Dallas Mavericks: 5 Keys To A Deep Postseason Run

5) Dirk and Monta

At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to the 7-foot guy pictured above, and this guy below.

They go as the Mavs go. If Dirk isn’t playing, or if he’s not healthy, they’re not the Mavs that can be a threat. If Monta isn’t the guy who can explode to the basket at any given instance, these aren’t the same Mavs.

These two have created a 1-2 tandem that is damn-near unguardable. Now, add the pick-and-roll effect with Tyson Chandler and the added 3-point shooting with Chandler Parsons, and the possibilities for a guy like Monta Ellis are endless.

The possibilities for someone like Dirk are endless, too. He’s improved his ability to pass out of the post, and now has more weapons to do such. Yes, the Mavs have added many key pieces to give them a legitimate chance to compete for a championship.

But if Dirk and Monta aren’t on the floor, it doesn’t even matter.