The New Center and Shooting Guard for the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are in a unique, yet unenviable position this offseason. Twelve months before the expected free agent bonanza of 2010, they face the prospect of fading completely out of contention, and taking the Dirk era to an unhappy conclusion. They are also in an unenviable position when it comes to free agents. Their No. 1 target, Jason Kidd, won't offer something new and different. Rather, the Mavs are just trying to hang on to the player who helped them the year before. While the re-signing of Kidd can be called a triumph, it is a mixed blessing. Without another move, the Mavericks are in the same place they were last year, and only the Rockets are showing signs that they will not be the same or better than last year. The Blazers, Nuggets and Spurs have taken steps to put them to the next level, while the Lakers are already at the next level. The Mavericks do not want to be left in the lurch, especially with a rapidly aging, but effective, core. Assuming they sign ... (link)