Last Week with the Mavs: Preseason, Camp & Roster Spots

Dallas Mavericks basketball is finally back, even though it wasn’t that pretty.

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Over this past week we finally saw the Dallas Mavericks hit the court as they took part in their first two preseason games against the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets.

Heading into both contest the Mavericks found themselves short-handed (understatement) as they had 7 players who sat out both contest. So both games were games that provided in-game tryouts for many players who are on the roster bubble.

So let’s look back at the top storylines of the past week.

Sep 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Jarrid Famous (9) hands a basketball to Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle as Carlisle poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Battle for Roster Spots in the Preseason

This preseason for the Mavericks is an open tryout for most of the roster spots on the team. From well-known veterans to five youngsters on partial guaranteed contracts, the Mavs have their hands full in deciding on the final roster.

Our Editor, Jay Knodell goes in-depth in discussing each of the main battles entering the preseason for us all to keep an eye on. Read here.

Oct 6, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

3 Takeaways from the Mavs Loss to Denver

In the first outing of the preseason, the Mavs dropped their first game at home to the Nuggets. It was the first time we got a look at Justin Anderson and others in a Mavs jersey.

Even in a loss, we discuss the 3 takeaways you can walk away from this game with in regards to the Dallas Mavericks. Read here.

Sep 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks rookie guard Justin Anderson (1) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sportsg

The Hype Around Justin Anderson is Real

The Mavericks stayed put in the first round over the summer and selected Justin Anderson out of Virginia. With the need for youth and wing minutes behind the starters, Anderson could see a big year ahead for himself.

After the annual Fan Jam, it was Justin Anderson gaining buzz around the fans here in Dallas. We talk about the hype that Justin Anderson has gained not only around the city, but already around the league. Read here.

Sep 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard John Jenkins (12) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

3 Takeaways from the Mavs Loss to the Rockets

In the second preseason game of the week, Dallas faced off against the loaded Houston Rockets in a game that wasn’t pretty from the beginning.

Our very own Kohl Rast discusses the 3 takeaways that Mavs fans can take from the blowout loss in Houston. Read here.

Sep 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The First Month of the Season Could Make or Break Mavs

With the mounting injuries to begin training camp and the preseason, the beginning of the season is starting to look a little murky for the Maverick. With the new look Mavs already projected to being on the fringe of the playoffs, what will happen at the beginning of the season?

Our Editor, Jay Knodell talks about how this first month of the season could make the season for the Mavs, or it could sink it. Read here.

With some whispers of a couple more Mavs maybe getting some time in this coming week’s preseason games, Mavs fans have plenty to be excited for.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all of your latest and breaking Dallas Mavericks news.

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