Last Thursday Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram reported on Dirk Nowitzki's knee. Much like at the start of last season, Dirk has been having swelling in the knee. Dirk even mentioned arthroscopic surgery should the swelling not improve.
After the game on Monday night, Delonte West was suspended for apparently blowing up in the locker room post game. We all know Delonte's struggles, and it seems like the Mavs have worked the issue out and will "have open arms for him," according to O.J. Mayo.
Still, I can't help but wonder already whether Dallas will be able to extend their 12 season streak of playoff appearances, especially with hungry teams like Minnesota, Utah, and Golden State nipping at their heals.
Dirk had similar concerns with his knee at the start of last season and was able to make it through the whole year. However, this year, he is one year older and he's coming off a full season of "playing through" that injury. I would not be surprised to see Dirk go down at some point this season and it pains me to say that because he is an offensive virtuoso when right.
If Dirk goes down, then who is the backbone, mentally or physically, of this team? It becomes an odd collection of aging vets, rookies, and cast offs, most of which do not specialize in defense. The one constant this team will have is Rick Carlisle and he is really the Mavs only hope.
The way I see it, the 2012-13 Mavs season will play out one of two ways: either Rick Carlisle is in the running for another Coach of the Year award, or things could get really ugly for a perennial playoff team.
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