Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: Three West Teams That Need A Post All-Star Break Turnaround

By Chance Collins

Dec 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots the ball over Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots the ball over Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Feb 9, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell (11) in action during the game against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell (11) in action during the game against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks (12th in the Western Conference) 

A lot has changed since Dallas won the title in 2011. Dirk Nowitzki is long past his prime, there’s a new franchise player in Harrison Barnes and the days are long gone with Dallas atop the Western Conference year in and year out.

In comparison from that 2010-11 season, Dirk was the Mavericks leading scorer at (23.0) points per game and is now the fourth best on the roster at just (13.9). With Nowitzki’s inevitable decline and it likely being his last year, a formidable cast of small-ball youth awaits to take the torch and assemble a late playoff push.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

The Mavericks called up point guard Yogi Ferrell in January and the gamble has paid off, the Mavs instantly hit a spurt and went (4-0) after making the change.

Since being a member of the Mavericks, Ferrell has averaged (14.2) points per game and compiled enough (4.2) assists to yield a two-year contract worth up to $1.5 million.

A much-needed threat to push the tempo, Ferrell has taken the weight off a declining Deron Williams who is not the same one-on-one threat of his earlier years. Harrison Barnes has been able to come into his own in Dallas doing a lot of the things that got him a max contract. With Ferrell on the floor, he can space and slash to the basket, showcasing what he does best on offense.

Barnes started the season off to a rocky start but is now averaging (20.1) points a game and shooting an Effective Field Goal percentage of (.504). When you add in the three-point specialist Wesley Matthews, it’s understandable as to why the Mavericks are from out of the playoff race sitting in the No. 12 spot.

When looking at Coach Rick Carlisle’s roster, Dallas has a solid 10 man rotation of youth and veteran leadership. Quincy Acy, Justin Anderson, veterans J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, and Andrew Bogut make up a team with all the tools to compete in the tough West.

Looking forward, the Mavericks have matchups against 20 teams all with losing records. They only sit (2.5) games back of the final playoff spot and have posted a (12-10) record since the start of the new year. With a healthy lineup and experience down the stretch, Dallas should fight hard and sit comfortably in the playoffs come April.

Home/Dallas Mavericks