Two Reasons for the Dallas Mavericks' Struggles

After an incredibly disappointing weekend of Dallas Mavericks basketball, I think I've finally figured out why Dallas has seemed like a doomed team since Game Three of the 2006 Finals. Before Game Three, the world was Dallas' oyster. They were halfway towards a sweep and an NBA championship, Dirk Nowitzki was playing better than any forward since Larry Bird, and all was right with the world. So what happened? Was it owner Mark Cuban's arrogance, going on late-night television talking about his soon-to-be-championship? Was it the city of Dallas, already planning their parade route? I have always been a big believer in karma, especially sports karma, but I don't think that's the reason. The reason is that Dallas is missing two key ingredients—things that every championship team of recent memory has possessed.   Problem No. 1: Lack of a Dominant Big Man Did you know that last year's Lakers-Celtics Finals was the first Finals since the Jordan years not to feature Tim Duncan or ... (link)