After DeAndre Jordan letdown, Mavericks facing long odds in season ahead

The Dallas Mavericks' outlook for the 2015-16 season would've been markedly different had they managed to sign DeAndre Jordan.

Jordan would be the perfect center to line up alongside Dirk Nowitzki, anchoring the defense and adding the league's deadliest pick-and-roll finisher to a host of excellent shooters. More importantly, Jordan would've given Dallas a piece to build around for the future.

But ultimately, Jordan spurned the Mavericks for Los Angeles, leaving Dallas in a precarious position.

Dirk's star is fading

Even at age 37, Nowitzki still has plenty left in the tank. He made the All-Star Game last season and averaged 17.3 points. Given that his skill set has never been reliant on athleticism, Nowitzki should continue to age gracefully.

But age is starting to take its toll on the big German.

Despite the accolades, last season was a down year for Nowitzki. His shooting percentages dipped across the board and his defense was egregiously penetrable in the playoffs. The 7-footer is ideally suited to serve as the team's second or third option.

With Monta Ellis gone, Nowitzki will again take up the mantle of the Mavs' No. 1 scoring option. If Dallas has any hope of making the playoffs in the loaded West, it'll need Nowitzki to carry the offense, play major minutes, and stay healthy. That's a lot to ask of a 17-year veteran.

Moreover, Nowitzki is running out of years on his incredibly team-friendly contract. And while the 13-time All-Star is unlikely to leave the only NBA franchise he's ever known, the Mavericks didn't exactly do much with the cap space he created. Since winning the championship in 2011, the Mavs have failed to surround Nowitzki with the type of talent required to take another crack at a ring. Will he be so gracious as to take another discount?

How draining will the upcoming season be for Nowitzki, both physically and mentally?

Parsons could flee

Chandler Parsons emerged as a prominent figure for the Mavericks this summer. He was their lead man in recruiting free agents, wining and dining Jordan before his last-second change of heart.

Parsons will also play a prominent role on the court for Dallas, taking on more playmaking responsibilities while being expected to serve as the second option to Nowitzki.

The added spotlight couldn't have come at a better time for Parsons, who can opt out of his contact next summer. Given that the salary cap is slated to rise by almost $20 million, Parsons has every incentive to hit the market in search of a giant payday.

If the Mavericks' season goes awry, Parsons might opt for greener pastures, leaving Dallas with very little - aside from a declining Nowitzki - to build upon going forward.

Can Matthews recover?

The Mavericks are playing it smart by erring on the side of caution with Wes Matthews. Achilles injuries have doomed many careers and it would be foolish to rush their $70-million investment before he's ready.

But again, the Mavericks are operating on a short timeline. They'll need Matthews to produce, as he's replacing Ellis, who led the team in both minutes and points last season.

Granted, a fully healthy Matthews is probably better than Ellis. He can hit threes at an incredibly high volume, he can post up smaller guards, and he's a gritty wing defender. If anything, he'll be a better fit in Dallas' system.

But if history is any indication, a return to form after suffering an Achilles injury is no sure thing. For every Dominique Wilkins, there's an Elton Brand.

Matthews returning to form would give the Mavericks a complementary piece to build around for the future. But if the injury significantly derails his abilities, Matthews could become a very expensive mistake.