You'll see plenty of new faces when the Mavericks tip it up on Tuesday in their home opener against the Washington Wizards. The Mavs spent the offseason getting more athletic, adding more offensive punch and attempting to shore up their team defense.

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This is a veteran team (code for older), so good health is crucial. But a 10th consecutive 50-win season is in reach, and the versatility of the new additions should keep them in the hunt in the West.

So how will all this manifest itself come game time? Well it go a lil' summin' like this.

Adding athletes was paramount for the Mavs. The addition of Shawn Marion was the coup that really changed the complexion of this team. Even at 31, Marion is still one of the more absurdly freakish jocks in a league known for having the best athletes in the world. He plays above the rim, has the length and quickness to cover penetrating guards and is one of the best rebounding small forwards of all time.

He'll start games at the three spot, which will allow the Mavericks to slide Josh Howard to shooting guard. For a franchise that has struggled to settle on a consistent two-guard since Mike Finley, having an all-star caliber player at that position is big.

Perhaps French rookie Rodrigue Beaubois can carve out regular playing time with his burst, hops and long arms. It's a long shot, but he has the potential to make you forget Devin Harris was ever here.

And better athletes can help improve defense. Yeah, I know, defense is mostly about effort, hustle and want-to, but having the athletic ability to keep your man in front of you is just as important. You can't convince me that a guy like Steve Nash is an average defender because he doesn't put out the effort. Having the physical tools to play high-level defense is huge, and the Mavs took steps in the right direction in that regard.

This is where the new dudes make this thing shine. Drew Gooden is

a natural four, but can play center against most teams. He brings energy and a varied offensive repertoire to that position, including the ability to knock down 17-foot jumpers with consistency. So a frontcourt combo of Gooden and Dirk Nowitzki can spread the floor offensively and open up things for Marion and Howard, to take advantage of their size against other wings in the post.

With Jason Kidd as the quarterback, this lineup should be able to switch screens on the defensive end. And when they do play a team with an old-school, back-to-the-basket center, they still have Erick Dampier. He's made a nice living doing little things like taking up space in the lane and holding his ground when other posts try to get good position.

When it's time to go small, Kidd's ability to defend off-guards means you'll see lineups with Howard back at the three, and Dirk and Marion at the four and five spots. That way, Jason Terry can be a part of their most explosive offensive combo.

J.J. Barea will be the primary backup to Kidd, as well as a main cog in a three-guard lineup that gave opponents fits last year. Look for Kris Humphries, James Singleton and Tim Thomas to absorb some of the departed Brandon Bass' minutes. Those are three uniquely different guys who bring strength, energy and shooting range to that forward spot, respectively.

Rick Carlisle is known for his ability to maximize a team's potential. He has a lot of toys to play with.

The Mavs are greatly improved over last year's team. It appears on paper that LA and San Antonio are the class of the conference. If that's the case, then I see the Mavs fighting with Portland, Denver and Utah for the third and fourth spots, and first-round home-court advantage in the West. Put me down for 54 wins and a great playoff ride.Opening night

The Mavs start the regular season against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. Ticket prices vary, check ticketmaster.com. Televised on Fox Sports Southwest. Quick columnist Skin is also an analyst for the Mavericks television broadcast, and tweets basketball minutiae at twitter.com/skindoeshoops.

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