I really like this trade and I think we got the better players out of the deal, especially with the ailing Josh Howard who’s been injured prone for the past two seasons, who seems to not care as much nowadays about his playing ability. I did like Drew Gooden but I figured he was picked up at the beginning of the season for this exact reasoning, to trade or deal in a multi-player trade.

Caron Butler brings on a healthy starter for the Mavericks, who averages what Josh did for us before injuries started sidelining him. Haywood was the leading rebounder for the Wizards, so I already think that’s a plus. He can likely replace Dampier as our starting center, putting up good numbers and even better numbers than Dampier. He also played at UNC during college, that’s always a plus for me since that’s my college team.

So let’s hope these guys can help the Mavericks for the remainder of the season, stay healthy and give us the needed boost and confidence in the playoffs this season. Perhaps with these additions, the Mavs are the new team to beat.

Shawn Marion blocked Caron Butler’s attempted last shot of the game with 1.9 seconds left to seal the win at 94-93.

The Mavericks also came into this game with a win against the Celtics in Boston, a huge win and a big blow to one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

But he’s back and they’re hoping he will lift them out of the hole they found themselves in last year by becoming a contender once again.

The Mavericks on the other hand did some changes, added some depth to the team but also keeping the core team intact, adding some very valuable players to the roster. Marion, Thomas and Gooden all add an extra something and I feel this team will be better than last years team, which was also under a new coach. Now that they’ve played for Carlisle for a year, the Mavericks should feel a little more confident this season, Marion should pick up and work with the team with no problems.

I also think Humphries will be a hidden gem off the bench for us this season, able to grab rebounds and score from the paint. Might even be a breakout year for him if given the playing time.

Let’s just hope Howard can play like his old self, stay away from injuries, along with Tim Thomas fully recovering from his injury before preseason started, this Mavericks team can go further possibly than last year or at least put up a better fight if they get past the first round.

Nonetheless, they’ve won 7 of their last 8 match ups against the Wizards at home, I predict a win in their home opener and another 50 plus win season for this team.