No. 15: Dallas Mavericks
Feb 26, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Milwaukee Bucks point guard Monta Ellis (11) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Bucks defeated the Mavericks 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Heat’s old friends, the Mavericks. A refurbished version of the group the Heat encountered in the Finals two seasons ago. They still have Dirk but missed out on Dwight Howard. They went with “Plan B” by signing Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon and Sam Dalembert.
Ellis + Calderon = good on offense. Ellis + Calderon = terrible on defense. That means Dalembert will have to be Dwight-like defending the interior.
The Mavs will be a fun and competitive group that can fight for a playoff spot, but not one that will repeat its shenanigans from 2011.