D2 in Dalls?

Ehsan Azad

D2 in Dallas?

                There was once a time when Mark Cuban envisioned an elite team surrounding Dirk. It was supposed to be Deron Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwight Howard and a supporting cast leading the Mavs into the future. Sadly, it looks like the only thing in the Mavericks future is playing the lottery.

                Remember when Mark Cuban dismantled that title team two summers ago and claimed that it was for financial flexibility? Cuban lost some credibility with the fans because he didn’t keep that team together, but he was actually right in a way. That team was older and signing them all would keep them from making moves in the future under the CBA. But, Mark had a different reason for dismantling the team, a reason that he will never admit too. That next summer, he knew that Dwight and Deron would be free agents and that he wanted to use his first time with cap space to his full advantage. Bringing Deron and Dwight to Dallas would not only create a super team, but ensure you have Dirk’s successor as face of the franchise. Things didn’t work out like he had planned. While Dwight was traded to the Lakers and has to wait one more summer till he begins his free agency tour, Deron was ready to come to Dallas. The Nets were the only competition, and everyone was split on who would win out in the end. Then Mark Cuban went to shoot his TV show “Shark Tank”, and things fell apart. Apparently, Deron didn’t like Cuban not being there to talk to him and he chose the Nets. The Mavericks had to give the fans mediocrity this year instead.

                Now, with the Mavs in position to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2000, fans are looking to Dwight Howard to be their savior. With Chris Paul saying he will stay with the Clippers, Howard now becomes the big fish to catch. Some speculate that Dallas is the favorite, because the Lakers environment is causing a lot of problems for Dwight and the only other choice would be the Nets who can’t sign him. But, I disagree greatly with these people. Why would he want to come here? Though the Lakers are struggling this year, they still are the most attractive team to contend. Kobe will retire soon and that gives Dwight full control of that team. That team historically is always good and Dwight would know that they will build around him. In free agency he could go back home to Atlanta, where they already have a big man cornerstone in Al Horford, which could give Atlanta the best 4-5 duo in the NBA. Houston is also attractive as they not only have Jeremy Lin and James Harden, but some good young players to help support Dwight.

                Dallas has an aging roster with washed up veterans. The only player on the team that is guaranteed to be here next year is Dirk, and god knows I love him, but he is at the end of his career. It doesn't seem like Dwight really would come here of all places. Mark would have to offer him a lot more than what he has. They might have to do a trade like the Nets did to attract Deron. Right now, it seems like Dwight will team up with Kobe, set aside their differences and make them a legit threat in the West again. The Mavs need to blow this team up, and start from scratch. With an Owner like Cuban, we know that he will let the MFFLs down. We can only hope.