Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki Closer To Return But Will It Matter?

Dirk Nowitzki went through a full practice on Wednesday, his first since undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 19.

Nowitzki told The Associated Press there is still no formal timetable for his return other than saying, “maybe any time after Christmas.”

Without their ailing superstar, the new-look Dallas Mavericks have struggled through the first two months of the season. Dallas is currently 10th in the Western Conference at 12-13.

Gone from last year’s team are point guard Jason Kidd, now with the New York Knicks, and top reserve Jason Terry, who signed with the Boston Celtics.

O.J. Mayo, signed as a free agent from the Memphis Grizzlies over the summer, leads the Mavericks in scoring in Nowitzki’s absence, netting 20.6 points per game. Chris Kaman, who came over from the New Orleans Hornets, has been solid but not spectacular, getting 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in a little more than 26 minutes of action a night.

Recently signed Derek Fisher has brought some experience and maturity to the backcourt. He’s averaging 8.6 points and 3.6 assists in nine games with the Mavericks.

But some of the other new additions haven’t been as substantial. The Eddy Curry Experience lasted less than a week and totaled two games and nine points before he was released. Elton Brand is adjusting to reduced playing time as a reserve for the first time in his career, averaging 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in a shade less than 22 minutes a night while backing up Shawn Marion at the four and Kaman in the pivot.

In a Western Conference that is absolutely loaded, with stalwarts Oklahoma City and San Antonio still looking like contenders and Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers showing signs of reaching the upper echelon, it could be tough for Dallas to extend its streak of 12 consecutive playoff appearances.

Even with Nowitzki returning, the Western Conference has some new contenders emerging. The Golden State Warriors are off to a 17-9 start in year two under coach Mark Jackson. The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to tread water while Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio recovered from injuries. The Houston Rockets are improved with James Harden. The Los Angeles Lakers, currently 12th in the conference, have to be assumed to put things together at some point.

In retrospect, it’s probably good for the Mavericks and Nowitzki that Dallas was able to win the title in 2011 because it appears their window might be slamming shut.

Thanks for visiting HoopsHabit.com! We’d love to hear your opinion in the comments section below!

Please visit our sponsors and like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our Youtube feed and tell your friends!

HoopsHabit’s Regular Column Schedule:

Monday – NBA Awards Watch
Wednesday – NBA Power Rankings
Friday – NBA Stat Central
Sunday – Your NBA Fix Podcast