Playoff Picture: Dallas Mavericks

Why They’ll Win It All

We’ll start with Carlisle. He’s a truly fantastic coach who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. He’s had this team rolling as an offensive powerhouse for years now, whether he had the talent to execute his game plan or not. His plays out of timeouts are among the most effective in the league, he’s a real weapon on the sidelines for this team.

Like many on the roster, he’s been through some postseason battles. Ellis has been great for this team as well. His personal numbers are down on years past, but to watch him play is to see a guy who understands the game a lot better these days.

He knows his role within the grander scheme of things, and while he’s capable of filling it up himself, he’s sacrificed some of that for the good of the team. Still averaging 18.9 points per game though.

Despite the offensive dip after the Rondo trade, they’re still the fifth-most efficient offensive team in the league. This is important, the team got a clear upgrade at the point guard position when they traded for him in December. Their offense dropped off yes, but not massively. Rondo brings the defensive chops and the experience.

The guy lives for the playoffs, and we’ll see now if the trade was worth it.

Devin Harris is quietly effective for this team off the bench as well. He’s 31 now (where did all that time go?) and brings poise and a scoring touch to the second unit. Parsons may miss the beginning of the playoffs through injury, but his productivity has been similar to that of his Houston days. There is considerable depth here, crucial for a Western Conference dogfight.

Which is exactly what they’ll get from the Rockets.

Next: More Than A Few Elders In This Team