Cowboys First Round Draft Predictions

Dallas Cowboys First Round Draft Analysis

By Zach Wolchuk

As promised in my previous article, I plan on giving a list of defensive line candidates I see as good fits for your Dallas Cowboys. Since the draft is now just nine days away I will also give a list of other potential players that could be of good value and or fill a need for the boys with pick 16.

Let's start with the defensive line. As stated in my previous article this will be a new look front four come training camp. George Selvie will be the only returning starter from last season. Yes, the team did re-sign veteran end Anthony Spencer this past weekend, however he barely saw the field last season due too his knee injury which potentially could still give him problems. The addition of Henry Melton was a good step in the right direction for the team. Although, Melton is essentially playing on a one year prove it deal that had a three year option the club can pick up following the season. The predicted starting front four in my personal opinion for training camp would be Selvie, Hayden, Melton, and Spencer. Both Spencer and Selvie have played right defensive end during their time with the Cowboys. So the need for a true left side end is a position the team should look too fill in this draft.

My number one option at 16 for Dallas would be Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald. When looking at film from this young man all you see of him living in opponents backfields. He has a quick twitch, good instincts, and a general nose for the football. He is the prototype 3 technique in a Rod Marinelli defense in my opinion. Donald did nothing but stand out anytime you watched a Pitt Panther football game last fall. This guy was well on my radar before he turned heads at the NFL scouting combine. His numbers were off the charts and are quickly becoming legendary for a defensive tackle. Donald posted a 4.68 40 yard dash (best at combine), 35 reps on the bench press (best at combine), 7.11 3 cone drill (best at combine), and a 4.39 20 yard shuttle. As impressive as these numbers are, I have never been one too elevate a prospect based on a tremendous work out. If the players looks good on film that is what truly counts. In this case Donald was a player who plays outstanding on tape and then combine that with a jaw dropping workout.

Odds are Aaron Donlad will be gone by the time the Cowboys are on the clock come May 8. Another player I like is Anthony Barr from UCLA. This guy is a converted running back. Only played outside linebacker the last two seasons in Jim Mora's 3-4 defensive scheme. Barr shows natural pass rush skills and a knack for getting too the quarterback. Other than Clowney he to me is the best pass natural pass rusher in this class. He makes “Wow” plays. A lot can be said about how raw he is and some worry about his upper body strength and hand play. In my opinion this guy just makes plays. I believe Rod Marinelli would have a field day with this guys ability. It is said that the Cowboys would have him play down as most likely the left defensive end in this scheme. This would work because the left side is asked too support less in run support, however, I think with time and coaching Barr can become one of the elite defensive players in the NFL. Regardless of position, maybe he is better suited as a 3-4 OLB, but I would not pass on him at 16. Getting too the quarterback is too important in today's NFL.

At defensive end two players are being discussed as first round candidates at the position. That being Kony Ealy of Mizzou and Dee Ford from Auburn. Personally I am not high on Ealy. If you look at him physically he is long and presents all the athletical qualities you want from an end in today's league. He goes in line with the JPP and Aldon Smith mold of long and athletic ends or converted outside linebackers. To me his production does not match the athleticism, I would prefer too take his counterpart at Mizzou Michael Sam who has made news for his sexuality more so than his play on the field. I think Sam has a place at least as a third down pass rusher and a ceiling comparable to a Trent Cole. He could be steal in later rounds. 

While I do not like Ealy, I do very much like Dee Ford. He was the one player in the national championship game for Auburn on the defensive end that really caught my eye. Some say he may not be an all around player, but I think he has potential and could arguably be the next best end too Clowney in the class. Taking him at 16 could be too high for the Cowboys, but if the team trades down, his name could be up for consideration. 

Other potential first round options along the defensive line are Timmy Jernigan from Florida State, Louis Nix from Notre Dame, and RaShede Hagemen from Minnesota. The latter two are more one technique in the cowboys defense. Big bodies who can stop the run yet still collapse the interior of the pocket and get push on the quarterback. Both of which would improve the interior defensive line of the Cowboys. Jernigan presents some interesting versatility. I think he can play either the three technique because of his quickness and motor, or play the one technique because of his size and strength. The ability too move him around could be just what the doctor ordered for Dallas. Not to mention he led the Noles' in tackles in their national championship win over Auburn.

The Dallas Cowboys have many holes other than just along the defensive line. This team has needed a true safety ever since Darren Woodson retired. I like Barry Church at strong safety, I think he has proven to be a reliable tackler, although he has shown some struggles when covering tight ends. This club really needs a rangy center fielder. A true ball hawk if you will. The best guy in this years class to me is Ha-Ha Clinton Dix from Alabaman. This guy can cover sideline too sideline and also has the physical tools too lay the wood on guys. He would immediatly improve a cowboys secondary that seemed too really lose it's confidence last season.

Other safety options in round one are Calvin Pryor of Louisville and even Jimmie Ward of Nothern Illinois. Ward is the only safety of the top three to visit the Cowboys this off season. A personal under the radar favorite of mine is another Florida State Seminole Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner has played Safety, outside corner, and slot corner for the Noles' during his collegiate career. He has game speed and flies around like no other safety in my opinion from this class on the back end. Like his teammate Jernigan, his versatility is something that would intrigue if I were the Cowboys.

I really do not want the Cowboys taking a wide receiver round one in this years draft. This class is very deep at the position and in my opinion defensive line, safety, linebacker, and even taking an offensive lineman such as Notre Dames' Zack Martin round one would be the way to go. Martin has experience playing across the offensive line, he was also a captain and MVP for Notre Dame at their bowl game this past season. How many offensive lineman do you know with that kind of resume. Martin could come in at start guard for Dallas and also kick out and play right tackle if Doug Free departs next season in free agency. Drafting Martin would solidify the offensive line and make it a strength for the team.

Later round players that could be targets for Dallas along the defensive line are Domique Easley from Florida, Will Sutton from Arizona State, Stephon Tuitt from Notre Dame, Demarcus Lawrence from Boise State, Scott Crichton from Oregon State, Marcus Smith from Louisville, and Jackson Jeffcoat from Texas. Of these players Easley in my opinion has the most talent, but is also coming off a knee injury. All are solid options and players I like anywhere from rounds 2-4.

As the draft quickly approaches the Cowboys remain one of the wild cards of the first round. The team could be in a prime trading spot if one of the top quarterbacks fall. Or if Johnny “Football” Manziel fell to 16 I have hunch he may just be box office enough that Jerry pounces. Will Dallas move up for a player in covets? Or will they trade down and acquire more picks in a deep draft? Or just stay put and see how the board falls and take the best player available. We shall find out soon enough.

Make sure and keep checking our page on BlogTalk for our Nosebleed Seats NFL mock draft special coming very soon.

The Theory of Superstar Teams in the NBA

Does stacking up a team with numerous "superstars" equate to a championship team?
By Jonathan Underhill

The current trend in the NBA seems to revolve around the theory of superstar-stacked teams. Teams look at the quick-fix successes of the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Boston was the start of multiple superstar signings with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The team immediately went from mediocrity to contenders. Miami won the NBA finals in ’05-’06, but over the next four season they had a record of 149-179 before signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Since then, history speaks for itself- going to the Finals in each of the following three seasons and winning the last two. It’s hard to question this theory given those numbers, but currently the two teams atop of the East and West aren’t advocates of the theory, instead buying into the theory of team basketball. The Pacers and Spurs do have their fair share of stars but neither has stacked up via free agency with max-contract players. Their teams are more complete from top to bottom. One exceptional element of Indiana and San Antonio’s success is the often forgotten about aspect of basketball- Defense. Last season, Miami was brought to the brink of elimination against Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals followed by San Antonio taking Miami to seven games in the Finals. Supporters of “superstar” teams will point out Miami winning those games, but history can show San Antonio’s success and lets not forget Miami lost in 2011 to the Dallas Mavericks, who just so happen to be pro-team basketball. So how valuable are individual players to their team? Is Miami’s success just a coincidence? Or is this the future of the NBA? Lets take a closer look.

The NBA is much more superstar driven then any of the other 4 major American sports. But rightfully so, there is only five players for each team on the court at any given time, and only 12 on the each roster. Thus, each individual player has more of an impact on the overall game, so that would not be the reason the NBA is considered superstar driven. This label the NBA has earned comes from the large gap between the great players and the average players. The distinction between superstars and the rest of NBA players is usually very apparent. Great players are obviously vital to a teams success but is having two, or even three, of these types of players worth leaving the other nine to ten roster spots with below average players? Looking back at the previous NBA champions there is skewed data. Since 1999 there have been 15 NBA champions, won by only six different teams.

Championships (Appearances)
1) Lakers- 5 (7)
2) Spurs- 4 (5)
3) Heat- 3 (4)
4) Pistons- 1 (2)
5) Celtics- 1 (2)
6) Mavericks- 1 (2)

Lets analyze these championship teams and see if they were the product of superstar driven rosters or the product of teamwork and depth. The Lakers first three championships (’00-’02) were clearly all about the Shaq and Kobe show, clearly making them a superstar driven team. But conversely, their other two championships (’09 & ’10) were with an almost entire different roster excluding Kobe Bryant. This roster included Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza (traded for Ron Artest in ’10), Andrew Bynum, etc. This team, while still centered around Kobe, showed plenty of depth which was ultimately the reason for their success. San Antonio has been competing for championships nearly every year since 1999. They won it all in ’99, ’03, ’05, and ’07 and also made an appearance, losing to the Heat, in ’13. They also have won 62 games this season which is the most by any team since the Mavericks won 67 games in the ’06-’07 season. What makes the Spurs so great is their ability to get quality players for value and having them improve around existing pieces. Duncan and Parker are NBA stars but the championships are from the depth of the rest of the roster as well. The Pistons went to the championship in back-to-back years, winning it in ’04. They had a starting roster that all made the all-star team that year. Talk about a complete team. The ’06 Heat had a Dwayne Wade, Shaq, a bunch of oldies, and a bunch of nobodies. The ’12 and ’13 Heat was the product of LeBron James and Chris Bosh deciding to take their talents to South Beach together to team up with Dwayne Wade. The Celtics ’08 roster included Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, or the original “Big 3.” Three great players who had never won a championship decided to team up towards the end of their careers to win the big prize. And last but not least, the Dallas Mavericks ’11 team has been the only roster able to beat a LeBron-led Heat team in a 7-game series. Dirk Nowitzki was the staple piece of a roster that also included Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. Given that information there is no conclusive evidence that either theory is better than the other. With the logic I’m using to separate the different philosophies used by these championship-winning teams, the outcome is nearly equally divided. The final tally has eight on the “team-basketball theory” side and seven on the “superstar-stacked theory” side.

There are numerous teams currently that have put together their own “superstar teams.” We’ve seen the Brooklyn Nets shell out major money to bring in the likes of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and many more. While it’s impossible to call this a failure since the playoffs have yet to begin, the teams’ future is looking dark. They are in cap hell and hobbled out the gate to start the season, currently 5th in the East after the team turned it around after the all-star break. We will see what the post-season brings for Brooklyn but to this point, even Brooklyn fans must agree, they’ve been a disappointment. Also in the East, the Detroit Pistons shed big bucks last offseason to acquire Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith. It was a odd decision by the front office to lock this team up financially for the fore seeable future and the moves didn’t equate to wins regardless. They are out of the playoff picture and are currently sitting at 29-52 with one game left. On the other hand, the Rockets and Clippers are two teams in the West that would beg to differ about how well the “superstar theory” works. The Clippers are 3rd and Rockets in 4th in a highly tight and competitive Western conference. Both teams have done a lot of maneuvering, whether it’s in free agency or on the trading block, to build their respective teams. Both teams are also viable candidates to represent the Western conference in the NBA Finals.

The more and more you try and look into the viability of superstar driven teams, the more inconclusive the evidence turns out to be. With the NBA being so much more superstar driven compared to the rest of the major team-sports, is it possible that our perception of a good player versus a great player is skewed? I believe there are simply so many aspects of basketball that we tend to over-look. Defense, rebounding, movement without the ball, and court awareness are just a few commonly over-looked qualities in a player. Also, a player that makes everyone else better is something that’s impossible to represent with numbers or even predict if it will translate to a different team. Simply plugging in numerous players that perform well on paper will never be the secrete formula for success. Some stars mesh with other stars, while others cause their teams to regress. It’s the ultimate conundrum. Building a championship team is not an east task, so it’s impossible to say there’s a right or wrong way to do it. At the end of the day, trying to find that secrete formula is just silly. Teams prevail in different ways, sometimes being impossible to predict. As fans we just have to sit back and enjoy the show.

Preseason Cowboys Defensive Line Overview

Cowboys Off-season Talk: Defensive line

By Zach Wolchuk

With the NFL Draft fast approaching coming up on May 8^th from radio city musical hall, It's about that time too get some draft talk out to you lovely listeners! However, before diving right in I would like too start off my first blog article taking a look at the current state of the Dallas Cowboys defensive line.  Free agency is now roughly two weeks in, and the Dallas Cowboys have been quietly budget shopping. The team made a very difficult emotional choice in releasing long time defensive stall-worth Demarcus Ware. The Cowboys saved $7.4 million by making the move. Financially it was a fairly easy decision, however as a life long fan of this franchise, and a person who has had the privilege of watching every snap of the cowboys all time sack leaders career, I must say it still hurts too see him leave. Especially considering this is a Dallas defense who allowed a historically bad 388 first downs, and a whopping 6,645 yards too opposing offenses. Ware was injured during last seasons campaign, as was the majority of the cowboys starting defense. Although lets be honest here, this is the NFL and excuses are just like butt holes, everybody has one and they all stink. This defensive line is now being completely re built from a season ago. Heading into 2013 the Dallas Cowboys starting defensive line looked too be former pro bowlers Ware and Anthony Spencer at defensive end. Paired with former pro bowl defensive tackle Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher who was hoping too excel in Rod Marinelli's new defensive system. As it played out Anthony Spencer played a total of one game and is currently still an unrestricted free agent with the possibility of re signing with Dallas. Demarcus Ware played in 13 games but totaled a career worst 6 sacks and just recently signed a three year $30 million dollar with the Denver Broncos. Jay Ratliff didn't play a regular season snap for the cowboys and was released mid season and played  six games for the Chicago Bears. The cowboys today filed a complaint against Ratliff too retrieve a portion of his signing bonus from last season. This is due in large part too suspicion in how Ratliff was apparently too “injured” too play for Dallas, yet upon his release signs with the Bears and is on the field maybe a week later. The only player who performed well above expectation of the four pre season starters was Jason Hatcher. Hatch had a career best 11 sacks and ended up in his first career pro bowl. This break out season resulted in Hatcher signing a four year $27.5 million deal with the division rival Washington Redskins this free agency. That makes the potential for this teams starting four defensive lineman too be completely different from what was predicted a season ago.

With all the movement the Cowboys have signed three new defensive lineman too help re assemble the front of the defense. The first being defensive tackle Terrel McClain who has spent three seasons in the league and played for three different teams. Next up is defensive end Jeremy Mincey who was originally drafted by Jacksonville and was released mid last season too sign in Denver and play out the rest of the season for the AFC champs. Both of these players add depth too a team that had none and both men hope too make a home in Dallas and stabilize their careers. The biggest signing the cowboys have made this off season came last week. The team brought in former Chicago Bear and ex Texas Longhorn Henry Melton. The deal is fairly contract friendly too Dallas in year one. The team has the flexibility too terminate the contract if Melton under performs, is not completely healed from his knee injury, or has his off the field problems carry on. Henry Melton made the pro bowl under current cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli in 2012, and common sense would indicate reuniting with his former coach and the opportunity too play for the team he grew up watching are main factors in his decision too Sign in Dallas. 

The Cowboys are still hoping too potentially bring back Anthony Spencer as stated before, and have also visited with Jared Allen. Although reports indicate Allen signing with the cowboys is unlikely. Stephen Jones who appantly has taken on more of the “General Manager” role from daddy Jerry, has been very cautious and selective in shelling out what little cap money this team has left too spend. All this does is make the upcoming Draft in may more vital too any success the cowboys want too have this upcoming football season. The team still does have surprise star George Selvie from last season on the roster, Nick Hayden who spent the majority of last season as a starting defensive tackle for this team, Ben Bass who will be returning from an injury that caused him too miss all of last season, Tyrone Crawford who needs too emerge and show that a third round draft pick was not wasted on him just three seasons ago, and Frank Kearse who is a defensive tackle no one has really heard of. This team still has a lot of work too be done between now and the start of training camp too fill out this defensive line. My next article will showcase a few players in this current draft class that I think could greatly help the Dallas Cowboys defensive front for the 2014 season. Get your popcorn ready, cause its going too be tasty. 

Another Tough Overtime Loss for the Mavs

Nets Trump Mavs 107-104 in OT, Mavs Now 2-2 Midway Through 8 Game Home Stand.
By Jonathan Underhill

Jason Kidd must have had one thought in mind when he was blowing out the candles on his birthday cake. I imagine his inter monologue saying something like, "I wish that we not only win, but that Dirk also won't be able to hit water if he jumped out of a boat. I will then look like a strategic genius and gain some much needed credibility." He then squeezed his eyes extra tight, took a big breath, and blew out all 41 of the candles.

All kidding aside, Jason Kidd was making his first appearance as a head coach in Dallas. During his playing career it was fairly obvious that Kidd would make a great NBA coach. Given the late career success story he experienced in Dallas, there was a reasonable expectation he would join Rick Carlisle's staff once he retired. It seemed ideal, Kidd could gain some knowledge on coaching and the Mavericks could reward him for what he had brought to the organization. Lets not forget that the Mavericks have done the player-to-coach transition before. Don Nelson took former point guard Avery Johnson under his wing and Johnson ultimately became the head coach, actually winning coach of the year in his first full season. But the Nets jumped on the opportunity as soon as he retired and named him their head coach. After some early season struggles, and a spilled cup of water on the floor mid-game, critics questioned his value as a coach. But since the all-star break, Kidd has the Nets playing some good basketball, boasting a 13-4 record in that time span putting them 5th in the Eastern conference. The Mavs are posting a 10-7 record post all-star break, putting them about on the same pace they were on to start the season (32-22). The steaming hot Nets were able to squeeze out an over time win last night. This was not just another loss for Dallas, they needed this game.

Dallas, in the midst of a 8-game home stand, held as big as a 14 point lead midway through the third quarter. That lead was diminished down to four with 44 seconds left in the game. After Paul Pierce hit two free throws to make it two point game, Dallas needed a basket to secure a win. So they went to the man known historically for his late game heroics, Dirk Nowitzki, to finish this game off. Dirk, who was 1-of-9 from the field at this point, got the ball at the wing and was able to shot his legendary one-footed fade away. The ball soared through the air with that beautiful arc, the arena silenced, fans watched in awe waiting for it to swish threw the net like we've seen so often from Dirk. But the ball didn't even reach the rim. Nowitzki coughed up a air ball and the Nets got the ball. Joe Johnson than easily drove past Shawn Marion for a lay up to tie it up 91-91. Monta Ellis, who finished the game with 32 points, had a chance to end it in regulation. He took a deep three pointer that he seemed to settle for when Deron Williams showed a double team, taking away the driving lane. The Nets went into over time with all the momentum and were quickly up 100-95 after another miss from Nowitzki and a sloppy pass from Shawn Marion getting stolen for a easy transition lay up. The Nets didn't look back, winning 107-104.

Thats another double-digit lead blown late by Dallas. Their inability to close games has haunted them all season long. Is it because of poor defensive play when the games on the line? Or because they're too tired as the game progresses due to the old age of the team? It's a combination of both. A old team that doesn't like to play defense isn't going to get stops down the stretch, especially when the game is on the line. Shawn Marion has made a career out of tough defense and hustle allowed Joe Johnson to pretty much walk to basket to tie the game in regulation. Dallas needs Marion to make make stops defensively late in games as much as they need Nowitzki to make shots late. Neither did that last night.

Jason Kidd did seem to have a sound defensive plan to shut down Nowitzki. He finished 2-of-12 from the field with 10 points and was visibly hesitant and uncomfortable down the stretch with how Brooklyn was playing him. Maybe Kidd knows the secret formula to slow down Nowitzki, the same formula Don Nelson used when Golden State surprised Dallas in the first round back in '07. Earlier in the year against Brooklyn, Nowitzki shot 5-of-15 from the floor for 18 points in a loss. Monta Ellis continues to play great, going 11-for-24 for 32 points. He's averaging 24.25 points per game in this home stand. The biggest surprise of last night though was the play of Samuel Dalembert putting up 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 monster blocks. Dallas has lacked a low-post presence for two years now and will need Dalembert to continue that strong play down the stretch.

Golden State and Portland, both ahead of Dallas in the standings, had lost the night prior while Memphis, who's trailing Dallas in the standings, won. This was a chance to make up some ground in the tight Western conference and they failed to take advantage of it. Sizzling hot Phoenix is nipping at Dallas' heels now after they came from behind to beat Memphis last night. Dallas holds a .5 game lead over Phoenix for the 8th seed. Dallas is now 2-2 midway through their home stand and the beginning was suppose to be the easy part. Dallas' last four games in this stretch will be against Oklahoma City, LA Clippers, Sacramento, and Golden State to finish it off.

The Dallas Mavericks have been digging themselves into a hole and are now with their backs against the door to the playoffs with Phoenix knocking on it. Maybe Dallas' old legs aren't built for an 82-game regular season. Maybe this loss and the loss to Minnesota were just unlucky. Regardless, it's win or go home time and they will need to finish off this season strong to make the playoffs. That being said, Dallas has played well all season after losing so badly (i.e. beating Portland and Indiana after a tough loss to Denver, or after falling to Golden State a week ago bouncing back and killing Oklahoma City). Hopefully Dallas uses these late game losses as motivation and those old legs catch a second wind. Because from hear on out, every time they step on the floor, it's a playoff game. I just hope there's some fuel left in the tank.

 

Mavericks End of Season Report

13 Games Left for the Mavericks, Are they Playoff Bound or Going Fishing?
By Jonathan Underhill 

First off, thanks for checking out the new and improved blog for Nosebleed Seats Sports Talk Radio. Myself and my co-host, Zach Wolchuk, will be posting on here regularly now so our listeners can keep up with our on-air topics and whatever else we feel like writing. I know Big Z already said he wants to start doing some player profiles of NFL prospects. I'm looking forward to baseball season to get under way and can't wait to discuss America's pastime. But anyway, now that's out of the way lets dive right in.

Lets first take a quick look at the Western Conference. The Mavs are sitting in the 8th seed right now after a tough overtime loss to the Timberwolves last night. The Mavs are now 41-28 with 13 games remaining in their season. Phoenix is 1.5 games behind them and Minnesota, who I had as a playoff team early in the year, is 5.5 behind. In front of Dallas is Memphis (40-27) with the 7th seed, Golden State (43-26) with the 6th seed, and Portland (44-24) holding down the 5th spot. At the top of the conference is San Antonio, Oklahoma City, LA Clippers, and Houston, in that order. Realistically at this juncture I do not see Minnesota squeezing their way in, but Phoenix is definitely still in the picture. The Mavericks and Suns actually meet on April 12th and then the Grizzlies on April 16th, both of which could be a deciding games.

In the past few weeks we have seen some glimmers of hope. Beating the Blazers followed by the Pacers. They were then destroyed in an embarrassing loss to the Warriors but played well behind 31 points from Nowitzki the next night against the Jazz. The Thunder were than handed a solid defeat at home right before Dallas started an unheard of 8-game home stand at the beginning of this week. A home stand that long, this late in the season, seems to be a gift from god. The Mavs beat the Celtics to start it off in a game a little closer than I'd like see. Last night was the Timberwolves, who have given us problems all season. Trailing most of the game the Mavs sparked a come back in the 4th quarter behind an incredibly hot shooting hand of Monta Ellis. In over time unfortunately, the Timberwolves ended up winning by one point.

Looking forward at the last 13 games there is some tough games including three match ups against the Clippers and two versus the Warriors. Nine of the final 13 will be against teams with winning records. The Mavs must, and I repeat MUST, take advantage of the rest of this home stand. Phoenix has a little easier of a schedule but not by much. In their final 14 games they face 8 teams above .500 but they close out the season on a tough stretch. The Clippers, Spurs, Blazers, Thunder, Mavs, and Grizzlies are six of their final eight opponents. Memphis' final 15 games include 11 teams over .500. These three teams, who most people believe are fighting for the final two spots, all close out their season playing each other in their last two games. Those games could ultimately be the deciding factor on who's in and who's out.

With all that being said, I do like what I've been seeing out of Dallas recently. They have been playing tough teams well and haven't been needing to rely on Dirk to win games. Offensively they can be unstoppable at times, with so many scorers it doesn't necessarily kill you if one or two guys are cold. Monta has matured throughout the season and can take over games at times. Shawn Marion is actually taking shots, and making them, this year when in the past he has relied exclusively on put-backs, post-ups, and lay-ups. Vince Carter continues at his age to score and is great off the bench. Jose Calderon continues to snipe from three point range. Brandan Wright can be a game changer with his athleticism and freaky high vertical. And Dirk is just doing his thing as usual. Down the stretch, and hopefully in the playoffs, I believe a major X-factor will be Devin Harris. He has been playing incredibly since coming back from injury. He can play either guard position and has the ability to spark the team of the bench with his explosive speed. He has also been closing out a lot of games because he's the teams best defensive guard as well.

The problem isn't offense though, it's defense. If Dallas was even a middle of the pack defensive team there might be championship murmurs. Hopefully Rick Carlisle can work some magic and get this team to kick it up a gear on that end of the floor. If not it will ultimately be their downfall.

Dallas has the ability to not just make the playoffs but do some damage. A seven seed with a potential match-up against the Thunder could be on upset alert considering how well we match up with them. And I won't put anything magical past Dirk, he's done it before. Maybe it's the optimistic fan in me speaking but I truly believe the Mavericks have been flying under the radar all season with how well they've been playing.

...But I'm getting ahead of myself. Lets worry about making the playoffs first.

Kobe Bryant’s Practicing, What Does That Mean For the Mavs Playoff Hope?

Kobe Bryant’s Practicing, What Does That Mean For the Mavs Playoff Hope?

By Big Z & Skinny D Insider Jonathan Underhill

Going in to the basketball season the consensus was that the Western Conference was stacked and had anywhere from 10 to 12 teams fighting for those eight golden tickets to the playoffs. A lot of analysts’ preseason preview didn’t include the Mavs in the playoffs. A lot also didn’t have the Lakers in there either. Well Kobe Bryant’s return is imminent. Mavs are 11 games in to the season and sitting at 7-4. His return will undoubtedly shake up the Western Conference. What does this mean for the Mavs playoff hope?

While the season is still very young, I want to start by saying the Mavs defiantly look like a playoff contender. They are currently undefeated at home (5-0), including dominant performances over Memphis and Los Angeles, both playoff teams last year. As far as our road record, we all know that it’s not easy to win on the road. The Mavs are 2-4 with a few gut-wrenching losses to Houston (who come to the AAC tonight) and Miami that were both winnable games. But close only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades. Regardless, this new-look Maverick team has me excited. They can score with the best of them (2^nd in the NBA in points/game) and have been savvy on defense accounting for the 2^nd most steals in the NBA. The two-headed monster at center, DalemBlair, has been suitable on defense down low, accounting for 14.3 boards/game and 1.8 blocks/game, and we are still waiting on the return of Brendan Wright. Devin Harris is still injured and we could really use some backcourt depth (does anyone else have a cringe whenever Gal Mekel is on the floor?). The jury is still out on Shane Larkin, who played his first game against Philly getting 3 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals in 9 minutes of action, but I am really pulling for the guy and hope he can find a suitable role on this team. My point being that while the Mavs have already looked stellar at times, Mavs fans still have more to look forward too as the season progresses.

Kobe Bryant is practicing and whenever he makes his return you have to believe he’s going to be ready to ball out. The Lakers are trying to tread water, like the Mavs last season without dirk, until their MVP gets back on the floor. This just means one more team the Mavs have to fight with for a playoff spot. I mentioned on the Big Z and Skinny D show last week that Mavericks will not have the luxury of resting Dirk’s knees as much as they would like as the season plays out because of the depth in the West (Dirk already has a knee sleeve on, but no one in the organization is saying much about it, that it’s simply precautionary). Each Western Conference Division has four of their five teams that I would say are, “playoff contenders.” In the Southwest division you have San Antonio, Houston, Memphis and Dallas. The Pacific division has Golden State, both the LA teams, and Phoenix. Then the Northwest has Portland, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, and Denver. That’s 12 of the 15 teams. In theory this means the Mavs will have a battle night in and night out, unless they keep up this implausible home court advantage. So with Kobe coming back and the Lakers making a playoff push like we know they will really change anything from the Mavericks perspective? Not really. The Mavericks just have one more obstacle on a list of many. The Lakers are about to receive their much need MVP back, but hey, we’re still waiting on some reinforcements ourselves.