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Dallas Mavericks: Productivity Above The Rim Set To Improve

By Cole Mentzel

Nov 7, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) dunks the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) dunks the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks have never really been known for their play above the rim. In their 35 years of existence, they have had only two players in the Slam Dunk Contest: Tony Dumas (1994-95) and Michael Finley (1996-97).

Throughout the years, many intriguing players who seem to play above the rim at times, like Vince Carter and Gerald Green, have played with the Mavs. However, Dallas has never been known as one of the flashy teams in the league that produces highlight-reel dunks or amazing putbacks.

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That could change in 2015-16. With the addition of a few new players, the Mavs’ ability to get to the rim is going to improve. JaVale McGee and Jeremy Evans were two notable players that were signed by Dallas in the offseason. Both have competed in the dunk contest before and Evans won the competition in 2012.

Besides them, the Mavs do have Chandler Parsons and Wesley Matthews. Though they are both coming off of major injuries, they have been known to throw down some hard dunks in the past. Samuel Dalembert isn’t exactly known as the most athletic player in the world or as a great dunker, but he is very active at the rim with putbacks.

Although most fans think of dunks when they think of play above the rim, the Mavs will also feature a few players that are good on the defensive end. Even though their defense isn’t exactly elite, McGee and Dalembert are both good rim protectors.

By summing all of this information together, it is obvious that the Mavs will be more active around the rim on both ends of the floor. Brandan Wright was incredible at making acrobatic dunks and Tyson Chandler was known for catching lobs but with both of them gone, the Mavs had to find a way to replace them.

They ended up with a few players that specialize in those categories and have something to prove to the rest of the league, which always delivers extra motivation.

Another reason why the Mavs will be able to do more at the rim is because, besides Tyson Chandler, they only had Amar’e Stoudemire and Bernard James last season. Neither of those players are not known to be high flyers these days. Dallas simply has more depth this season which will allow them to get to the basket easier and operate.

Overall, it remains to be seen as to whether players like McGee and Dalembert will be in good enough shape to contribute due to the fact that neither of them played the entire season in 2014-15. Last year, the Mavs were average in the rebounding category compared to other teams, but that will improve with a group of bigger forwards and centers.

Most of the points and stats mentioned above are going to depend on who is able to stay healthy. However, just by taking a look at the roster and the types of impact players on the team, the Mavs should be more balanced at every position on the court, specifically at the basket.

Next: Possible Midseason Trade Targets For The Mavs

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