Don't forget Dallas is getting Butler back next season

The Mavs can definitely win it again next year. They should probably be considered the favorites at this point.

That's one reason I didn't understand all the fans here that were rooting for Dallas. Even if you hate the Heat, do you really want the Mavs to be able to tie us in championships next year? I'm not looking forward to that possibility.

 

They are old. This year was their best chance.

 

I was surprised to see how much they depend on Kidd. He makes a huge difference for both their offense and defense.

The only irreplaceables are Dirk, Chandler, and perhaps Kidd. Terry is big for them but could be offset by Beaubois if they are lucky. The most likely fall for them would be if Kidd has a further decline, or if Chandler gets injured. Even so, competition in the west will be stiff with OKC and LA.

Despite Dallas playing better this year, it's still pretty clear that Miami is more talented. But they got outwilled and outcoached. LBJ needs to do 2 things to be the favorite again: 1) grow up (ok this is hard), and 2) practice some post moves. That's it.

 

He could retire on top...you never know...

I believe Miama, being younger and in the East have more of a chance to get back...

 

Kidd is a decent 3pt shooter when left wide open. But he can't create in a half court like he could when younger.

Nowadays, all he does is bring the ball up to the top of the arc, pick up the dribble, and pass to Dirk, Terry, or Barea for them to create. He is more useful on the defensive end. It is very likely that his defensive abilities will decline sharply with age.

 

Roddy? Is this the Mavs forum?

 

You really think Butler is going to be as effective as he was coming off season ending surgery on his knee?

That's like hoping Yao would come back and dominate after his injuries.

 

Don't forget tho that OKC though, if they keep up the improvements that they have shown they will be dangerous.

 

That and you could argue these forwards that think their all stars don't defer enough to their post up players. Caron Butler taking shots away from a more efficient Dirk could hurt the Mavs. As long as he stays in check they should be okay. Easier said than done. Rudy Gay taking shots away from Zach Randolph hurt the Grizzlies in my opinion. They were a better team with Battier, but then again I'm not sure you can have a player that only averages 5 points in the starting line up if you're Memphis.

 

That and you could argue these forwards that think their all stars don't defer enough to their post up players. Caron Butler taking shots away from a more efficient Dirk could hurt the Mavs. As long as he stays in check they should be okay. Easier said than done. Rudy Gay taking shots away from Zach Randolph hurt the Grizzlies in my opinion. They were a better team with Battier, but then again I'm not sure you can have a player in the starting line up that averages only 5 points if your Memphis.

 

Peja, Stevenson, and even Barea are replacable. I don't see why they would see Cardinal, he's basically a big corpse.

 

Payroll is not really a concern for Dallas. That is the major difference between Mavs and most of other teams. Cuban was willing to pay 90mil even before the championship. It pays off.

 

His defensive abilities have already sharply declined. He used to be great. I don't think he really did a good job one-on-one against Wade in this series. Wade got to the rim with ease when it was just him against Kidd.