February 20, 2008 Throughout the 2007-08 regular season, Hornets.com will be chatting with writers from other NBA websites to obtain unique insights on the Hornets’ opposition, prior to home games at the New Orleans Arena. With the Hornets hosting Dallas at 7 p.m. Wednesday, we interviewed Wes Cox of the Dallas fan website Mavsmoneyball.com.

Three days after squaring off in the All-Star Game in New Orleans, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd return – this time as teammates.

Hornets.com: What impact do you see Jason Kidd making on the Mavericks following the blockbuster trade?
Cox: He’s such a different player than Devin Harris that I can barely imagine how things will change. The Mavs have played a very isolation-heavy offense under Avery Johnson, but to really take advantage of what Kidd brings, I think we’ll see that start to change. Teams had started to double- and triple-team Dirk on most possessions, so hopefully Kidd’s presence can scare teams out of that. Time will tell...

Hornets.com: What’s been the most pleasant surprise of 2007-08 so far for the Mavericks?
Cox: This is an easy one. It’s ex-Hornet, Brandon Bass. He has gone from a non-roster invite to a vital rotation player. He’s also unlike any player the Mavs had on the roster last season – he can guard positions 3-5 and is a tough post presence on both ends of the floor.

Hornets.com: What’s been the biggest disappointment?
Cox: Just the inconsistency. The Mavs’ players have been public that this regular season is all about getting ready for the postseason, and it shows a little too much at times. Their focus for the “small” games just hasn’t been there. You don’t have to look any farther than their 12-11 record vs. the Eastern Conference to see that.

Hornets.com: Who’s been the Mavericks’ MVP in the first half of the season?
Cox: Dirk is having his worst year from three-point range since his rookie year. His scoring and his rebounding are slightly down. His turnovers are slightly up. He’s having his worst year from the free-throw line since 2001. And he’s still the best and most valuable player on the team – without question.

Hornets.com: Who’s been the biggest “unsung hero?”
Cox: Besides the aforementioned Bass, it’s hard to say. Eddie Jones and Devean George haven’t been able to stay healthy. Juwan Howard appears to be an emergency-only player. Trenton Hassell never even got a fair shot before getting shipped off to Jersey, and Gana Diop had seemingly fallen out of favor with Avery and had seen his minutes reduced. The Mavs’ once famous depth has become a bit of weakness, and the Kidd trade only heightens those concerns.

Hornets.com: What is the Mavericks’ primary objective in the second half of the season?
Cox: Their goal all season has been to play their best basketball going into the postseason. That time is quickly approaching and they now have the extra burden of getting accustomed to new teammates at the same time. It’s time to stop taking games off and ramp up for what is hopefully a much longer postseason run.