2009-2010 Finish: 40-42

What went bad

Just two seasons ago, the Dallas Mavericks won the Western Conference title. Three seasons ago, they were the NLL champs. After losing four games to one to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the semi-finals, GM Smokey realized the team needed a new identity. But what would the notoriously trade-shy GM do?

The free agency period was pretty quiet for the Mavs and Smokey. Brandon Bass decided to leave for the Sixers, but Hakim Warrick decided to stick around for another year. And starting point guard Jarrett Jack agreed to come back. Smokey spent a ton of money wooing Matt Barnes to Dallas and the only other free agent acquisition was Shelden Williams. So at this point, the Mavs must be feeling quite confident. However, the team did trade Ray Allen to the Hornets for Mike Miller. Ouch! Miller missed the first 20 games of the season and shot only 10ppg while Allen led the Hornets into the playoffs with 19ppg and remained remarkably healthy all season.

After a minor trade that sent Shavlik Randolph to San Antonio for Ian Mahimni, the trade that would sink the Mavs for the season came in week 8. Again trading with his brother in San Antonio, in a deal that helped no one that season, GM Smokey sent longtime fan favorite Dirk Nowitzki and Randolph Morris to the Spurs for Tony Parker, Anderson Varejao and a 2nd rounder. Yikes! And it gets worse from there.


What went worse

Parker misses most of his time in a Mavs uniform due to injury problems. The Mavs were out of contention for most of the season and for the first time in seven years, the team missed the playoffs. First they move Dirk and then go home early. The fans won’t forget this debacle anytime soon.

Stars

- Carmelo Anthony, F-

Melo was the Mavs’ one bright spot this season. He stepped up his production from the year before, averaging 22.3ppg on 56% shooting. Too bad the rest of the cast around him didn’t want to support the star, who may be requesting a trade as we gear up for the next season.


Goats

- Injuries –

Injuries to Mike Miller and Tony Parker really sunk the Mavericks. We can only wonder what would have happened if Dirk stuck around.


Looking to the future

The Melo issue suddenly becomes the Mavericks’ biggest concern coming into the new season. The fact he will be an unrestricted agent this coming season is one cause for alarm, the fact he doesn’t want to stay in Dallas is another one. Meanwhile, the Mavs have two starting caliber point guards (and Derek Fisher ain’t no slouch) and not much else on the roster to speak of.

Money is another problem. The team is only $8 million under the cap and there is a host of problems to address. Varejao and Spencer Hawes can hold down the frontcourt, but they are both better suited off the bench. Key players like Miller and the expensive Barnes will jump ship. And Warrick has already demanded a trade. Is he worth spending the GM points on to keep for a sign and trade or should Dallas just let him walk as well?

Kentucky power forward Patrick Patterson will be expected to contribute immediately. The junior had time to mature in college and that time will see him extended minutes in Dallas. However, Patterson still refuses to face-up in the game. Notre Dame senior Luke Harangoody may also be called upon to contribute, but his height makes it difficult for him to play the four and he is not athletic enough for the three. Dallas comes into this new season with a big mess to clean up. Maybe it IS time to move Melo and Jack for some good pieces and build around Parker. Less drama that way at least.