The record-setting crowd at Cowboys Stadium during the NBA All-Star Game hogged the headlines, but the announcement of the Mavs/Wizards trade was the best part of last weekend--a trade putting them back into contender status. The Mavericks have been terrible this season defending the paint due to Erick Dampier’s bum knees and lack of depth at center. The arrival of big-bodied Brendan Haywood instantly knocks the Mavericks interior defense up a level. He’s tough and physical. He will alter shots and muscle in for tough rebounds. The acquisition of Caron Butler gives Dallas a true secondary scorer and perimeter defender. Butler has the ability to score when he’s played one-on-one so opposing defenses can’t focus in on just Dirk Nowitzki. Everyone headed to the Mavericks has that toughness label attached to their names. Kobe Bryant told the Mavs what to expect from his former teammate Caron Butler: “You’re going to love him. I hate to say that, but you guys are going to absolutely love him. You put him on a contender and I’m telling you, you’re going to love him. And he’s tough as nails, too.”

Upcoming Opponents:
2/19 at Orlando Magic – The favorite to win the Eastern Conference loves to play Western contenders. They’ll be up for this one.

2/20 vs Miami Heat – The Mavs should beat the Heat at home, but anything is possible when Dywane Wade is an opponent.

2/22 vs Indiana Pacers – The Pacers’ 18-34 record at the All-Star break is their worst mark since they were 11-35 during the 1988-89 season. ‘Nuff said.

2/24 vs Los Angeles Lakers – The Mavericks won’t be at full speed with Butler and Haywood still learning the ropes but it’s still going to be fun to watch.

My prediction for this stretch: 3-1