For the most part, the Mavs have gotten a pass for their inconsistent play this season, as most national pundits have been willing to wait and see how they look when they have everyone healthy.

However, with the season already a quarter over, it's fair to wonder how much help Dirk Nowitzki can bring to a team who can't rebound or play defense and has no other shot-creators on their roster besides OJ Mayo.

Over at the SB Nation mothership, Seth Rosenthal puts Dallas at No. 22 in his latest power rankings:

22	Dallas Mavericks	11-13	15	W: SAC; L: @BOS, @TOR, @MIN	Mavs Moneyball
An O-fer on a three-game road trip did not make for a pleasant week . The Mavs have just been giving possessions way with ample turnovers and so, so many offensive rebounds surrendered.

Unfortunately, the schedule only gets worse for Dallas form here, as they are set to begin a brutal two-week stretch with games against the 76ers, Heat, Grizzlies, Spurs, Thunder and Nuggets.

If they aren't careful, they're going to be in too deep a hole to dig out of when their superstar PF does return to the court.