2006 Dallas Mavericks Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Dallas Mavericks NBA Preview page. At the time of publish preseason games are winding down and the regular season about to be begin. If you enjoy betting on NBA basketball be sure to use Maddux Sports for NBA Basketball Picks and visit the Live NBA Betting Lines to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Dallas Mavericks Basketball Season Preview

After winning the Western Conference last year, the Dallas Mavericks seemed poised to take it all. But they sputtered and fell short in the finals against Miami, losing 4 to 2. By series end, owner Mark Cuban embarrassed his team in a rant against NBA Commissioner David Stern and league officials, stirring memories of the ultra paranoia of Humphrey Bogart in The Caine Mutiny Court Marshall. Sit down, Mark.

In his sophomore year, point guard Devin Harris (9.9 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 46.9 FG%, 71.6 FT%) made huge strides. “High energy” is an understatement. Look for better ball and game management this year. In 2005-06, Jason Terry (17.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 47.0 FG%, 80.0 FT%) found his niche at shooting guard. Anthony Johnson and Jerry Stackhouse provide veteran bench support. There’s depth in the backcourt.

In his eighth NBA season, Dirk Nowitzki (26.6 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 48.0 FG%, 90.1 FT%) matured into the best power forward in the game. He’s now developed a tough hook shot to add to his rim play, solid three-point shot and 90% accurate foul performance. Third-year small forward Josh Howard (15.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 47.1 FG%, 73.4 FT%) can shoot and grab the loose ball.

The center position is problematic. Of veteran Erick Dampier, seven-year player DeSagana Diop or third-year guy D.J. Mbenga—none seem to have the right stuff.

Coach Avery Johnson, who earned Coach-of-the Year honors, needs to keep his distance from Mark Cuban’s emotional tirades. Johnson is a tough, in-your-face type of coach, capable of showing players the lighter side when need be. His offense featured player and ball movement and his defense forced teams into a perimeter game. Now after his first full season, in which his team notched 60 wins, Johnson must find the balance between nasty and nice.

A first place finish is not out of the question. This time if they make it to the finals, coach and owner must cut the crybaby act when things don’t go their way. The Mavs need a center and some depth up front.

For more info on the 2006 Mavericks basketball team visit the Mavericks official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Rockets, Grizzlies, Hornets, and Spurs.