Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has insisted that a number of the franchise's players have something to prove this season.

The Mavericks failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 12 years last season and Cuban believes that should encourage the team to perform better when the new campaign begins later this month.

"People talk about the last year of a contract, it's just as good to have guys with something to prove," Cuban told reporters. "And we got a lot of guys with something to prove who are team guys and willing to buy into the season.

"We needed certain guys to step up last year, and they didn't.

"Now I think we got guys who are little more established in what they do, and I think that helps. When you talk to our guys that have been here, the first thing they'll say is we got some talent and we got some depth."

Cuban bought a majority ownership in the Mavericks in 2000.