Raise the Banner!

Although i wouldn't consider myself a big fan of the NBA. i will say that i am rather excited for the 2011-2012 NBA season to begin one week from today on Christmas day. I am excited for the start of the season because the first game of the year will feature a rematch of last year's NBA finals between my favorite team the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat in which the heat will have to watch the Mavericks raise the championship banner won this past June. For my blog this week i would like to give a brief season preview for the upcoming NBA season for the Mavs.

The Mavericks have a few key departures that may cause some issues in title defense this season. The first big hole the mavs have to fill is at the center position where last year's starter and defensive stopper Tyson Chandler has left the team to play in New York for the Knicks. Chandler's departure leaves the Mavs looking for a defensive presence in the middle where they hope last year's backup, Brenden Haywood, who was signed to a good deal before last year can step up and fill the void. Another key departure for the Mavs was explosive guard off the bench, JJ Barea. Barea's departure means the loss of a solid contributor on the offensive end where he is a good passer and can penetrate into the paint for easy baskets. The Mavs are better prepared for this loss as they have depth at the guard position, depth that will more than likely be tested this season.

Where the Mavs lost some key talent they also went out and were active in making some deals to bring in players that will be helpful in the quest for title defense. Lamar Odom was picked up to add some explosiveness to the small forward position where Sean Marion is aging and not quite the factor as early in his career. Another key addition to the champs is shooting guard Vince Carter, although not what he once was, Carter will be an able addition to the team and add depth to the guard position.

With most of last year's championship group intact the Mavs looked poised for another successful regular season led by Dirk Nowitzki and Jason JET Terry, hopefully the group can make another deep playoff run and challenge for another championship. With all the key pieces intact things look like they will be good in Dallas once again.
LETS GO MAVS!!!