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What the Dallas Mavericks Can Be Thankful For

By Kohl Rast

Nov 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) sits on the bench during the game against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers defeat the Mavericks 124-104. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) sits on the bench during the game against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers defeat the Mavericks 124-104. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks are in the midst of one of the worst starts to a season in franchise history. Obviously this is frustrating but do the Mavs have things to be thankful for during this holiday season?

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time of year with food, family, and football, which is the perfect formula for a great day. Along with that, the holiday season with Christmas and presents and joy are all here as well.

As a Dallas Mavericks fan, it is hard to look at this season in a thankful way. The Mavs are sitting at a very dismal 2-12 record with a current 7 game losing streak hanging over their heads. Coach Carlisle has done all he can with the active players, but it has been unsuccessful.

Dirk Nowitzki played in only his 4th game of the season last night against the Clippers after sitting out most of the season with an achilles injury. For a 38 year old 7-footer, Dirk has been the definition of health in his career. This is only the 2nd season of his illustrious 19-year career where he has missed more than 9 games.

Nov 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) brings the ball down court during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) brings the ball down court during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

For that reason, and the fact that he is finally back from injury, the Dallas Mavericks can be thankful that Dirk has been, is, and always will be the face of the franchise. Dirk is less than 500 points away from being the 6th player in NBA history to break the 30,000 point threshold.

This kind of accomplishment should solidify him as one of the best players to ever step foot on a basketball court. The NBA as a whole may not see it, but we do.

The Mavericks also have reason to look forward to the future with hope. Harrison Barnes was a highly criticized player after signing with the Mavs on a max contract. Now averaging 21 points per game, Barnes is a feared scorer with above average defensive skills. He is also only 24 years old.

If the Mavs do end up falling through the cracks on this season, (which none of us are actively buying into yet), we still know there is a lot of hope for the future and that any type of rebuild should not last too long with Barnes healthy.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: An Apology Letter to Harrison Barnes

Happy Thanksgiving to all MFFLs and everyone else out there who may be reading. We here at The Smoking Cuban are especially thankful for you and the help that all of you have given us in building this site to where it is at now. Enjoy this wonderful time of year and Let’s Go Mavs!

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