Merely A Pat Hand!

Later this afternoon in the 2 o clock hour we will know about the fates of many a player in the NBA. Any thoughts of a major trade or shakeup appears unlikely from where this reporter sits due to the constraints of what the NBA and NBA players agreed to in Collective Bargaining speak back in 2011. 

Be that as it may this may not be an issue at all for the Dallas Mavericks. They know the drill and they know the deal. 30 games left, actually 29 after an impressive win over an unimpressive Orlando Magic team Tuesday night 111-96.

Dallas may be holding the best kept secret weapon. One in which no one has even mentioned the Jet. Maybe that's because this 6th man has been successful in keeping everything and everyone grounded. Move over Jerimy Lin. Vinsanity in 2013 continues to be a shining light in a season of hopeless for the Dallas Mavericks.

The stories of dismantling have been well chronicled here in Dallas. When you consider the loss of a Chris Kaman due to a concussion and the newer efforts by one Mike James and then add the wonderful variable of Vince Carter in the paint on the low post or behind the arc hitting the death dagger on an opponent, that is reason enough to not do a damn thing at this trade deadline. 

Mavs fans will know soon enough if there will be money saved or spent for the playoffs in two months. After this current stretch of four games (fresh off a one week respite) with the Magic, Hornets, Lakers, and Grizzlies comes the real test. 8 of 9 on the road. At worst a 5-4 record in that span. Anything less you can start talking about lottery picks and next year.

Look, for all the whining and pining and defending over another Texas team that has won but one playoff game in 17 years maybe it makes sense to miss the playoffs for one year after 12 straight appearances. Fans will come to realize just how good they have had it with the teams, the games, and the ownership. You reach the top of the proverbial mountain and then you have tough front office decisions to make.

In Mark Cuban's defense he will always be one to spot the trend, ponder the liability and roll the dice. If my boss gave me 12 straight years of consistent success in the name of one off year due to the economics or lack of availability thereof there have been enough skins on the wall accrued in my view.

This Mavericks team of 2012-2013 knew what it had when it started the season. Nobody really had any expectations except for an honest effort nightly. For the most part that has happened.

Vince Carter is the very reason the Mavericks need not do anything on this day. Like a game of poker you've been dealt five cards that equal a nice ace high flush. Few things defeat that deck. Next year's deal may get sweeter in addition to the new pieces already in place with Brandan Wright and Jae Crowder. Stand pat! It's good enough to play.

"You've got to get traction and get stops to be the kind of team we want to be. In the fourth quarter we showed we can do it. Now we've got to bring it to the whole game and be able to sustain it. That's a challenge we're going to keep embracing."

Rick Carlisle has a proven history of making incredible lemonade dishes with the lemons he has been given here, in Detroit, and in Indiana to the tune of over 500 wins. Coach may not reach the #8 or 7 seed for this season. The seeds in place for 2013-2014 will be ready to grow a newer, healthier, and more potentially driven crop for a proven leader and motivator.

Lets get to New Orleans and get a win. Ditto Los Angeles. Didn't we do exactly that last November? One game at a time.

Dallas can be in this race until the end. Some chases are worth watching and sticking around for.

Stay put Mark. You can make it.

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will