7 Lottery Teams That Could Make The Playoffs

Apr 15, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) guards Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks missed out on the playoffs last season for the first time in Mark Cuban’s full-time stewardship. Dirk’s injuries pushed them so far behind the pack that no amount of beard growing was going to mentally push them past the finish line.

They might not have made it in any case, with a cobbled together spare-parts roster that never really seemed to gel, but it would have certainly been a possibility. The Mavericks also missed out on Dwight Howard, a mere year after they missed out on Deron Williams. Cuban will say this is no big deal, but you know he is seething at repeated spurning from the league’s top names.

This year Donnie Nelson and the gang have chosen to add “depth”, adding a few interesting names like Jose Calderon, Monta Ellis, Sameul Dalembert and the possibility of a reunion with former up-and-comer Devin Harris. Leaving aside glaring weaknesses from all of those names (defense, inefficiency, age, Devin Harris) those are not terrible signings really. Jose Calderon is an excellent shooter and as unselfish a point guard as you’ll find in this league. Monta Ellis had his best season when he was allowed to play second fiddle. Dalembert is a big body in the middle, has always been a plus defender. Shawn Marion is broken down but just as crafty as he ever was, Brandan Wright’s arms are long as hell, and obviously Dirk is Dirk. Rick Carlisle is also one of the best coaches in the league, and if anyone is going to make more with less, it’s Rick. The Mavericks might surprise some people this year.