| More Of The Same For The New Look Mavs Authored by Jeff Stotts - October 2, 2006 - 3:53 pm
It’s been quiet this summer in the American Airlines Center. The seats have been empty, lockers cleaned out, and yes the hundreds of “15 strong” cards that littered the visiting locker room are gone. The 2006 NBA Finals ended 102 days ago in disappointing fashion for the Dallas Mavericks. However on the eve of training camp it appears the Mavs will refuse to look back and instead will focus on the future and the upcoming season.
When the Mavs hit the gym for their first practices, the Western Conference Champions will field a roster will numerous new faces but a roster that looks eerily similar to the team Coach Avery Johnson assembled last year. Mark Cuban kept his nucleus intact by signing guard Jason Terry to a six-year deal and extending the contract of franchise player Dirk Nowitzki. Cuban has also made it a priority to sign budding star Josh Howard to an extension before the season begins. Center DJ Mbenga also received a new contract and will form a three-headed monster at the five spot with Erick Dampier and Desegana Diop.
While the big names remain the same, it’s the supporting cast that has been altered the most. Greg Buckner will look to fill the role vacated by his former platoon mate Adrian Griffin, when Griffin again spurned the Mavs for the Chicago Bulls. It’s thought that Buck can supply the same tenacity on defense while posing as an offensive threat from long range.
Fan favorite Marquis Daniels was dealt to the Pacers in exchange for 9-year veteran Austin Croshere. “Quezy” had fallen out of favor with the Little General but first round pick Maurice Ager has already be labeled an “Avery Guy” and is a logical choice to get the minutes Daniels once received. The Michigan State alum played well in Summer League and as a result may not be sent to the NBDL.
The aforementioned Croshere should be considered Keith Van Horn v2.0, an improved backup power forward who will be a better rebounder and hopefully healthier than his predecessor.
The biggest loss this offseason was veteran point guard Darrell Armstrong, an occasional on-court contributor but a fiery personality and unquestioned presence in the locker room. Armstrong, along with Josh Powell and Rawle Marshall, were traded in another trade with Indiana in exchange for Anthony Johnson. With Devin Harris poised to join the starting five Johnson will likely be the backup point guard adding further depth to an already deep bench that also includes NBA Finals tested Devean George. George Washington product Pops Mensah-Bonsu was signed but seems likely to receive more minutes in the D-League than in the NBA.
You don’t forget something like losing the NBA Finals but you do learn from your mistakes and move on. Utilizing the same formula implored last year Coach Avery Johnson will lead an improved Mavericks team that is no longer considered the underdog. With a giant target on them and lofty expectations the Mavs hope to return to the Finals with a strong core of players and an experienced, capable supporting cast. For Mavericks fans everywhere the hangover has lasted 102 days but starting tomorrow let the healing begin. |
