Dallas Mavericks 2013-2014 Roster Looks Pretty Good To Me

"I think we've put ourselves in a spot where we're in a better spot than we were at if we got just the one max-out deal," Cuban told ESPNDallas on Wednesday

"I think it'd be better shorter and longer term. I don't want to make that sound the wrong way. I think we'll be better this year because we added five good players or more."

If you can't follow that, basically it says that Mark Cuban feels that Dallas is going to be a better team this year than they would have been if they had signed Dwight Howard.   I tend to AGREE with him.  

I was never sold that Dallas would be better off having Dwight Howard.  Although he is the best center in the game, he is not a center that you can give the ball to in crunch time and rely on in the final minutes.  I have said forever that all the Dallas Mavericks need is a 10pt 10reb guy at center and a 10pt 10assist guy at point to go along with Dirk and an off guard who can create his own shot.  Guess what? That is exactly what Dallas accomplished this off-season.  

There were tons of people who were upset when Tyson Chandler left Dallas for New York.(Yes Tyson left, Dallas offered 1 year and 20million dollars) Those same people scoff when the Mavericks sign Samuel Dalenbert.  Honestly I don't think the difference is that great between the two.  Tyson Chandler had statistically his 2nd best year of his 12 year NBA career last season averaging 10.4 points and 10.7reb in 32 min a game for 66 games.  Samuel Dalenbert averaged 7pts and 6 rebound in 16 minutes a game last year, playing behind one of the NBA's best young centers Larry Sanders. For a career Chandler averages only 1 rebound more than Samuel per game.  Both men are 7ft 250lbs that can block shots, rebound, and defend well. I think Dallas is getting a solid center at a bargain price considering he will be paid $3.75 million in 2013 and Tyson Chandler will be making close to $13 million.

Last season was miserable watching Dallas in the final minutes of a game shuffling Mike James, Darrin Collision, Dominique Jones, Derrick Fisher, and Roddy B in and out.  The majority of the time, Vince Carter was running the offense.  This year it is a different story.  Jose Calderon will be running the show and he is a solid 10pt 8-10assist guy a night.  Calderon also led the league in 3pt shooting last season splitting time between Toronto and Detroit.
  At 32 years old, Calderon knows how to get the ball to Dirk in down the stretch, and doesn't mind taking a clutch shot if asked.  He is also not too shabby from the charity stripe also, knocking down 90% of his free throws last season and 88% for his career.  

A off guard that can create his own shot.  Monta Ellis is going to surprise a lot of people this year, I guarantee it. Don't let the last 2 years stats fool you.  Monta Ellis is a baller! He has been stuck in Milwaluke the last 2 seasons with minimal help around him.

In 2009-2010 Monta averaged 25.5 ppg and shot 45% from the field.  This season he is not going to be double teamed as much as he has been the last 2 years and if the Mavs spread the court, he should see a lot of time driving to the rack or shooting from the free throw line. We have not had an athletic talent this good since Michael Finley was coming up.  He is 27 and locked in for 3 years at $8million a year (bargain) I would put a lot of money that says he is going to get paid almost double that next time he is on the market. 

With a roster that looks like this:

PG- Jose Calderon 
SG- Monta Ellis
SF- Shawn Marion
PF- Dirk Nowitzki
C- Samuel Dalenbert

Bench

Vince Carter
Jae Crowder
Devin Harris
Shane Larkin
Wayne Ellington
Bernard James
Brandon Wright
Ricky Ledo
                                                                                    Gal Mekel

This is a team that IS going to shock a lot of people. Most have written them off, but I would not be surprised if they are fighting for the 4th seed in the Western Conference come next April.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this team is going to be a favorite to win the Championship, but they are going to score a lot of points and be very fun to watch!