Dallas Mavericks Pick a Really Bad Night to Start the 2010-11 Season

Poor Mark Cuban. With his billions and success, seems weird to type that. But think of his plight: In August he came this close to buying the Texas Rangers. Now not only are those same Rangers on the verge of winning the World Series, they're taking a big steamy, stinky...

By Richie Whitt

October 27, 2010

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Poor Mark Cuban.

With his billions and success, seems weird to type that. But think of his plight:

In August he came this close to buying the Texas Rangers. Now not only are those same Rangers on the verge of winning the World Series, they're taking a big steamy, stinky one on his Dallas Mavericks' season opener.

In case you haven't noticed, the Mavericks begin their 2010-11 season tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats at American Airlines Center, about the same time the Rangers-Giants get it on out here in San Francisco.

Was nice to see the Miami Heat open the NBA season with a resounding thud last night. Would be even nicer to see the Mavs one day live up to their potential. This year, however, looks a lot like last year. And the year before and ...

The Mavericks will again - yes, still - rely upon Dirk Nowitzki. His surrounding cast is back, except Tyson Chandler replaces Erick Dampier at center. Otherwise, Dominique Jones is a backup shooting guard via the draft, Roddy Beaubois isn't ready to play because of a broken foot and, oh yeah, coach Rick Carlisle fainted during training camp.

I read Sports Illustrated and USA Today's NBA previews on the flight(s) out here, and neither has much hope for your Mavs. Most experts think the Mavs are better, but not good enough to win the Southwest Division nor challenge the Lakers for the West's berth in the NBA Finals.

Me? Looks like another 50-plus-win team in the regular season - that'd be 11 in a row if you've lost count - and then in the playoffs, as always, it'll be about matchups.

And now - sorry, Mark - back to baseball.

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