Mavs' Veteran Cornerstones Losing Tread

COMMENTARY | It's a good thing the Dallas Mavericks were able to bankroll their first-ever NBA championship last season. The tread on the old guard appears to be falling off and it can be seen in the Mavs' performance so far this season.

Most would agree owner Mark Cuban and GM Donnie Nelson are looking at another bankroll that could come in the form of soon-to-be free agents Dwight Howard and Deron Williams. Why, you might ask? Let's look at some stats in regards to two of the Mavericks' stars: Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd.

Dallas went 9-7 in their first 16 games, including a nice little five-game winning streak against lesser opponents, with the exception of maybe Boston. It was apparent then that the Mavs were lacking the chemistry they did during last year's championship run. That was to be expected since there wasn't a normal offseason and preseason.

Dirk played in the first 16 games, roughing through some probably knee issues. Then, coach Rick Carlisle decided to give the big guy a rest. Dallas went 3-1 during the German's downtime, improving their record to 12-8.

Since Nowitzki's return, Dallas is an even 3-3. He struggled finding his legs -- and the hoop -- during his first three games back, but has regained his form as of late. Time will tell if this is the return of the old Dirk.

Now let's look at the Mavericks' performance with and without Kidd in the lineup.

Kidd played in the first eight games of the season with the floor general leading the team to a 3-5 record. The team rallied for a four game winning streak when Kidd missed games 9-12.

The veteran point guard returned Jan. 14 and produced a nominal stat line against a hapless Sacramento team that was slaughtered 99-60. He started seven more games, leading Dallas to a 5-3 record since his return. But, his eighth game ended just a little more than two minutes into the contest when he strained his calf muscle.

Since then, the Mavericks have been 3-3.

Mavericks fans always have hope the team will perform well so long as Dirk is in the lineup. But, it seems the cast of characters brought on this season haven't helped the way J.J. Barea and Tyson Chandler did over the last couple seasons. A lot was lost with the departure of those two.

Lost is a viable point guard and creative scorer in Barea. Lost is a staunch defender and someone who can clog up the lane in Chandler. I suppose the team's plan this year was to let the two walk, find some stopgaps, i.e, Vince Carter, Delonte West and Lamar Odom. Roddy Beaubois also returned to the team following an injury-plagued season.

At 15-11 and the sixth seeding in the Western Conference playoffs if, indeed, the playoffs started today, there is much doubt as to whether the Mavericks could compete with the likes of Oklahoma City, the Clippers, Houston and Denver. Perhaps all eyes should be pointed to next year and free agency … unless Cuban can find a way to lure Howard here before the trade deadline comes and goes this season.