Stranger Than Fiction: Could the Mavs Actually Succeed?

I've made bold prediction before; saying the Wizards could succeed, that the Nuggets are on verge of a major break-through, that Lebron will never get a championship with the Cavaliers. Yet, there is quite a big difference from making a bold-prediction, than from guessing the extra-ordinary.

This is what it's like taking sides with the Mavericks.

We're already in the first quarter of this terrific season, so predictions are no longer just long-term guesses. The good teams have already been clarified and mock drafts have just begun their arrivals. If you have read my recent article (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/310565-a-certain-uncertainty-a-championship-up-for-grabs-in-the-nba) which speaks about how, though experts will continuously top up the same four, five names, this year in the NBA is completely up for grabs when mentioning the championship victors.

I mentioned plenty more teams, many more than the extra 2-3 that the analysts say come close to having a chance. The other teams will go completely ignored throughout the whole season. This is where the Mavericks abnormal team has been placed going into and following the first part of the season.

Since this article's purpose is to discuss the Mavericks, let's commence with their  "biography". Perhaps the biggest issue in Dallas apart from the Cowboy's December woes, may be the injury-risk token that comes with the age of the Maverick's roster. They are near the top in the NBA with players over the age of 30 and their starting point guard and morale leader,  Jason Kidd, is three year's from being 40.

This is not to say the Mavs haven't improved rotationally from last year's view-point. Marion and other no-names, made their entrance in Dallas.

Then obviously, there's MVP candidate Dirk Nowitzki, who's perhaps having his best season ever. He's averaging approximately 25 points a contest, while modestly putting up near 10 boards. Yet, he to, is over the age of thirty. But this is not to question what Dirk will put up every single night and continue to put up for possibly a few more years.

Where the Mavericks' were obviously hit hardest last year, was not in scoring baskets, but on the other side of the court. Undeniably, Dampiers' good play on the boards and blocks helped this year, and last, but, until Marion, the mavericks lacked a player who would guard the best player almost every night.

Dallas took a humongous risks in signing Marion who struggled excessively with the  teams following teams: Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat. Yet, he has improved almost dramatically from his stints with those teams and has been favorable to the Mavs.

One of the reasons the Mavs haven't bounced back from that dreadful loss to the Heat in the championship, is because of Mark Cuban and the rest of the managements beliefs. A belief that the Mavericks were this close; that not much had to be done to return to the O'Brien race. That they would still be the team they managed to be that one year.

While other teams in the West continued to upgrade, the Mavericks came back year after year with the same roster. No upgrades; no need for them either would be the cry management.

Obviously, this wasn't the only apparent reason for unsuccesful seasons. They had a great coach in Avery Johnson for awhile, but after the undeniable need for change at the position, Rick Carlise was brought in. Not much changed though last season.

This year, the Mavericks boast a respectable record but, this is nothing new, good records come and go in Maverick land. What is needed now, is to know if they are better fit with this new roster than the old one, before they entered the playoffs.

It's not all about Dallas though. Their division rival, the San Antonio Spurs, boast the new acquisition of Jefferson, and other playoff foes also gradually becoming better.

Here in Dallas, reality can be hard to perceive and predict easily; but one thing's for sure: whether or not the Mavs do succeed come post-season, their roster is indeed stranger than fiction.