Q: Inspired by the Raptors, I did a little research on trying to determine the N.B.A.’s “biggest underdog champion.” I swear I went in without any expectations for how this would turn out, but there’s a case for the 2010-11 Mavericks as the biggest underdog champs depending on the factors you consider. My criteria were basically preseason odds (expectations before the season), round-by-round playoff series odds (expectations at actual playoff time), quality of opponent defeated and the team’s success before and after winning the championship. The other real obvious choices are the 1994-95 Rockets (but they were defending champions and traded for Clyde Drexler at midseason) and the 2003-04 Pistons (who were very good for years to come after they won and added Rasheed Wallace at midseason). My thoughts are here, but I’m curious how you would break it down — Roland Beech (Monterey, Calif.)