Hunting Season

By: Jermia White

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks held their Media Day on Monday at the American Airlines Center and as they look to capitalize on last season’s success they understand the need for starting strong and finishing even stronger.

Forward, Dorian Finney- Smith recounts starting out last season with a not so great record and when asked his personal goals for this upcoming season he said, “to get 50 wins”. Finney- Smith acknowledges that last season is last season. They have to put the ending behind them and figure out how to be a stronger team.

The Western Conference is surely still the Wild Wild West as other teams have made favorable roster adjustments. Tim Hardaway Jr. understands that at this point the Mavs are the “hunted and not the hunters”. He added that everyone is coming for their spot and it’s up to the Mavs to take accountability, rise to the challenge and be better, proving that last season was not a fluke.

Guard Spencer Dinwiddie says that team chemistry is a must in order to build upon last season’s success. Dinwiddie looks forward to stepping up to the plate and keeping the unit as tight as they were last season.

Head coach, Jason Kidd acknowledged the roster changes from last season and looks forward to playing to the strengths of his old and new players. “No one believed me last year when I said that we would get better defensively and no one believed me when I said we’d shoot the ball from long range more. We have to look at the talent we’ve got and play to everyone’s strengths,” he said.

When asked about the difference newcomers Christian Wood and Javale McGee could make, Kidd emphasized on their ability to add rim protection and rebounds to the team.

It’s no question that Dallas has needed a big man the likes of Tyson Chandler since Chandler’s departure after the 2011 Championship. They may be heading in the right direction with their latest pickups.

Woods and McGee would certainly help on the defensive end and Woods’ versatility helps to open up the offense.

The team is highly anticipating October and beginning their journey on what could possibly be another good year for them.

Two-way Guard, Tyler Dorsey ended his interview with HotTakeSzn podcast with a hot take of his own. “The Dallas Mavs will be back in the Western Conference Finals,” he said.