Expectations For Each Starter in Dallas

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Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Forward: Dirk Nowitzki

This guy will always be a pleasure to discuss. Dirk Nowitzki signed back with the Mavericks over the summer after there were rumors swirling that Golden State was going to try to steal him away. That would never happen. Nowitzki will go down as one of, if not the most faithful NBA players of all time. He is 38 years old, but he is still putting up very good numbers.

Last season, the Mavericks were a mess. Coach Carlisle somehow willed them to the playoffs, but it wasn’t pretty. Dirk should not have been leading this team in scoring. Although he has the most beautiful jumper the game of basketball has ever witnessed, he is too old to be carrying the load like that.

That could all change this season. Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews should outscore Dirk. Deron Williams should even have a good chance of outscoring him. The Big German should see a points drop off, but that does not mean at all that his play has declined.

Dirk is the perfect big man to help this team gel. He is the perfect leader for all of these new faces. While his stats may not show it this year, the Mavericks wouldn’t be able to perform they way they will without him.

Dirk should put up around 14 points per game this season. This will be around a 4 point drop off from last campaign, but this will just mean that the new guys are living up to their hype. Dirk will be plenty okay with that, as long as wins come with the hype.

Next: Center: Andrew Bogut