Drew Gooden and Dallas: In the span of three weeks, the Mavs went from having Marcin Gortat and Shawn Marion as shiny new additions in what looked like a promising Western Conference contender … to losing Gortat and trying to save face by inking Drew Gooden to replace the departed Brandon Bass. Gooden’s mostly known for his outlandish facial hair and rebounding prowess – think Scot Pollard. The Mavs ideal look will be speed without size – Dirk, Marion, Howard, Kidd, and JT. We’ll probably peg them 5th in the West behind (in no order): LA, San Antonio, Portland, and Denver. We’ll reserve judgment on the Jazz until the Boozer situation is finalized. [Dallas Morning News]