Dirk Nowitzki: Mavericks’ Closest Thing to a Sure Thing

They say there’s no such thing as a sure thing. This rings especially true for the Dallas Mavericks, one of the harder teams to get a read on entering the 2015-16 NBA season.

The Mavericks knew what they were getting from Tyson Chandler night in and night out. Same goes for Monta Ellis, even though we didn’t always like it. But with Chandler in Phoenix, Ellis suiting up for the Pacers, and the rest of the perennial roster overhaul in Dallas the closest thing to a sure thing the Mavericks have right now is 37-year old Dirk Nowitzki.

A little unsettling, I know. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Wesley Matthews might come back as strong as ever from his achilles injury to be the 3-and-D guard Dallas hoped to get when they handed him a max-deal.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

All the ado over Chandler Parsons and his mysterious knee could have been about nothing, and the talented forward could take his game to the next level with a primary role in the offense.

Deron Williams could use his fresh start as a launchpad towards a career resurgence.

Maybe JaVale McGee finally gets healthy and consistently plays to his potential. Who knows? Maybe Justin Anderson emerges as the steal of the draft and earns himself some Rookie of the Year votes.

If some combination of those things happens the Mavericks could be a formidable bunch.

But for now all Mavericks fans can really count on is Nowitzki, now entering his 18th season. Even his backups are mostly a mystery.

Dwight Powell didn’t show the ability to consistently defend NBA bigs during his rookie campaign last season and Jeremy Evans could never really carve himself out a role during his five seasons with the Utah Jazz. Can either of those two be what the Mavericks need in relief of Nowitzki?

Having to rely on a 37-year old until answers to these uncertainties present themselves isn’t ideal, but it could be worse. Nowitzki’s numbers took a hit across the board last season but he’s probably still capable of shouldering the load offensively early on until everyone else has a chance to get up to speed.

Even if he isn’t, the franchise’s greatest player will give it his best shot. You can be sure of that.

Next: ABCs of the Mavericks' 2015-16 Season

More from The Smoking Cuban

Home/Mavs News