I think if we were to consider the full roster depth, the 10-11 group would stand a better chance. Head-to-head it would be an uphill climb for the 10-11 group, simply due to the athleticism the 02-03 unit brings across the board. But like I said before, my question is how much LaFrentz stretching the floor will pull Chandler away from the basket, which is the core of the defensive success the title team had. I think there would be enough scheming for the Mavericks to find their offensive rhythm. And there’s no one better to be making those kind of distribution decisions like JKidd. The gravitational pull that both Chandler and Dirk cause on pick and rolls should free up Kidd to either penetrate in the lane or kick it back out. JORDAN (2010-11): Yes, if the 02-03 team chooses to press out to the three point line, I’m expecting a lot of actions for Chandler off the pick and roll. Do you think the 10-11 starters can still score enough to keep up? I feel like Chandler would play a big part in this match-up. That takes away significant offensive games from players like Stevenson and Kidd. But surprisingly, the 02-03 team was the second best team defending the three point line that season. Look, Dirk wasn’t known for his defense in ‘03 or ‘11, so the Dirks are getting buckets in this match-up. The 10-11 group relied on Dirk beating mismatches, timely threes and defensive stability. The 10-11 group has the defensive personnel to cause concern in the 02-03 starters ability to do what they do best: Blitz the heck out of teams offensively.īut we still have to ask ourselves if it’s enough. Don Nelson’s small ball, run-and-gun style was ahead of it’s time, and almost delivered a title, disproving many skeptics. While the 10-11 starters succeeded in leading that team to a championship, as I’ve previously mentioned, the 02-03 starters, in my mind, led a championship contending team that faced unfortunate injury luck. SAM: I think that is all very well said, Jordan. And outside of LaFrentz’s ability to stretch the floor Sam, I think my team matches up pretty well defensively. But what I can say is this: for the 10-11 starters to neutralize their opponents’ fast paced offense, it will require Stevenson to disrupt the perimeter. We could both make arguments about the bench support each team had. They also weren’t scoring at as high a rate (61.3 points per game from starters vs. Though both teams found high levels of success, they certainly did it in their own way.įor the Carlisle squad, they weren’t quite so offensively top heavy as your 02-03 unit Sam. In many ways, these two seasons are the pinnacle symbol of both Don Nelson and Rick Carlisle as well. But I’m glad they are because they represent two fairly distinct styles and eras within Dirk’s time with the Mavericks. JORDAN: When we started this, I’m not sure I thought ahead enough to predict these two teams as our finalists. The bracket is below - and let me take a moment to give a special shout out to Dan Const, for some baller bracket graphics along the way.Īs always, we want to hear from you - so vote in our poll, and comment down below if you have a different winner! Now to hand out a trophy: The Championship #5 vs #2 If you somehow stumbled upon us for the first time, catch up here with: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, and Part V. There were few setbacks, but many questions, and now we have absolute authority to answer who the best starting five in the Dirk Nowitzki era is. He ended the 2022-23 season with averages of 4.6 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists across 10.9 minutes per game.We’ve all traveled many miles together to get to this point. He averaged 8.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game across 48 outings (five starts).īertans had a minimal role off the bench all season long for the Mavericks, but he made the most of his lone start of the campaign. He started the year in the G League and ended up settling in as a rotational piece for the Mavericks, so there's no question his first year in the league should be qualified as a success. While he was forced into a minimal role when Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were available, Hardy made his presence felt in the final game of the campaign. The Colorado product was used as a depth piece for the Mavericks throughout the season, filling in when typical backcourt rotation players were sidelined and saw an extended role down the stretch with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic in and out of the lineup. Wright was impressive enough in training camp to receive a two-way contract early in the season, and split time between the NBA and the G League during the 2022-23 campaign.
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