2015 Looks Bright for Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are heading into 2015 in a good way. They closed out 2014 with a three game winning streak, and now boast a 23-10 record.

They have the league’s highest scoring offense at 109.6 points per contest. They trail only the Golden State Warriors in field goal percentage, and the Toronto Raptors in offensive rating.

They pulled off a semi-blockbuster trade to acquire Rajon Rondo, giving them perhaps the league’s best starting unit and a top-flight point guard to matchup with the talented floor generals in their conference.

Dec 30, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) guards Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dirk Nowitzki is still going strong at 36 years of age, averaging 18.7 points on 47% shooting, and Tyson Chandler is rejuvenated after escaping the New York doldrums. Chandler is having perhaps his best season since 2011, averaging a double-double and grabbing the third-most rebounds in the league while providing his usual rim protection and leadership.

If you throw out Dallas’ game against the Wizards, where Chandler was clearly bothered by a bum back, he’s going for 12.8 points on 71% shooting and corralling 14.8 rebounds since Rondo got to town.

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Monta Ellis has picked up where he left off last season, leading the Mavericks in scoring at 20.6 points per game, and free agent acquisition Chandler Parsons used December to quell any buyer’s remorse from Maverick fans. He averaged 18.2 points on 51% shooting in the calendar year’s final month.

Sure, there are some concerns. The Mavericks have struggled against western conference playoff teams. They’re 1-7 against teams currently in the top eight, with two losses to eighth-seed Phoenix and their lone win coming against the shorthanded Spurs.

But there are reasons to be optimistic about Dallas’ chances of reversing that trend. First of all, they’re a different team with Rondo. Rick Carlisle is still piecing together the puzzle with his new point guard, but the results so far have been mostly positive.

Since acquiring Rondo they’re 1-1 against current playoff teams in the west, and beat the surging Oklahoma City Thunder.

This team shares a lot of the same traits as the championship squad in 2011. There are the familiar faces, of course, but the ball movement, savvy point guard play, and outside shooting are back in spades, too.

So, Maverick fans, don’t be scared to start dreaming of another parade. There’s a lot of basketball left to be played, but Dallas is trending up. 2015 may end up being a year we’ll all remember for the rest of our lives.

Next: Monta Needs to be an All-Star