Grading the Mavs

With the season now almost a third of the way through, lets grade your 2013-14 Dallas Mavericks players based on their contributions to date.

Dejaun Blair- B: Despite being vertically limited, Blair plays extremely hard and is among the best offensive rebounders in the league. His play has been rewarded with increasing minutes and the starting center role for now.

Jose Calderon- B+: His play has been as advertized. Great outside shooter who takes care of the basketball. Struggles defensively but massive upgrade at the point guard position from last year to say the least.

Vince Carter- D: Has been quite the struggle so far for the former Half-Man-Half Amazing. His shot has abandoned him  and hasn't done enough elsewhere to make up for it.

Jae Crowder- C: Started off the season red-hot shooting threes, but has been ice cold ever sense. Good defender but offensive limitations keep him from more of an expanded role.

Samuel Dalemebert- C-: Started off the season fine, but hasn't been the same since being benched for missing a shootaround. Maybe reduction in playing time will get the message across.

Wayne Ellington- D+: Supposed to give the Mavs shooting off the bench, but hasn't shot the ball well and as a result has fallen out of the rotation.

Monta Ellis- A-: Basically has been a best case scenario so far. Has given the team a penatrator and explosive scorer that it has lacked seemingly forever. Most encouraging has been how great a fit he has been playing with Dirk.

Devin Harris- Inc.: Should hopefully see action by either the end of this month or the beginning of January. Will give the team a boost as the first guard off the bench, especially with his attacking ability and defense.

Bernard James- C+: Gives the team a decent option when needed as a big body. You could do worse for an end of the bench guy.

Shane Larkin- B-: Getting a late start on the season has hurt, but has shown flashes of potential that makes you think he can be a valuable contributor for years to come.

Ricky Ledo- Inc.: Is currently in the D-League where he needs to be right now to get playing time. Still a long ways away, but you can see potential there.

Shawn Marion: B: Has continued to be his reliable, underrated self. Still the Mavs' best defender and has even re-found his 3 point shot from his days in Phoenix.

Gal Mekel- C: Has shown some signs of possibly being a solid backup, but lack of a outside shot and elite athleticism has hurt him,
as he has fallen behind Larkin in the point guard pecking order.

Dirk Nowitzki- A: Has returned to form after last year's injury-plagued season. Playing with Ellis has only rejuvenated him, and  barring injury we should still see #41 playing at a high-level for a number of seasons to come.

Brandan Wright- Inc.: If his season debut Saturday was any indicator, Wright should see the bulk of the minutes at the center position for the remainder of the season. Should be able to thrive playing alongside the Dirk and Monta combo.