5 reasons Dallas Mavericks can win the NBA Finals

5. Dirk Nowitzki

When you look at how the Mavericks won the NBA Finals in 2011 there really is only one name you can point to for being the reason. In his 2011 playoff run Nowitzki averaged 27 points and eight boards to go with 48 percent shooting from the floor, 46 percent from three, and 94 percent from the free throw line. He averaged 27 points and 9.7 boards in the NBA Finals on his way to being named the finals MVP.

Getting back to that level may be a bit of a stretch for Nowitzki, considering he is now 37 years old, and during the regular season shot 37 percent from three and averaged only 17.3 points per game. However, just last year he did raise his regular season play and went from averaging 18 points per game in the regular season to 21 points per game in the playoffs.

He may need to raise his game a bit higher, as that ended in a first round exit, but it is humanly possible. Nowitzki is to the age where he knows the number of playoff games left in his career is dwindling.

He has no idea if this will be his last chance to win a title, as the team doesn’t really have a young core or an attractive player to bring in a big name free agent right now. Parsons has also hinted he will leave this summer, but one way to convince him to come back would be a long run led by a star like Nowitzki.

It would be a surprise from the 37-year old superstar, but he has shocked the world before. If anyone is going to carry this team it is Nowitzki, and he shouldn’t be counted out quite yet for it.

Next: Rick Carlisle