When I worte my previous post on the NBA and the teams 'to look out for' I wasnt accounting on so many of them to start so poorly.  The 76ers, Raptors and Knick (after dealing away all their talent for cap room 2 years from now) have all dwindled away in the early season.  One team who has stepped up, against all odds is the Dallas Mavericks.

Josh Howard has been out for the last 5 games, and the Mavericks have won them all except a blown 4th quarter lead against the Lakers.  In the last 10 games, the Mavs have won blow outs and nail bitters against teams like The Knicks, Rockets, Pacers and Suns.  After loosing to Orlando by two points a week and a half ago, the Mavericks have won 8 out of 10 and three straight.  Rick Carslile is doing something right, and whatever it is, promises to get better as the year goes on.

Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 25 points a game along with almost 9 rebounds.  He hasnt slowed down much in his 11th season, and is showing the leadership that Avery and Nelson couldnt get out of him.  I think With Rick Carslile - if the Mavs go places this year- that Dallas wont lose due to being out coached.  Dirk, once again is at the top of the NBA for points per game and is putting up another bid for most valuable player.  I know, everyone thinks he didnt deserve it when he won it the last time, and everyone is always on the lebron/kobe bandwagon, but if Dirk keeps carrying Dallas the way he has, his chances are as good as anyones in the race for Most VALUABLE Player.   7th place in the conference after an injury plagued start, the Mavs are moving.  Watch out New Orleans.

Another player who has been a huge factor for the Mavericks is the bench.  Jason Terry, pretty much a starter, has taken his role as 6th man to a higher priority than any player in the league.  He averages 20 points, 4 assist and 1 turnover a game.  He energizes the crowd even when hes not playing.  Other bench guys who have stepped up huge include Brandon Bass, who I think will be a starter at some point in time in his career, and JJ Barea. 

At first glance of JJ, one might say, "What does Dallas see in this guy the Nash and Harris didnt have to offer?"  And the truth to that question is nothing.  There is no way he is, or ever will be better than either one of those players.  However JJ is taking his chances with what is being thrown at him.  Rick Carslile likes JJ off the bench, giving either Terry or Kidd a rest.  Once JJ started getting comfortable out there, many players - good players - figured out why this little man playing.  Listed as six foot nothing (and thats being generous), Jose Juan lit up the scoreboard against the LA Clippers 3 nights ago, dropping the game winning 3 pointer for a nightly total of 15 points.  This guy has NEVER done that before.  Not only has Barea stepped up, he was guarded by BARON DAVIS almost the whole night.  The achilles heel of the Dallas Mavericks didnt know what the fuck to do against little JJ.  I love it!  2 nights later against the Phoenix Suns, Barea is a starter.  He earned it in the game against the Clippers, and Carslile rewarded him.  What did JJ do against Steve Nash on national television?  18 points 3 rebounds 4 assists and a steal.  If this guy gets ANY rebounds, the other team should be ashamed.  There was this one rebound, where little JJ was in the middle of the lane, surrounded by Shaq, Dirk, Amare, and a couple of other 6'9'' players, and Ill be damned if JJ didnt jump and out rebound all 3 of them!  Who is this guy?  He may be six foot nothing, but his heart and passion surpasses that of many players in this league. 

When I look at the near future of the Mavs, do I think they'll goto the playoffs?  Possibly.  In those playoffs, will they contend for a conference championship again?  Maybe (highly unlikely).  And just sayyyyyy the Mavs win the Conference, do they have a shot at a title against the likes of Detroit or Boston or Orlando?  Its a long shot but if their bench produces like they did against the Clippers (65 out of 100 and something points) then just maybe...MAAAAAYYYYYYBE....It could happen.