All twelve guys on the Mavericks roster were essential to winning the Championship. There have been other squads that play great team basketball. And there have been other teams that use lots of players. But I can't remember any team that actually used everybody and needed the entire roster.

Chandler, Dirk, Jet, Barea, Stevenson, Kidd, Marion. Everybody knows what these guys bring to the Mavericks.

Without Peja, do the Mavs beat Portland? His contributions versus Lakers were epic. Too slow for last two series, but earned his money early.

Haywood - great backup center

Mahiami - really good 3rd string center. He held down the fort versus Heat while Chandler rested. The fact that he wasn't horrible allowed Chandler to play aggressive defense. Sank 2 big buckets in Game 6

Brewer - He was the reason the Mavericks won Game 1 in Los Angeles. Carlisle put him in because Mavs were lifeless and getting clobbered. He sparked team with 3 great plays on both sides of court. If Mavs don't have comeback in Game 1, that series is completely different.

Cardinal - When you frustrate Wade and Lebron, you are doing something right. He also single-handedly shut up the entire world's media and made Carlisle look like a genius.

At certain times in game 6, it was shocking to see our roster and realize the Mavs were beating the Heat in a must-win desperation game.

Thats amazing. Each one of those bench guys could make an argument that they were absolutely needed to keep going in the playoffs. I can't believe Brewer only played in that one game, and his contributions arguably saved the whole playoff run. EDIT: I forgot Brewer played a little against Portland as well. And Mahinmi waits until the very last game to come up huge.

All goes back to the coaching staff pushing the right buttons

[This message has been edited by InternetFan02 (edited 6/14/2011 9:15a).]