2005 Dallas Mavericks Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Dallas Mavericks.

2005 Dallas Mavericks Team Preview

When Avery Johnson replaced Don Nelson as the Maverick’s head coach near the end of last season, he brought in a new system that included more intense defense and a pick-and-roll offense. His record for that short period was 16-2. This will be Johnson’s first full season as a NBA head coach and that means he’ll be trying his best to get the Mavs to a new level. He started his push for change early this season by coaching the Maverick’s summer league team; he hoped this would give him some new insights into his players and coaching. Like Avery himself, the Dallas club is seen as being a team in transition.

The Mavericks have a lot going for them in their leader on the court— 7-foot forward Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki, in his seventh NBA season, poured in 26.1 points and grabbed 9.7 rebounds per game. But his playoff performance, like much of the team’s, was lacking. Nowitzki, an impressive forward who improved greatly last year, still needs to hone his post-up game. He spent this summer doing just that. Additionally, if he can develop a solid hook and make his passing payoff, coach Avery may have himself Dallas’s version of the Spurs’ Tim Duncan.

Despite Nowitzki there are a lot of question marks for this team. Can high paid center Erick Dampier reach his potential and be a force on the court throughout an entire season? Last year Dampier had one good month—not nearly enough to justify his six-year, $60 million salary.

Another concern is the backcourt and whom will be the Mavericks’ shooting guard? It could be one of three—Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry, or Marquis Daniels. Chances are is will probably be Stackhouse. He can take it to the basket, draw the foul, and play hard and smart every minute. The minus for Stackhouse is his age, but he still may be the top choice of the three since he is the best playmaker.

Last season the Mavericks lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Suns. If they want to go further, they’re going to have to get a lot more from Dampier and be more creative in the point guard position. If they can do that and execute Johnson’s Spurs-like game plan, they could be a real threat to San Antonio and the rest of the league.

For more information on the 2005 Dallas Mavericks Team, click here to visit their official team website.