No big changes as Mavs pick up piecesComing off Finals trip, team hopes additions upgrade three positionsBy CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning NewsThe Mavericks left the really big moves to others this summer.A team that had a 2 3/4-game lead in the NBA Finals decided it liked a lot of what it already had. Much will look the same for 2006-07, from Dirk Nowitzki to re-signed free agent Jason Terry, from Josh Howard to the revolving, evolving center rotation.But the changes the Mavericks made could be the difference between another Finals trip and a second-round exit. With 14 roster spots filled, the Mavericks have indicated most of the summer work is completed."We haven't quote, unquote arrived," said president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, citing two vintage '80s dynasties. "We don't see ourselves as the Lakers with Magic, Kareem and Worthy or the Celtics with Bird, McHale and Parish that had perennial runs for eight years and contended for championships every season."The field is a lot more even, and the competition is stronger now. We can't afford to rest on our laurels."The off-season plan was to upgrade at three positions, if possible.The Mavericks sought to improve depth at point guard. They wanted two swingmen who could bring defense, athleticism and playoff experience. They hoped to acquire a power forward to back up Dirk Nowitzki who could shoot and help them spread the floor. Adding an athletic big man project was part of the equation, too.Not everything came together like the Mavericks planned.Top free-agent target Mike James spurned similar offers from the Mavericks and Houston to go to Minnesota.But Anthony Johnson, brought to Dallas in a three-for-one trade with Indiana, is a tough-minded complementary point guard with enough talent to score 40 points in a playoff game last season.Free agents Greg Buckner, once the Mavericks' defensive conscience, and Devean George, who has been to four Finals, were acquired under the $5.2 million mid-level exception. As a bonus, first-round pick Maurice Ager showed he has an NBA future in the Las Vegas summer league.Backup power forward Austin Croshere, obtained for enigmatic Marquis Daniels, could be at least as productive as Keith Van Horn. Undrafted rookie Pops Mensah-Bonsu is a 6-9 athlete who will be given time to develop.The lingering question: Do the Mavericks believe the team they have now is better than the team that finished the playoffs?"I do," owner Mark Cuban wrote in an e-mail. "We have more depth and athleticism, and we have a lot more flexibility. I think our free-agent signings were the steal of the summer. We never expected we could get both Buck and Devean with our mid-level. We thought both were at least full mid-level, if not higher, players."If this seems like tinkering around the edges, a little can mean a lot for elite teams.What if the Mavericks had found some body (or somebody) to at least slow Dwyane Wade in the NBA Finals? Or what if San Antonio's Manu Ginobili doesn't foul Nowitzki at the end of regulation in Game 7 last season?For now, the Mavericks believe they've answered enough what-ifs.
Sounds good but is anyone besides me wanting them to sign their 15th player and finally get a press conference.
