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Didn't read the whole five pages, so I don't know when this turned into a Tim v. Dirk thing, but to comment on the original questions...
1) The Mavs have become the "deeper" team with their off-season transactions, but as someone else said, you can only put five on the floor at one time. Being deeper gives you more options, but it doesn't necessarily make you better. One could argue that the Mavs were deeper than us last year and they pretty much stuck to an 8 man rotation in the playoffs.
2) This is a tough question, a great one, but tough. It's best if we go by position:
C: Wash - we added athleticism and upside, but subtracted proven production.
PF: Upgrade - Tim is healthy, added depth and long range shooting (Bonner); downer is that Big Shot and Oberto are 1yr older
SF: Downgrade - Bowen is 1 yr older and will play alot this summer, Finley is 1yr older, Williams is most likely IL material
SG: Wash - Manu is healthy, but will play alot this summer and Barry is 1yr older
PG: Upgrade - Tony Parker is 1yr older (a positive in this case) and should extend his shooting range out to 3pt line, Beno's growth was stinted by NVE taking minutes, not a problem w/ Vaughn so he should see more time and production
This assesment is also based on the Current Roster, and I fully expect the Spurs to trade expiring contracts (Williams) and/or duplicate talents (Old shooter Brent Barry) to get younger and more athletic. Either way, our team is still driven by three players and it depends on how they perform...based on Tim's playoff performance, Manu gaining confidence in world play (had stellar season after winning gold), and TP's expected growth I'd say our roster is better.
3. Another good question.... as even as it was last year, I think it'd be foolish for anyone to say their "confident" the Spurs can beat the Mavs, but I know they haven't taken a step back w/ the current roster.
where were you guys the other day to explain this to the other, less intelligent Mavfans?
