The Dallas Mavericks lost in the second round to the Denver Nuggets in the 09' playoffs.
This time the Mavs weren't the favorites but the under dogs - which they are not familiar in being.
The Mavs have fallen back the last couple seasons - they were once the frontrunner in the West but now have become an average team.
In 06, the Mavs were up two games on the Miami Heat then lost 4 games in a row.
The Mavs did rebound a season later with a outstanding record of 67-15, only to lose in the first round.
The Mavs plays in a very tough Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, the improving Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets.
In the 08-09' there were 6 teams in the West with more then 50 wins - this upcoming season should be no different.
Mark Cuban is a very unique owner in that he is seen just as much as his players are.
Whether this hurts or helps his team win basketball games is uncertain - what is does show is that he cares a great deal about his team and tries to do what's best for them.
Mark Cuban can't suit up and play any games for the Mavs - what he can do is write big check and bring quality players to the team.
Shawn Marion has been on a few teams as of late but hopefully he can find success on the Mavs.
Marion is a very good player who should give the Mavs another scoring threat.
The Lakers are the favorite once again to win the West, but things can change, players can get hurt, teams that were once good the previous season aren't so much the next, many things can happen.
The Mavs hope they will rise again to the top of the West, but it won't be easy.