Dallas travels to Orlando to face the Magic and their most voted All-Star ever, Dwight Howard, tonight at 7pm ET. Dallas (27-19) isn’t likely ready to face a contender like Orlando (36-10). While the Magic may not be of Celtics or Lakers caliber just yet, their trio of All-Stars in Howard, Nelson, and Lewis should be more than enough to overwhelm the Mavericks on the road. Of course, miracles DO happen on occasion (though apparently not in the post-season), so the Mavs could pull off a surprise victory if they can somehow manage to limit Dwight Howard’s effectiveness in the paint.
I DID mention it would be a miracle, didn’t I? Dwight Howard has 36 double-doubles so far this year. That is definitely a best-in-league stat. And without Diop’s defensive agility at backup center, Dallas doesn’t look to have much hope in that department. Howard leads his team in scoring, rebounds, and blocks, and is the most voted All-Star ever for a reason. Who can really stop him?
Now, you haven’t yet benefitted from my take on Erick Dampier, but suffice it to say, Damp is a massive bump on a log. He played great during his contract year for Golden State. Since then, he’s been a big flop, contributing far fewer points and rebounds than one would expect from a player of his size and supposed strength. But ultimately, it’s in his eyes. That same questioning look that exudes lack of self-confidence we saw in Devin Harris for two years before being traded to New Jersey.
Keep in mind, Dallas doesn’t retain Dampier because he’s that good. He’s on this team because he was sorely overpaid and no team would be willing to take him in a trade. Therefore, Cuban and Donnie make sure he plays so they can do their damnedest to eek some value out of that mess we call “Damp.”
I’ve been listening to radio show guys talk about how badly the Mavericks need a 2 guard that can score at will. While that’s great, i’d take the front 4 any day if we had a serious option at the 5 spot. Give me 12 rebounds and 10 points a game from a starting center, and i’d be ecstatic. More importantly, the Mavericks would have what they’ve NEVER had: a post up threat. Obviously, Damp’s contract is trade prohibitive, but we can always dream.
Watch Damp’s eyes tonight. That deer in the headlights look you’ll notice throughout the game is one man’s fear and trembling because he’s in close proximity to a REAL NBA center. Be afraid, Damp. Be very afraid.
