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Dallas Mavericks: 5 Takeaways from Team’s 2014-15 Media Day

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By @DSchultz89

Dallas Mavericks: 5 Takeaways From Team's 2014-2015 Media Day

Dallas Mavericks Media Day 2014-2015
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The Dallas Mavericks made great strides to turn their team into a true contender this past offseason. They acquired Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons to beef up their front court and give star forward Dirk Nowitzki more help, and you can already tell that this is the most excited that Mavs have been in quite some time about their chances to win a title. Here are five things we learned from the Mavs on media day.

5. Monta Ellis Has Reinvented Himself

Monta Ellis NBA Dallas Mavericks
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5. Monta Ellis Has Reinvented Himself

Monta Ellis NBA Dallas Mavericks
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The Dallas Mavericks took a chance last offseason and signed Monta Ellis, who turned out to be a fantastic signing and key player for them last year. Ellis now is coming into a much more comfortable situation in his second season with a coach and team who fully believes in him after last season. As long as Ellis can continue to take smart shots and not rush anything, expect another solid season from the veteran guard.

4. Their Defensive Anchor is Back

Tyson Chandler NBA defense
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4. Their Defensive Anchor is Back

Tyson Chandler NBA defense
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It was clear that after the Mavericks let Tyson Chandler go to the New York Knicks during the 2011 offseason that they were not the same team on defense. Samuel Dalembert was a serviceable center last season, but Chandler is one of the best in the league. As noted before, he must stay healthy if he wants to be effective for the Mavs, but as long as he is on the court, he will always be a lurking post presence oppositions must take seriously.

3. There Will Be Competition For the Starting Point Guard Slot

Dallas Mavericks point guards
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3. There Will Be Competition For the Starting Point Guard Slot

Dallas Mavericks point guards
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Last year's starting point guard, Jose Calderon, was dealt to the Knicks in return for the Mavs netting Tyson Chandler. Now, with Devin Harris, Raymond Felton, and Jameer Nelson all on the squad, there will be some serious competition for minutes at the point guard position. Any one of these guys could start in the league, so this is a luxury to the Mavs who will be looking forward to getting the best out of these three.

2. Chandler Parsons is Ready to Become a Superstar

Chandler Parsons NBA Dallas Mavericks
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2. Chandler Parsons is Ready to Become a Superstar

Chandler Parsons NBA Dallas Mavericks
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Parsons made it clear on his exit from the Houston Rockets that he felt like he could become a superstar in the NBA. He clearly felt Houston did not see him as this given their refusal to retain him, and this has to give him a little something to prove to his old team. Parsons is a multi-skilled player who will fit into the Mavericks' system beautifully, and it will be interesting to see if he elevates his game to superstar level status.

1. This Will Not Be Dirk Nowitzki's Last Ride

Dirk Nowitzki NBA Mavericks
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1. This Will Not Be Dirk Nowitzki's Last Ride

Dirk Nowitzki NBA Mavericks
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The 36-year-old power forward had another stellar campaign last year, and it is clear that he is still playing with some fire and passion to get back to the NBA Finals and try to win another one before he calls it a career. Now, with the best supporting cast he has had since winning the championship in 2011, expect a motivated Dirk who should be good enough to play for at least a couple more seasons.

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