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Playoff Picture: Dallas Mavericks

By Luke Duffy

Apr 15, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Mavericks prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Mavericks prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) makes a jump shot as Portland Trail Blazers forward Alonzo Gee (33) looks on during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) makes a jump shot as Portland Trail Blazers forward Alonzo Gee (33) looks on during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dirk Nowitzki

Let’s get one thing straight here. Nowitzki is not the player he once was, and he’s not producing near the rate he did on that title winning team of 2011. Something that goes in his favor though, is the fact he was slept on going into those 2011 playoffs despite a stellar regular season.

This is still his team though, and while the offense flows through Ellis and Parsons more than it would have a couple of years ago, Nowitzki is still the player who allows that offensive system to work so well. His floor-spacing abilities are still elite, while his fadeaway jumper is the most efficient weapon in the league when it is falling.

He may be past his prime now, he’s 36, but his old man’s game and general consistency are still marvelous to watch on a nightly basis. He’s seen it all before and will be a real leader for this team. He can still take over in key stretches if needed. This roster has a feel of 2011 around it though in terms of having the right complimentary pieces around this guy to go far.

Nowitzki will not be required to do a lot of the heavy lifting, in a similar way to 2011 when he got help from Chandler and Jason Kidd, among others. Instead he can conserve what star power he has left and sprinkle it on the game at key times for this team. His career may be coming to an end, but he’ll feel as confident as ever about causing an upset or two here.

Next: This Team Can Hurt You In Many Ways

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