Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the most active teams in the NBA this offseason.  The Chandler Parsons signing could swing the power in the Western Conference back to the Mavericks. Houston didn't show much interest in keeping the young forward.  Dallas swooped in and stole Parsons services while the Rockets were in hot pursuit of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.  That's a loss The Rockets could feel more as time passes.

Dallas acquired Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton from the Knicks in a trade prior to the NBA draft.  Chandler was the defensive anchor on the Mavericks 2011 NBA Championship team.  His addition adds some much needed depth to their frontline.  Chandler plays better basketball with a big Power Forward next to him.

Monta Ellis was a pleasant surprise for Dallas last season. For the first time in his career Monta was seen as a positive addition.  He took most of the blame for chemistry issues in Golden State and Milwaukee.  Prior to joining Dallas controversy seemed to follow the Mississippi native.  A change of scenery has worked wonders for Monta.  At any point he can go off for 40 points. He didn't force the issue his first year in Dallas.  This is still Dirk's team. He seemed to understand that concept well.

Sometimes the small moves are the ones that prove pivotal later on in the NBA.  Dallas signed veteran Point Guard Jameer Nelson to a two-year deal.  Nelson is no longer the player he was early in his career, but he still possesses the ability to stretch the court as good as any guard in the league. Dallas is geared up to win a title next season.  Rick Carlisle would love nothing more than for Nelson to be the Mavericks version of Derek Fisher.

Dirk deserves a great deal of credit for all the free agent flexibility Dallas has shown this summer.  He signed a club friendly, three-year, $25 Million dollar deal to remain in Dallas.  This season alone his annual salary will decrease by $15 Million dollars. How's that for a salary cut.  NBA players shouldn't be forced to take a salary cut.  However, when a player does accept a reduced salary, he should be commended for his unselfishness.

Dallas pushed the NBA Champions to seven games in the first-round of the NBA playoffs.  There's no reason why anyone in the Mavericks locker room should feel like they aren't capable of winning it all.