forward's play made the team change plans.

In fact, many in the organization feel that Marion should be considered for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has been having that kind of year.

It will interesting to see how the Mavericks perform down the stretch of the regular season and throughout the playoffs. The Mavs face an uphill battle from here on out, and will need Marion to play big all the way through.