Dallas Mavericks

2007-2008

Returning Players:

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Analysis:

A year after leading the league in wins, the Mavericks dropped to seventh in the Western Conference, making the playoffs by a three-game margin over the ninth-place Golden State Warriors. They felt a need to change directions mid-season, adding veteran point guard Jason Kidd in a deal with the New Jersey Nets that cost them Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop and two first-round picks. But the trade couldn't overcome the team's malaise, and after a first-round exit to the Hornets, Dallas swapped coach Avery Johnson for Rick Carlisle.

With only a second-round pick (No. 51 overall), they'll likely be looking to develop a backup -- and potential replacement -- for Kidd or adding another big body to their frontcourt rotation.

From The Media:

"(Rick) Carlisle did not attempt to lower the bar of expectations for a team that is 8 x 50. (Eight years straight of 50-wins-plus.) He will, after all, oversee a roster featuring Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd -- guys who have been MVP candidates during the course of their careers. He also now coaches Josh Howard, who has played in an All-Star Game, and Jason Terry and Erick Dampier, touted at different moments during their Dallas careers as being star-caliber."
-- Mike Fisher, DallasBasketball.com

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DRAFT HISTORY