NBA 2009 Season Prediction: The Dallas Mavericks

This article starts a brand new chapter in my NBA 2009 Season Prediction Series. These next five articles will include the teams that make up the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. First up, the Dallas Mavericks!

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a season in which they made the playoffs. That's great for fans, but slightly disappointing for the front office.

After the Jason Kidd trade, many fans, analysts, and front office members thought that the return of Jason Kidd would give the team the juice it needed to advance far into the playoffs, and contend for the franchise's first NBA title. This did not happen as we all know, as Dallas was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New Orleans Hornets, four games to one.

This playoff failure prompted GM Donnie Nelson to release Head Coach Avery Johnson, and hire Rick Carlisle as the team's new Head Coach.

Let's see what new additions the Mavericks have made to their roster. In the 2008 NBA Draft, the Mavericks selected Vanderbilt senior SG Shan Foster with the 57th pick in the draft, whom they did not sign. The Mavericks also have three players who are unsigned free agents, Jammal Magloire, Juwan Howard, and Antoine Wright.

The youngest player on this roster is PG Jose Barea, out of Northeastern with two years of experience. The oldest player, is a two-way tie between Eddie Jones and Jason Kidd, both with 14 years of experience. This team has a great combination of veteran leadership and young talent. With that, let's get right to my projected starting lineup:

PG: Jason Kidd

Note: After Kidd joined the Mavericks last season, the team went 3-11 against winning teams. Given that Jason Kidd and the rest of the squad will have the rest of the offseason to play with each other, I sense that this problem will work itself out. Olympic Gold Medalist!

SG: Jason Terry

Note: Before the Kidd trade, Terry was starting at the point, with Devin Harris at SG. Well folks, Harris is gone, but Terry is a great combo guard. Look for the combination of these two in the backcourt to do some great things.

SF: Josh Howard

Note: Coming off a season in which he averaged 19.9 ppg, and 7.7 rpg, Howard is the future of this franchise.

PF: Dirk Nowitzki

Note: Coming off of a high ankle sprain injury, look for him to rebound this season. We all know what Dirk is capable of. He's an Olympian!

C: Erick Dampier

Note: Dampier, well, he used to play much, much better than he does now. In 2003-2004, he averaged a double-double with Golden State, with 12.3 ppg and 12.0 rpg. Ever since, his inconsistency has shown.

Last season, he averaged only 6.1 ppg, and 7.5 rpg. If his inconsistency still continues to plague him, he will most likely lose his starting spot to DeSagana Diop.

Second Team:

PG: Jose Juan Barea

Note: Last year, in the playoffs, he averaged 8.0 ppg, and 1.0 apg, in only 5.0 mpg. That's quite impressive for a sophomore. He should develop nicely into a great backup PG in years to come.

SG: Eddie Jones

Note: The 14 year veteran anchors this second team. He's well past his prime, but he can still get it done on a good day.

SF: Jerry Stackhouse

Note: Averaged 10.7 ppg as a backup, seasoned veteran who can also still get it done.

PF: Brandon Bass

Note: Averaged 11.7 ppg in the playoffs last year. That's what you desire from a bench player.

C: DeSagana Diop

Note: After being traded to the Nets in the Jason Kidd deal, he signed as a free agent with the Mavs in the offseason. Fans are glad he is back.

Reserves:

PG: Keith McLeod

Note: He's played in the NBA and the Euroleague with top Italian legue teams Mabo Prefabbricati Livorno, Lottomatica Virtus Roma, and Montepaschi Siena.

SF: Gerald Green

Note: Can shoot the lights out from downtown, and can posterize just about anyone.

Prediction:

This whole season for the Mavericks hinges on team chemistry. If the bugs have been worked out since Kidd joined the team, then we are looking at a very good team this season.

This team will make the playoffs. Will they venture far into it? I do not think so. Jason Kidd is not the scorer he used to be, but still can dish it into the paint or outside for an assist. If the bench team can maintain leads, then we just might have a finals contender on our hands.

Health issues are also a concern. Can Dirk Nowitzki stay healthy the entire season? Only time will tell.