Somehow fleecing your conference rival for one of their key big men, acquiring a former all-star wing and a savvy playoff tested guard all while being the defending NBA champs doesn't command the respect that one would expect.
Yet the Dallas Mavericks aren't even the leading candidate to emerge out the West in their own division.
Even though the Mavericks lost Tyson Chandler, the additions of Lamar Odom, Vince Carter and Delonte West should provide even more depth to a stacked Mavs squad. But questions arise when looking at this list a little further.
Should the Los Angeles Lakers still be considered the odds on favorite to win the West? What about Oklahoma City, with their youth and a compact schedule will the young legs rule? What about the Clippers being 7/1 odds after purging their roster for Chris Paul?
Courtesy of Bovada, here are each team's odds to win 2012 NBA Western Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers 2/1
Dallas Mavericks 4/1
Memphis Grizzlies 14/1
Portland Trailblazers 16/1
San Antonio Spurs 18/1
Denver Nuggets 30/1
Houston Rockets 35/1
Phoenix Suns 35/1
Utah Jazz 50/1
New Orleans Hornets 75/1
Sacramento Kings 75/1
For more on the Dallas Mavericks be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball.