Full-court free-agent press

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Full-court free-agent press

With the most-anticipated date in the history of NBA free agency -- and perhaps the world of sports for that matter -- merely hours away, the Dallas Mavericks are preparing to put their best full-court press on the recruitment process.

Already flying Mavericks owner Mark Cuban out to Los Angeles to meet with some of the league's top-tier available talent and sending coach Rick Carlisle to meet with center Brendan Haywood, president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson is completing the off-season attack by beginning the process of courting forward Dirk Nowitzki, who is boarding a flight to Dallas from Germany on Thursday -- well aware that the first domino that must fall for a successful summer is the re-signing of the organization's all-time leading scorer.

"Dirk is our No. 1 priority. We're going to treat him as such," Nelson said. "He deserves it...If Dirk doesn't end up in Dallas, our entire world changes."

At midnight Eastern Standard Time, the free-agency process officially begins. At that precise time, Nelson hopes to be selling Nowitzki on everything that he means to the Mavericks organization, before the two meet at the star's Dallas home upon his arrival.

"We're going to be there the first possible second that we can, and we'll talk basketball and everything else that's important to Dirk...We've just got to come in with the right package and hope that everything works out."

The right package in all likelihood is a max-level contract offer, which may also include a no-trade clause for security. Whatever the case, the entire front office is behind supplying No. 41 with the right deal to keep him in Big D for the remainder of his career.

Doing so will also make the Mavericks a more attractive, would-be suitor to another free agent via a sign-and-trade deal. But before fully turning their attention to any other big-name free agents, locking up Nowitzki for years to come takes top billing.

"We might be interested in (other free agents). They might be interested in us. But let's be real, no one wants to come to a Dirk-less Dallas," Nelson said. "We know that. We have to take care of him first. He knows that, too."

Knowing that, Nelson is confident that by July 8 -- the first date that free agents can officially ink their new contracts -- Nowitzki will be on board with a return to Dallas.

That's not just Plan A, B or C. It's the only plan.

"There's no backup plan -- we're gonna get him," Nelson said. "With this, there is no 'B' plan."





For all of your coverage of the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Mavericks Mock Draft (Final Edition)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavericks Mock Draft -- Final Edition (06/23/10)

While NBA mock drafts across the internet debate over which player the Dallas Mavericks may select with the 50th pick on Thursday night, the organization's front office is confident that the right player will fall its way.

Though the entire first round and 19 more selections will pass by before the Mavericks appear on the draft board, president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson says that the team has a plan in place to bring in a difference-maker.

"The deeper you get in the draft, the more risk," Nelson said. "This draft, I think, is deep enough that we're gonna get what we want...At 50, we're not really working in an area of strength, but this is a draft of opportunity."

And according to DraftExpress.com, NBADraft.net and Hoopsworld.com, the Mavericks will have the opportunity to draft a big man. Fittingly, none of the three sites are in agreement as to which big body will hear his name called when the Mavericks' selection comes up in the second round.

DraftExpress sees the Dallas front office opting for Nemanja Bjelica, a versatile 6-10 swingman out of Serbia.

Bjelica is capable of playing three positions, ranging from point guard to small forward -- often using his tall stature and 210-pound frame to his advantage against smaller defenders in the European ranks. Most often compared to Toronto Raptors star Hedo Turkoglu -- for his ability to operate with the ball in pick-and-roll settings -- Bjelica is projected as a natural three man, though he also saw time as a power forward with his Red Star and Crvena zvezda squads in the EUROCUP and ADRIATIC leagues during the 2009-10 campaigns. Suiting up for 20 games with the Crvena zvezda team, Bjelica averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, while also collecting 2.4 steals in his 25.1 minutes of play.

Meanwhile, Hoopsworld doesn't see the Mavs testing the international waters. Instead, the basketball-driven site has the ball club from Big D going after Miami's senior standout Dwayne Collins.


Like Bjelica, Collins is a 22-year-old big man, though his game and his journey to the NBA is quite different. Despite measuring out at 6-foot-8, 232 pounds of all heart and muscle, Collins spent his collegiate career playing the power forward and center positions.

Thanks to a wingspan said to be in the 7'3" range, Collins is able to match up against bigger and taller players on the defensive end. He has also shown a nice offensive assault, often playing with his back to the basket en route to connecting on 60.4 percent from the field -- averaging 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 29 games played during the 2009-10 season.

But does his ability to bang in the paint make Collins the Mavs' man at pick No. 50?

NBADraft doesn't think so, pairing Dallas with Sudan native and three-year forward for DePaul, Nyal "Mac" Koshwal.

Koshwal was a valuable contributor in all three of his college seasons, scoring in double figures and increasing both his scoring average and rebounding numbers each year. Before exiting the amateur ranks as a junior, the 6-9, 250-pounder averaged a double-double -- scoring 16.1 points and grabbing 10.1 rebounds in 34.9 minutes a game.

Noted for his strength, soft hands and the ability to create a shot in the painted area while facing the basket, Koshwal could be a valuable plug-in at the post positions.

But Nelson and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban haven't confessed that they are leaning in any directions.

"We've got 1,000 different scenarios, none of which will probably happen," Nelson said, keeping the team's cards close to the chest.

The two also haven't dismissed making a deal to move up into the first round, working the phones vigorously with other front office execs in search of the best deal available.

"We're all (all 30 teams) talking to each other," Nelson said.

For all of your coverage of the NBA Draft and the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Mavericks Mock Draft #2

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavericks Mock Draft #2 (06/10/10)

In just two weeks the newest member of the Dallas Mavericks' family will hear his name called with the 50th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. The Inside Report gives you a sneak peak at whose name you may hear.

Last week, the "Mavericks Mock Draft" series narrowed in on two big men that the Mavs might be eyeing. Thanks to two of the most-trusted mock draft sites on the internet, DraftExpress.com and Hoopsworld.com, we learned the names of Derrick Caracter and Dwayne Collins. But it's Caracter's name that is resurfacing a week later.

After Hoopsworld had the Mavericks taking Collins -- a 6-8, 243-pound power forward out of Miami -- they've seemed to have joined DraftExpress on Caracter's bandwagon a week later.

Caracter, a forward-center combination who split his collegiate career at Louisville and UTEP, is a wide body with a finesse post game. At 6-foot-9, 275 pounds, the junior showed plenty of growth in his three years at the college level.

Despite missing 16 games in 2006-07 due to off-the-court issues, Caracter showed promise as a freshman at Louisville when he averaged 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 13.3 minutes a game. By his junior campaign, after transferring to UTEP, he had lived up to his potential.

With 2009-10 marks of 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, Caracter earned Second Team All-Conference USA and NABC First Team All-District honors. His 56.7 shooting percentage was second-best in the conference and ranked 16th nationally.

But are those impressive numbers enough to bring Caracter to Big D? Here's what Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle says the team looks for when evaluating talent:

"There are certain things that everybody is looking for -- strength, athleticism, length, shooting ability, the ability to drive the ball. We're going to be looking for all those elements that would enhance our core group."


That may mean that the Mavs go in a completely different direction. That's exactly what NBADraft.net has the team doing, saying that small forward Darington Hobson out of New Mexico could be Dallas' selection.

Measuring out at 6-7, 210 pounds, Hobson is the prototype for a three man at the NBA level. The left-hander utilized his versatility to average 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals a game during his junior year. The do-everything Houston native also knocked down 36.1 percent from behind the 3-point arch.

After transferring from the College of Eastern Utah, Hobson picked up Mountain West Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year honors in his only season with the Lobos. The Associated Press also named the swingman to the Third Team All-American squad, after notably becoming the first player in New Mexico school history to score 500 points, grab 300 rebounds and dish out 150 assists in a season.

Despite joining Ohio State's Evan Turner -- the projected No. 2 or No. 3 pick on most draft boards -- as the only players in Div. I to average more than 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists a game, Hobson is expected to fall to the second round. If he falls far enough, the Mavs may just be waiting to scoop him up.

"Anything we can do to improve the team -- to improve the elements to enhance our entire situation -- we're going to do it," Carlisle said.

The "Mavericks Mock Draft" series continues every Thursday leading up to the NBA Draft on June 24. For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Putting the 'D' in Big D

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Putting the 'D' in Big D

As the last two teams standing duke it out in the NBA Finals, it's easy to see why defense is what wins championships. Though the Dallas Mavericks made strides in that department this season, if they are to take a title trip next year, then their ticket will be defense.

The Mavericks came into the 2009-10 campaign with a defense-first mentality. Despite struggles offensively, the renewed focus on defense seemed to lead to much success in the early stage of the season, leading forward Dirk Nowitzki to say this:

"I'm actually surprised by our defense. Overall, the consistency defensively has been pretty impressive. That was our goal coming into the season, to be a better defensive team -- compete harder and hold teams in the low 40s (shooting percentage). We did that a bunch of times, so that's actually been impressive.

"As our offense gets better, we don't want to take steps back defensively. We want to keep our defensive intensity at the same level and just get better offensively. We don't want to trade defense for offense."

But trading defense for offense is exactly what the Mavericks did through the ladder part of the season.

By season's end, the Mavericks proved to be just a middle-of-the-pack defensive team. Ranking 15th in the league in points allowed, surrendering 99.28 points per game, the Mavericks often traded baskets with their opposition -- something that would catch up with the 11th-best scoring team in the league (102.0 ppg) when it mattered most.

With the Dallas offense not at its best, the Mavericks' defense was unable to withstand the potent attack of the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs -- losing in six games to their Southwest Division rivals. San Antonio's 46 percent shooting against the Dallas defense in the series proved to be the difference, as the Mavs connected on just 43 percent at the other end.

Still, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle feels that his squad can be a top-tier defensive unit, after seeing glimpses of how well the team can execute when protecting its own basket.

"The improvements in our team this year have been more about better things we're doing at the defensive end, and we have to stick with that," Carlisle said. "Shot-making can come and go, but your defense can hold you in games and give you a chance to win if you're not making it."

Now, as the Mavericks scout potential prospects before selecting someone with the 50th overall pick in the Draft on June 24, the front office is eyeing a player that can do more than just shoot the ball through the bottom of the net. The next Mav will be asked to do much more than just score.

"Whoever is on the floor has got to give us great effort and they have to bring to the table what they do -- if it's a shooter or driver or whatever. But everyone on the floor has got to give us defense," Carlisle said.

For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Commissioner Stern holds court

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Commissioner Stern holds court

Thursday evening, Commissioner David J. Stern addressed the world with his "State of the NBA" address, saying that there's no better time to be a fan of the game of basketball. The Inside Report breaks down what the league's head man had to say.

Since 1984, Commissioner Stern has governed the highest level of basketball, growing the game globally and bringing its fan base closer than it has ever gotten to the league's superstars. With the game's most-storied rivalry on display in the NBA Finals, the Draft just three weeks away and free-agency looming, Stern says the sport has reached a new high.

"This is about as good a time as any to be an NBA fan," Stern said when he addressed the media before Game 1 of the Finals.

On the agenda for the league's fourth commissioner were the usual hot topics -- the summer of free agency, financial concerns for each franchise and the entertainment value of games. But Stern made it clear to the Association's worldwide audience that when it comes to cost-efficient entertainment, no one does it as well as the Dallas Mavericks and owner Mark Cuban.

"Our teams have been working hard to have family nights that include not only tickets but hot dogs, soda and the like. And we're working very hard to make our games affordable to groups. I know in Dallas, that's a $2 ticket, sometimes a $5 ticket -- certainly a $10 ticket. We have (affordable ticket prices) all over the NBA."

After giving the Mavericks' front office a shout-out, Stern went on to reassure fans in their various hometowns that pending free agents will not be collectively meeting and consulting with each other in what has been rumored as a "free-agent summit."

"There is no free-agent summit...Our players talk to each other all the time," the commissioner explained. "They were talking to each other on Team USA (national team). They talk to each other when they have their meeting -- I think they have a meeting every year around our draft. I've been assured at the highest level that there is no summit. But I would expect our players to talk to one another and we don't have a problem with that. If some kind of tampering is implicated, I will have a later and different view. But we're not expecting that."

And while media members and the league's faithful followers await July 1 and the start of the free-agent frenzy, Stern has his eyes on the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The current agreement between the Board of Governors and Players Association -- which introduced the current salary cap and revenue sharing plan -- runs to an end in the summer of 2011.

"I would say it's No. 1 on our agenda," Stern said. "I'm not sure we'll get it done this summer, but we have until July 1, 2011. It's going to be a very high priority."

For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Mavericks Mock Draft #1

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavericks Mock Draft #1 (04/03/10)

With the 2010 NBA Draft just three weeks away, the Inside Report goes scouring through the most trusted mock drafts across the internet for insight into what direction the Dallas Mavericks may be looking to go with the 50th overall selection.

Sitting 20 picks into the second round, the Mavericks are scouting the college ranks and the international basketball circuit for a difference-maker. But for a squad loaded with talent -- from future Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd to first-year guard Rodrigue Beaubois -- what hole do the Mavs look to fill?

"The good thing is that we've got some good, young, exciting pieces -- coupled with the experience of Dirk and Jason," president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson said. "We feel like with a couple of additions, we'll be right back in the thick of things next year."

But after sending one second-round pick (the 57th overall selection) to Indiana on Wednesday -- a task the front office had to do either this summer or next year -- the Mavericks only have the No. 50 pick to add a newcomer.

DraftExpress.com has the Mavericks going after a big man, specifically Derrick Caracter out of UTEP. The 6-9, 265-pounder is capable of playing both the power forward and center positions, averaging 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds during his junior season.

Caracter, an interior post presence noted for his skill level, is highly-regarded for his ability to score in an array of ways. Despite his big frame, Caracter is noted for his great "finesse game," showcasing that he is capable of scoring with both hands around the basket. He is also said to be a great offensive rebounder. All of which could be used to bolster the Mavs' front line.

"There are certain things that everybody is looking for -- strength, athleticism, length, shooting ability, the ability to drive the ball. We're going to be looking for all those elements that would enhance our core group," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said.


Those attributes also fit Miami senior Dwayne Collins, who Hoopsworld.com has on Dallas' radar.

Like Caracter, Collins spent his collegiate days playing at the power forward and center positions. At 6-foot-8, a muscular Collins was a load in the paint for college opponents. Though he would naturally be considered too undersized to play the five spot -- weighing in at 232 pounds -- his wingspan is said to be 7'3", giving Collins the ability to match up against bigger, stronger and taller players.

Averaging 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 29 games played in the 2009-10 season, Collins showed an ability to play with his back to the basket. The 22-year-old also shot an extraordinary 60.4 percent from the field during his senior year, making him a more than adequate, young contributor for a veteran Mavericks' frontcourt.

"Anything we can do to improve the team -- to improve the elements to enhance our entire situation -- we're going to do it," Carlisle said.

And improving the team is what the Mavericks will be out to do when they use their one and only pick in the draft on June 24.

The "Mavericks Mock Draft" series continues every Thursday leading up to the NBA Draft. For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Can the Mavs find their guy in the 2nd Round?

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Can the Mavs find their guy in the 2nd Round?

A two-day stint of wheeling and dealing brought the Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Rodrigue Beaubois in last year's NBA Draft. Now, with the Mavericks completely out of the first round, is the organization content with staying pat in search of a second-round steal?

No one knew for certain what the Mavericks had up their sleeves when they moved down just a day before the 2009 Draft, sending the 22nd selection to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the No. 24 spot, the 56th pick and the worst of Portland's second-round picks this year.

"(The trade) will give us added flexibility for the future," president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson said after making the deal.

The Mavs certainly had a plan.

After selecting center B.J. Mullens with the 24th selection, Dallas acquired Beaubois from the Oklahoma City Thunder, once the I-35 rival picked the French point guard on behalf of the Mavericks with the No. 25 pick. The transaction also brought back a future second-round pick Dallas' way, but it was Beaubois who was on the Mavs' radar the whole time. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle broke down the team's thinking:

"We had targeted Beaubois as the guy that we wanted. He is a player that has dynamic athleticism. He has an unbelievable wingspan. He's a 6-2 guy with a 6-10 wingspan and high energy. And with the season being as long as it is, guys that can provide energy are really important."


The former French League product brought his coach's forecast to fruition, appearing in 56 regular-season games and starting 16 times en route to averaging 7.1 points and 1.0 assists. Beaubois also showed glimpses of greatness, including his 40-point explosion against Golden State on March 27, setting a career-high and justifying the moves that the Mavericks' front office made to bring in the young guard.

"(Beaubois) is going to be a guy that is going to be an important player for this franchise," Carlisle said.

A year after acquiring one budding star, the Mavericks prepare to look for yet another diamond in the rough. However, as things currently stand, 49 selections will pass by before the Mavericks even get the opportunity to call up their next gem.

With just the 50th pick, after sending the 57th spot to Indiana, the Mavs will be looking to add young, untapped talent into the fold. But scouting unheralded players in the second round is a science.

"There are certain things that everybody is looking for -- strength, athleticism, length, shooting ability, the ability to drive the ball. We're going to be looking for all those elements that would enhance our core group," Carlisle said.

Past history also says that if a chance to move up presents itself, the Mavs will take full advantage of the opportunity.

"Anything we can do to improve the team -- to improve the elements to enhance our entire situation -- we're going to do it," Carlisle said.

For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.