Pre-season game #2

[Winter]

I think Max is the starter at this point... and I suspect PJ will also start. PJ was very active on both sides of the ball.

The big take-away for me is that this is a much faster pace than anything we've seen in years past. Sometimes it's a little erratic, but this a young group with good depth. The defense was very active unlike the last game. I think on most nights, we'll be a better shooting team too. Houston was tough, but we generally matched them.

As of right now, Risacher needs minutes to correct his speed. That's why I don't think he starts. He's too wound up and out-of-control. But in both games he settled down after a few minutes and played well. Larea will be a solid backup PG this year, but injuries to this group could be a problem.

Powell's role has changed. It's very interesting. He'll get minutes to help massage the offense and get people organized. I can see how that might work with him.

I don't see the Mavs losing games because of a lack of talent or depth. They may struggle to play coherently, but they don't look like a team that's going to lose for a lack of effort either. The PG position is tricky and we're going to have to hope for good health.