Dallas Mavericks Present Biggest Threat To San Antonio Spurs In Western Conference

By Nick Sciria @Nick_Sciria on September 30, 2014

San Antonio Spurs Dallas Mavericks NBA Western Conference 2015 NBA Finals

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While many NBA fans will be quick to note that the star-studded rosters of both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers will be on full display this year in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks present the biggest threat to dethrone the San Antonio Spurs.

As seen in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, the Mavericks can compete with San Antonio in a seven-game series. Now, with strong offseason additions, Dallas has positioned themselves as one of the best teams in the NBA.

This offseason, the Mavericks most notably snagged small forward Chandler Parsons away from the Houston Rockets. Parsons gives Dallas another capable perimeter scorer, and at only 25-years of age, some needed youth. A capable small forward is necessary to compete with the defending champions, as the Spurs boast a capable small forward of their own in 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

Dallas also traded for Tyson Chandler, one of best rim protectors in the NBA. Chandler, who started next to Dirk Nowitzki in the 2011 NBA Finals, demonstrated how effective the duo can be. Chandler possesses the perfect skill set to Nowitzki’s outside shooting ability, and his presence will be felt immediately. The Mavericks ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency last season, and Chandler will help correct those defensive woes.

In the 2014 NBA Playoffs, Dallas took the Spurs to seven games mainly because the Mavericks can compete with the Spurs’ veteran leadership and experience. Furthermore, head coach Rick Carlisle is one of the few coaches who can adjust to Gregg Popovich‘s tactics, another asset most teams do not have.

Though many will give the Thunder and Clippers the best chance to knock of the Spurs in the Western Conference, Dallas has the pieces to contend as well. If the Mavericks can address the losses of Vince Carter, Shawn Marion and Jose Calderon, Dallas can knock off the Spurs in the NBA Playoffs in the upcoming season.

Nicholas Sciria is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.