Two Lineups That Could 'Shake Things Up' for the Dallas Mavericks

So far, the Dallas Mavericks season looks to be in limbo. A good, consistent performance against the Spurs could be a good thing, or it could be more indicative of their slow start.

Whatever, I'll take a win where I can get it. Especially against the hated silver and black.

But I got to thinking about how the Mavericks could shake things up. It seems people are always trying to "shake things up" when it comes to the Mavs, but there is a good reason. Despite two hall-of-famers and a bevy of talent, they still seem to be underachieving.

So I came up with two lineups that could shake things up, but also help them win some games.

You always hear about small ball, and how it's the wave of the future. Well, pardon me, but the farthest small ball ever got was the Western Conference Finals, and the Dirkster got that garbage out pretty quick.

But that doesn't mean small ball is a bad thing. Au contraire mon frere, it's good when it's not your complete game, but a facet of your game.

That was the fatal flaw in the Suns, they could play small ball, but they coudn't go big, not as long as Amare was playing center.

Then they went to the other extreme, getting the tradtional center of traditional centers. We are yet to see how that fully works out.

Anyways, here is the Dallas small ball lineup.

PG- Jason Kidd
SG- Jason Terry
SF- Josh Howard
PF- Brandon Bass
C-The Dirkster

For some reason, Carlisle hasn't thrown out Bass and Dirk on the floor very much. I think it would be a great combo.

Bass's athleticism and mid-range jumper can allow him to move away from the rack, while the combination of Dirk and Jo-Ho penetrating/shooting jumpers can help the Mavs get points, which they will need, especially if there D continues to have an on/off switch.

Bass and Howard are the Mavs' toughest guys on the boards. Plus, Kidd has been able to get his share of boards, something which is great from a point guard who is used to moving around the court.

With Dirk, Bass and Jo-Ho in your frontcourt ,you've got three tough rebounders, one over seven feet as well as three lights-out jump shooters.

You also have two and a half guys who can shoot the three-ball (the half is the shaky combo of Howard and Kidd.)

What this lineup gives you is a chance to be quick, lights out, and a little more toughness on the boards than your traditional small-ball team.

Now let's think about something else: big ball.

Yeah, I said it. Big ball. Why not go big? Why not use those tall drinks of water you've got. Here's my Dallas big ball lineup.

PG- Jason Terry
SG- Josh Howard
SF- Dirk Nowitzki
PF- Brandon Bass
C- Dampier/Diop

While that might seem incredibly short-sighted, given the propensity for young teams to go small, imagine the possibilities.

You've got four dead-eye jump shooters and a traditional center. That can translate into a halfcourt offense that could be unstoppable, especially when you add Jo-Ho and Bass's ability to muscle on the inside.

You've also got two seven footers, or close to it. If that can't get you a boards advantage, even for the few minutes that you've got it out there, than nothing will.

Now, think about the matchups. Dirk against a 3? Think about that. A seven footer that can kill you from the outside, mid-range, or penetrate against a smaller, but quicker guard. He could force his way to the line 15-20 times a game like that.

I know what you are thinking, this lineup would get shredded by any run-and-gun team. Right?

Wrong. Where does the run-and-gun start? From a defensive rebound or steal. Steals happen, and unless J.J. Barea is in the game, it's usually a product of good defense, which is going to happen, especially if you want to go deep into the playoffs.

But the defensive rebounds into fast breaks? How are you going to pull down boards with two seven footers? With two guys that big, you can keep them on the inside for shots, and they're then in prime position to shine the glass.

Plus, Josh Howard and Bass are great rebounders. Terry has been known to get some rebounds as well, especially if he's fighting for the long ones near the elbow.

For an extended version of these lineups, as well as more exclusive content, see my blog, www.dirkismyhomeboy.blogspot.com.