– Last season: 11-71, 6th.
– Coach: Quinn Buckner (first year).
– Probable starters: Sean Rooks, Doug Smith, Jamal Mashburn, Jim Jackson, Derek Harper.
– Added: Mashburn (4), G Lucious Harris (28), G Fat Lever (return from injury). Lost: G Mike Iuzzolino (free agent).
– Strengths: Mashburn combines with Jackson (16.3 ppg, 39.5 FG pct, 4.7 apg) as the start of a new nucleus, with surprising Rooks (13.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg) a serviceable pivotman and Smith (10.4 ppg) still expected to blossom. Harper (18.2 ppg) will provide leadership for as long as he stays.
– Weaknesses: The last thing Buckner needed was to lose brutish stalwart Terry Davis (12.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) to a freak accident. Davis will be back, but will he be the same? Greg Dreiling and Darren Morningstar are getting a chance to earn backup roles, vividly illustrating a dire situation in the pivot.
– Outlook: With a rookie coach and two college stars just adapting, the Mavs will do more learning than winning.
