No one can accuse the Dallas Mavericks of standing pat this offseason after bowing out in five games to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. The Mavs have been as active as any team and have clearly stated that they're in win-now mode to take advantage of Dirk Nowitzki's remaining window of opportunity.
With Jason Kidd in the fold for three more years at $25 million, the Mavs traded for athletic forward Shawn Marion -- who hasn't been the same since leaving Phoenix, but could be revived catching passes from Kidd. Dallas also signed veteran journeyman forwards Drew Gooden, who will likely have to play some at the center position, and three-point bomber Tim Thomas to one-year deals. It will be an interesting locker room to be sure, but the Mavs would finally seem to possess an edge, a criticism of the team for years. The Mavs might be as deep as any team in the West, but is it enough to truly contend?
The Spurs kicked aside Gooden, traded for Richard Jefferson and signed physical big man Antonio McDyess, and also added Theo Ratliff. The Lakers signed Ron Artest and finally reached a new deal with Lamar Odom.
With Denver, Portland and Utah all strong, the Mavs will still have a difficult time cracking the top four, and that means starting the playoffs on the road.
