2012 NBA power rankings: Dallas Mavericks in the middle of the pack

Dirk Nowitzki is sidelined, but the Dallas Mavericks have started the season with a 2-1 record, good enough to put them at No. 15 in the SB Nation's power rankings compiled by Seth Rosenthal. The Mavericks have proved to be decent without their star, good enough to beat the Lakers and Bobcats. They were, however, beaten up a bit by the Utah Jazz.

Writes Rosenthal:

Darren Collison and Rodrigue Beaubois are giving them drive-and-kick looks they couldn't even imagine during the Jason Kidd era, and beyond that, they seem well staffed with guys who can create their own shots if need be. And with no Dirk, need be.

Even with the addition of center Chris Kaman, there is a concern for Dallas on the interior. Utah's Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap beat the Mavs up in the rebounding department as the Jazz took 20 offensive rebounds away from Dallas in a 113-94 victory.

The onus will be placed on Kaman, Elton Brand and Brandan Wright to fix the troubles on the inside.

Still, things aren't so bad considering guards Collison, Beaubois and O.J. Mayo have all brought their A-game thus far in the season.