Despite Dallas handing Miami another loss this Saturday and improving their record to 12-4 (third-best in the league behind only the Lakers and Spurs) the Mavericks have garnered little attention or hype.
And rightfully so.
Because while a team stocked with Caron Butler, Tyson Chandler, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and All-Star Dirk Nowitzki might sound like a Boston-Los Angeles style powerhouse and finals contender, it’s not.
The Mavericks are just too damn old.
Jason Terry and Shawn Marion have been in the league for 11 years, Jason Kidd a whopping 16. This’ll be Dirk’s 12th year in the NBA and Caron Butler’s 8th. Though drafted straight from high school, Tyson Chandler is now in his 9th year as a pro.
Yes, Boston is a case where age acts more as an asset than a hindrance (Ray Allen is in his 14th year, Kevin Garnett his 15th, Shaq his 18th and Paul Pierce his 12th). But, unlike the Mavs, the Celtics and its Old Core specialize in long-range shooting and low post footwork; things that tend to get better with age. They also have a lightning-quick and intelligent point guard in Rajon Rondo and young, energetic guards like Nate Robinson and Delonte West coming off the bench.
Dallas’ bench is as weak as its starters are old and most of the team’s core assets (with the exception of Dirk) are players whose ability lies in speed and athleticism; the first things to go with age.
So while they might look good now:
Rest assured, an entire season without decent substitution will take its toll on the German Messiah and his flock of weak knees.
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