DFW Sports Mix

The Dallas Mavericks are getting ready for another NBA season. Some things are different as you look at this Mavs club. A full season of Avery Johnson as coach. That means a high empahsis on defense. Of course you need people who love to play defense and make a difference. Enter DJ Mbenga, who was on the Mavs team last year, did not get any playing time. But in the Avery Johnson, he will along with newly aquirred DeSanga Diop from Cleveland. Both will be relied on for rebounds on both ends. Free agent find Doug Christie can play defense as well. He can make a key basket along the way.

Keep your eyes on Josh Powell, who second chance basket was key in beating the NY Knicks recently in a pre season contest. Guard Jason Terry has been challenged by Coach Johnson to score more points. He can light it up when he gets cooking. Also, the return of Josh Howard and Marquies Daniels will help the Mavs cause. As well as a Erick Dampier who if he can stay healthy can be a big force in the Mavs attack. The Mavs will open the season against the team that ended their season the Phoenix Suns, who will be without their star Admerie Stoudmeier for four months. The NBA West will be a tough conference again. The Mavs hope the have the horses to make headway in the NBA west.