Spurs fans fear Suns, not Mavericks, in '07

[MadDog73]

Popavich handed Finley in FA sweepstakes, one of if not the deepest Spurs lineup ever, West Home Court and a healthy playoff Tim Duncan and can't get it done?

No need to assume all is fine in Spursville and a comeback is guaranteed.

Look if they do comeback and le next year, great. Stop with the all is fine we don't care about the Mavs or Suns crap. IMO both those teams did far more will less in this years playoffs.

I didn't understand a word of that. Are you saying the Mavs and Suns did more than expected, and they won't be expected to be back next year, or they will?

[BigD1]

I think dirk will not be as good next year
I think he peaked this year

WTF? He's only 27!

[Fabbs]

I didn't understand a word of that. Are you saying the Mavs and Suns did more than expected, and they won't be expected to be back next year, or they will?

The Mavs and Suns did more with less then the Spurs this year.
All indications are they will only get better. Mavs with everyone back and Avery again. Suns with AStoudamire back, albeit he will never be the same.

[BigD1]

Spurs fans are in a big denial, they are afraid of the Mavs in 07. The Mavs will only get better as this season is only the first full year of Avery Johnson as a coach.

Not only that, but if anyone seriously thinks Josh Howard won't be even better entering his 4th season or Harris entering his 3rd, they're crazy. Futhermore, KVH's contract is up. Look for Dallas to acquire a more athletic "banger type" player to help Dirk out a bit. Maybe, Al Harrington. Also, Desagana Diop is only 24 yrs old. Look for him to improve on everything entering next season. Dallas will only be more experienced but still one of the youngest teams in the NBA.
Dirk-27
Terry-27
Howard-25
Daniels-25
Diop-24
Damp-30
Harris-24
Stack-32

[MadDog73]

The Mavs and Suns did more with less then the Spurs this year.
All indications are they will only get better. Mavs with everyone back and Avery again. Suns with AStoudamire back, albeit he will never be the same.

I have to say "Bull " on that. The Mavs are deeper than San Antonio, and Dirk was playing incredible ball. That said, the Spurs still took them to 7, and were leading with 30 seconds to go. It's not like the Mavs swept San Antonio or anything.

If anything, Mav fans should be scared of the Spurs next year, not the other way around.

[Fabbs]

I have to say "Bull " on that. The Mavs are deeper than San Antonio, and Dirk was playing incredible ball. That said, the Spurs still took them to 7, and were leading with 30 seconds to go. It's not like the Mavs swept San Antonio or anything.

If anything, Mav fans should be scared of the Spurs next year, not the other way around.

Is this one of the personalities of Mouse the journalist wannabe?

[MadDog73]

Is this one of the personalities of Mouse the journalist wannabe?

you for even saying that.

No, if I was Mouse, I'd be saying the Spurs are done and the Mavs will win the next 10 Championships in a row.

I honestly don't care if you think the Spurs are done or not. Spurs play great as the underdogs.

[Odogg]

. Dallas will only be more experienced but still one of the youngest teams in the NBA.
Dirk-27
Terry-27
Howard-25
Daniels-25
Diop-24
Damp-30
Harris-24
Stack-32

Spurs fans have such limited tunnel vision. But you know what really should scare the bajeezus out of you?

Avery Johnson - 41, Not to mention his 1st full season as a head coach.

Donnie Nelson- 40, President of Basketball Operations / Scout Dept.

Mark Cuban - 48, OWNER and WILLING TO SPEND THE $$$ TO WIN

Not only are the players getting better, but the Organization as a whole.

[angryllama]

I have to say "Bull " on that. The Mavs are deeper than San Antonio, and Dirk was playing incredible ball. That said, the Spurs still took them to 7, and were leading with 30 seconds to go. It's not like the Mavs swept San Antonio or anything.

If anything, Mav fans should be scared of the Spurs next year, not the other way around.

Of course the Mavs are concerned with the Spurs. They are the top two teams in the west. I expect the Spurs to challenge the Mavs next season.

After that, the Spurs should begin a decline as Duncan begins to show his age. That's when the youthful Mavs will begin to separate, and should dominate the SW division (unless Chris Paul says otherwise).

I would expect Dallas to attract a nice player with their midlevel exception this offseason.

Considering that the Mavs are in year one of a four year developmental plan of Johnson/Nelson/Cuban and are in the Finals, the future is bright for the Mavs. Dirk is entering his prime, Howard is beginning to show star potential in his 3rd season, Harris showed flashes of brilliance in his second season, Terry will be back and is still in his prime, Diop is only 23-24 and has yet to develop his post offense, Mbenga and Podkolzin are still developing, Daniels is still developing, Avery is still learning, etc. Dallas has a very bright future.

[MadDog73]

Hey, I don't mean to come off that I disrespect the Mavs. They look really good right now, and have a great shot to win their first Championship.

That said, I've seen teams that look great tank in spectacular fashion. (Um, usually my own Spurs!)

So, you'll excuse me if I take predictions of Mavs continued success with a grain of salt.

[angryllama]

Hey, I don't mean to come off that I disrespect the Mavs. They look really good right now, and have a great shot to win their first Championship.
That said, I've seen teams that look great tank in spectacular fashion. (Um, usually my own Spurs!)
So, you'll excuse me if I take predictions of Mavs continued success with a grain of salt.

The indicators are there to suggest that Dallas will, at the very least, be a compe or for the championship next season and beyond. To say that they will fail to repeat because the Spurs didnt is a little nearsighted. Repeating is TOUGH no doubt, but Dallas should be better next season.

Remember, this is the team's first full season in Avery's new system, and this is Dirk's first full season as an inside-out player. Dirk always improves his game. Always. I dont see why he wont show up better next season. He always does.

[East Coast Babe]

Of course the Mavs are concerned with the Spurs. They are the top two teams in the west. I expect the Spurs to challenge the Mavs next season.

After that, the Spurs should begin a decline as Duncan begins to show his age. That's when the youthful Mavs will begin to separate, and should dominate the SW division (unless Chris Paul says otherwise).

I wondered when someone would come up with that one. "(unless Chris Paul says otherwise)" The Hornets won something like 20 more games this year than last after they added Paul. They make another addition or two and everyone will have to watch out! That kid is good!! I think he will be a better point guard than Nash given time!

[Axl Van Dam]

I wouldn't worry about Phoenix next season. The run and gun style of basketball they adhere to will not make them advance to the finals mainly because teams are now adapting to how they play. They played two series' that went the full route that when they finally placed Dallas they were already burned out. I believe more teams next season will be able to find ways to shut their offense down. Even if Amare returns they'll have a hard time duplicating the success they had the last two years. Dallas will still be our top nemesis next season. And I believe we'll get 'em next year.

[kalikot_boy_kr]

when i look at game 7 of the mavs vs spurs, the spurs win, but the mavs just got lucky...hahhaha!

[sabar]

Fear? I don't fear any team until the next season is a good way through. It's stupid to say "X and X team looks good and will do this this and that and improve". You can do that to ANY team. Every team "looks good" on paper and has these perfect off-season moves and training to make them some dream team, but I'm not calling anything until I see it happen. Dallas could be a powerhouse next year. Or they could suffer injuries and a bad off season. Dirk may have peaked, or he may have yet to do so. Will Dallas keep rivaling New York in luxury tax spending? Will the Spurs pick someone up and make the team younger? Will Duncans foot improve?

Who knows. Everything until January-February 2007 is smack talk.

[MadDog73]

Remember, this is the team's first full season in Avery's new system, and this is Dirk's first full season as an inside-out player. Dirk always improves his game. Always. I dont see why he wont show up better next season. He always does.

How much better can he get? Seriously?

Maybe I'm just a blind Spurs homer, but the guy is already amazing.

Look, the Mavs are a great team, and they could even beat the Spurs again next year, no doubt.

But to say that without a doubt they will improve just isn't true... they could get worse. (not saying they will, just saying it's possible).

Why you ask? Because it's very, very hard to repeat a Championship. The Lakers did it, but each year it got harder and harder.

If the Mavs win this year, and next, I will be the first one to congratulate them. I mean, that would be incredible for a first year coach to win back-to-back Championships... in fact, I don't think it's ever happened before.