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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Ramping up for the Draft and free agency
June is an interesting month for every NBA team.
Only two squads are playing in the Finals. Meanwhile, 28 other organizations are sitting at home in front of the tube like everyone else -- with their minds on the upcoming Draft and the most-discussed summer of free agency in league history. All are hoping to hoist up the Larry O'Brien trophy around this same time next year. The Dallas Mavericks are no different.
After the Mavericks' first-round playoff exit in six games to the San Antonio Spurs, the team immediately turned its attention to a busy and hectic summer. From making a push to bring in a top-tier free agent to re-signing in-house free-agents-to-be, the Mavs' front office figures to be very active in the coming months.
"We're working on a lot of things...We have a lot of things in the works," president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson simply would say in regard to the organization's summer plans.
But Nelson and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban have made it clear that they are willing to do whatever it takes to build a title contender in Big D. With a competitive spirit, Cuban and Nelson are actively exploring all options to help the Mavs reach their ultimate goal.
"Both Mark and management are determined to do whatever we have to do," Nelson said.
And while the Mavericks are sure to put on their best full-court press to attract a big-name free agent, they're also not overlooking the Draft, which sits a little over three weeks away.
With no first-round pick, the organization is hopeful that they can find two steals in the second round. Armed with the 50th and 57th selections, the Mavericks are looking for young, talented players capable of stepping in and contributing -- players that can line up alongside future Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, while also building a bond with first-year standout Rodrigue Beaubois and four-year guard J.J. Barea.
"The good thing is that we've got some good, young, exciting pieces -- coupled with the experience of Dirk and Jason (Kidd). We feel like with a couple of additions, we'll be right back in the thick of things next year," Nelson said.
But drafting in the second round can best be described as a "crapshoot," often times leading teams to select players that are looked at as projects with potential. With a veteran core and emerging youth in the backcourt, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle understands that the team is not looking to re-tool. Instead, the coach would like to bring in players with upside that can be a part of the team's future plans, while also lending a helping hand during a championship run next year.
"We've got to understand that this is something that's not going to happen over night," Carlisle said. "There's going to be growing pains, there's going to be ups and downs, but we're going to be steadfast in how we approach it."
With that said, the Mavericks have circled June 24 (the night of the NBA Draft) and July 1 (the start of free agency) on their calender.
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Run, Caron, run
Playing in just 27 regular-season games with the Dallas Mavericks, Caron Butler completed a crash course in transition basketball. The eight-year veteran learned that in order to be effective in Dallas' run-and-gun offense, he simply has to run. Point guard Jason Kidd will do the rest.
After the seven-player trade that brought Butler to Big D from the Washington Wizards on Feb. 13, the traditional small forward had to make an adjustment to playing at the shooting guard spot. More importantly, Butler had to learn that playing alongside Kidd means running the length of the court and creating fast-break offense.
"We're a running team," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "We have Jason Kidd. We are always better when we don't call plays or don't have to call plays."
Playing with little to no practice time with his new lead guard and teammates, Butler was forced to adjust on the fly upon his arrival in Dallas. But Kidd made the adjustment seemingly seamless, helping Butler along by creating easy scoring opportunities for the swingman in transition. The result was a 13-game winning streak for the Mavs from Feb. 17 to March 10, leading the two-time All-Star to say this:
"We're just playing basketball -- it's like pickup game style. We're just getting the ball to the floor general (Kidd), just getting to spots and he's finding us."
Though Butler's scoring average with the Mavs slipped to 15.2 points per game, after averaging 16.9 points in his 47 games for Washington, he slowly became more comfortable as the playoffs approached.
"My teammates just told me to be myself," Butler explained. "Don't try to do too much, just be myself."
"With a talent like that, you want him being aggressive -- make or miss," Kidd said of Butler's early struggles.
The former Connecticut standout then broke through in the postseason, averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals in the Mavs' first-round series defeat in six games to the San Antonio Spurs. No. 4 says it is just a preview of what he will do nightly next season.
"I hit a nice stride in the playoffs, and I was finding out what was expected of me and what my role was. I look forward to seeing what's going to happen next year," Butler said.
With some level of familiarity with Kidd and his new surroundings, albeit just 33 games worth, Butler now sees the Mavericks competing for a title next season.
"Over here in Dallas, the goal is to win a championship," Butler said. "We're building something, and we're getting adjusted to each other and acquitted with each other on the fly. It's still a work in progress, but we're definitely doing a good job on the fly."
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - A dominant Dampier
Nagging injuries plagued Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier this season, limiting his impact in the interior. With those injuries now in the 7-footer's rearview mirror, No. 25 vows to come into next season ready to make up for lost time.
When the 2009-10 season began, Dampier seemed on pace to set new career marks. Dampier recorded three double-doubles within the Mavericks' first seven games, including a 14-point, 20-rebound night against the Houston Rockets, in a 121-103 win on Nov. 10.
"(Dampier) was great. He was not only a presence around the basket, he was a force. The numbers are monster numbers," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said after the big man's domination inside.
The performance came after Dampier was left off of the ballot for Western Conference All-Star voting. It prompted Dampier's teammate Jason Terry to say this:
"It was disappointing not to see him on that ballot, but I promise if he continues to work hard and do the things that he's doing for this team, then he will be an All-Star."
But an illness slowed Dampier later in the month of November. And in the second half of the season, it was an open dislocated right middle finger and a left knee effusion that sidelined the former Mississippi State standout.
Now, after undergoing a successful minor arthroscopic procedure to clean out debris in his left knee on May 11, Dampier is expected to make a full recovery. That gives the man in the middle much encouragement that the he can return to the form that he displayed in the early going this season.
"I think the biggest goal in mind is the championship," Dampier said. "So, I'm just going to go out there and play the way that I've been playing and try to help us win games."
Appearing in 55 games and starting 47 times, the 14-year veteran averaged 6.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. But his spot as the team's first-string five man is now a shared responsibility, after the Mavericks picked up fellow 7-footer Brendan Haywood in a seven-player trade with Washington on Feb. 13.
The two big bodies split the load, with Carlisle utilizing each player depending on the matchup with the opposition's post players. "I've talked to both (Dampier) and Haywood about starting," Carlisle said. "Hey, they're a team...We have a lot of options. It's one of the things that you can view as a downside, because there are tough decisions sometimes. But I don't mind it. I like having a lot of good players and a lot of guys that are capable."
The healthy competition doesn't bother Dampier either, after completing his sixth season with the Mavs. Instead, he is looking at how he can help the team contend for a championship. For Dampier, that starts with concentrating on rebounding and anchoring the Dallas defense.
"We just have to make up our minds to go out there and get the job done," Dampier said. "We know what we have to do. It's going to be a team effort, and we just have to go out there and stop guys and get rebounds.
"We feel like if we go out there and play the way we've been playing -- play hard, get stops, get rebounds -- we're capable of beating anybody."
Meanwhile, the coach is hopeful that Dampier can return to the dominance that he flashed glimpses of early in 2009.
"We need him," Carlisle said. "He's obviously a big part of our team."
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Eddie the enforcer
Heart and hustle. Those are two attributes the Dallas Mavericks knew they were going to get from big man Eduardo Najera when the team brought him back to Big D. He later proved that he provides much more.
When the Mavericks sent along forwards Kris Humphries and Shawne Williams to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Najera on Jan. 11, they knew that they were going to get a fan favorite back in return -- known for his energetic play on the court.
"My game hasn't changed...(My hustle) is what has kept me in the league and that's what I'm going to keep on doing," Najera said.
But the native of Chihuahua, Mexico showed that he is much more than just a high-energy guy, developing into the team's defensive enforcer inside. Throughout the regular season and the Mavericks' first-round playoff series with the San Antonio Spurs, Najera didn't shy away from delivering a hard foul when needed. The 6-8, 235-pounder also patrolled the painted area, forcing offensive fouls and rejecting shot attempts.
"(Najera) plays one way and that's full speed ahead," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's a guy that contest everything on the court, and guys like that you always want to have as many as you can on your team." Najera spent his first four seasons with the Mavs, after a Draft Day deal in 2000 brought the former Oklahoma standout into the fold. In his first stint with the organization, Najera suited up in 208 regular-season games (34 starts) and 39 postseason matchups, averaging 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in his 17.4 minutes of game action.
"Najera is a veteran guy," point guard Jason Kidd said of his teammate. "He's been here before and he understands what it takes to win."
But when his all-out play caused nagging injuries and put his career in question, No. 14 developed new aspects of his game. The 10-year veteran returned to the Mavericks with the ability to stretch the court, thanks to his refined shooting from behind the 3-point arch. In his 33 appearances in a Dallas uniform this season, Najera connected on 34 percent of his shots from long range.
"Najera came in, hit some threes and was solid defensively," Carlisle said when breaking down the forward's role this season.
Often undersized against some of the NBA's 7-foot post powers, Najera also gave the Mavs a reliable backup at the five spot. In addition to starting three games for the team's "small ball" lineup, he also relieved centers Brendan Haywood and Erick Dampier by securing the interior for the squad's second unit.
"Starting, playing, it doesn't really matter to me," Najera said. "I'm like a kid...If I get any kind of time on the basketball court, I love it. Especially here in this building (the American Airlines Center), you feel the energy of the people. I'm just very excited."
And after spending time in the cellar of the standings during his time with New Jersey, Najera admits that he is now willing to do whatever it takes to help the Mavs contend for a championship.
"It's amazing how you can see the difference between a New Jersey Nets' team, just in their attitude. And you come in here and everybody is having a lot of fun," Najera said. "Winning has a big role in that...When I left, I still came back and kept a home here. I'm just happy, happy to be back."
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - J-Kidd's tutoring lessons
The legend of Jason Kidd continued to grow in 2009-10, as the future Hall of Famer further cemented his place in the NBA's record books. Now the Dallas Mavericks are hopeful that the veteran point guard shares his knowledge of the game with his talented understudy.
In his 16-year career, Kidd has seen any and everything that can happen on the court. Equipped with a high basketball IQ, Kidd has served as both the floor general and mentor for everyone in the Mavericks' locker room.
"I've never seen a guy have this kind of impact on a game," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said of the guard's court awareness. "I don't know if there's ever been a smarter player in this league than Jason Kidd. There may be a few equals out there -- Magic Johnson, (Larry) Bird, a few others, (Michael) Jordan."
"Jason Kidd is one of the smartest players I've ever seen play. We have a true point guard in him," sixth man Jason Terry said of his backcourt mate.
Kidd's do-it-all style was once again on display this season, as No. 2 recorded two more triple-doubles to bring his career total to 105, good for third most all time. His 11 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists to lead the Mavericks to a 126-108 road win on April 10 even got Sacramento Kings coach Paul Westphal's attention.
"It's beautiful to watch (Kidd) play. He fills up the stat sheet, but he doesn't play for stats. He just plays for making the right play every time, and he gets (the Mavericks) in the right situations," Westphal said after coming up on the losing end of one of Kidd's legendary performances.
Still, that game wasn't Kidd's most monumental effort during the 82-game schedule.
The Mavericks' first-round pick in the 1994 Draft (second overall) seemingly willed his squad to a 111-103 overtime victory in Atlanta on Feb. 26. Behind Kidd's 19 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds, the Mavericks overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
"(Kidd) doesn't care about scoring, he only cares about winning. He's a true professional, and he helps this team go. He directs traffic out there for this team to be successful," Carlisle explained.
Appearing and starting in 80 games, the 37-year-old averaged 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.1 assists. Kidd's 42.5 percent from behind the 3-point arch this year is the best in his illustrious career.
While his age does check out, Kidd did appear to be playing with "young legs" as he sparked the Mavericks' uptempo, run-and-gun offense. But his most influential role can't be measured in statistics. That's because the confidence and knowledge that he has passed on to Beaubois is immeasurable.
The versatile first-year guard was like a sponge, soaking up every ounce of knowledge that Kidd spoke into the Guadeloupe native's mind. Further proof of that was evident when Beaubois exploded for 18 points in the third quarter of a road game against the Chicago Bulls on March 6.
"Jason Kidd pushed me saying, 'Just play, just play.' (The ball) was going in, so I kept pushing and it was good," Beaubois said.
The rookie went on to score 24 points on 10-of-17 from the floor, sparking a 122-116 win.
"(Kidd) knows everything. He's given me some advice and I really appreciate it," Beaubois said after one of the best nights of his young career.
"To have the ability to play with a Jason Kidd and the rest of this team is only beneficial for (Beaubois)," Carlisle explained.
Meanwhile, the budding star has also made an impact on his tutor, playing with raw talent and a thirst for knowledge.
"(Beaubois) is a talent. He's going to be a special player in this league. He's a great student. He has all the tools to be successful. He's working extremely hard...He's a guy that people really don't know, but he can shoot, he has long arms to defend and you can't teach speed," Kidd said.
The two have undoubtedly formed a bond, one that the Mavericks hope leads to Kidd eventually passing the torch to Beaubois. But through his play this season, Kidd has proven that he's not done just yet.
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Relaunching the Jet
Jason "the Jet" Terry was not satisfied with the end result of the 2009-10 season. Thoughts of what might have been now fuel Terry's desire this summer.
Coming off of a season that brought the sharpshooter the Sixth Man of the Year award, Terry entered his 11th campaign with his eyes set on more hardware. He had hoped to repeat as the league's best sixth man, while also leading his team to a title. But the 6-2 guard came up short in both areas, finishing runner-up to the Atlanta Hawks' Jamal Crawford for the individual award and then seeing his team fall to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.
With that disappointment Terry heads into the offseason, examining how he can better himself and improve his squad.
"It's all about looking in the mirror, what could you do better? For me, it's all about fine-tuning that jumper, getting that shooting percentage up and making sure that every shot goes in. And that's my job," Terry said.
Only one thing kept No. 31 from doing his job this season.
The former Arizona standout was briefly sidelined, after an unintentional elbow from Minnesota's Corey Brewer struck Terry in the face in the third quarter of a 112-109 home win on March 3. Though he went on to finish the game, tallying 26 points in the process, just two days later Terry was on a surgical table repairing a fractured orbital bone.
"It's a blessing. I got really lucky because I didn't break my nose. I actually just broke my cheek bone," Terry said of the injury.
But the Mavericks' emotional leader didn't sit on his hands for long. Terry returned to the lineup, wearing a protective mask, after missing just five games.
"(Terry) has always come back (from injuries) earlier than expected. He's a guy that plays hurt and has played with pain a significant number of times," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said.
By season's end, Terry had appeared in 77 games (12 starts), averaging 16.6 points in a mostly reserve role. But that scoring average was down from the 19.6 points an outing in the previous year, when he was recognized as the league's best reserve player.
With his shooting percentage also dropping from 46.3 percent to 43.8 percent in the span of a year, Terry understands that he will need to spend a lot of time in the gym this offseason. He also hopes that a renewed focus to the defensive end of the floor will help his total game, also boosting his team to the title.
"Like I said, fine-tuning the shot. The strength is the shot," Terry explained. "The weakness is defensive, a little bit. So, I'm going to do some things this year to work on that...It's all about hard work and dedication. That's the only way that you're going to win a championship. You got to keep working, keep working and keep getting better."
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Matrix offensively reloaded
Shawn Marion is willing to sacrifice anything to win a championship.
In his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, the four-time All-Star sacrificed his own scoring numbers to concentrate on being the team's defensive stopper. Now the Mavericks want to figure out a way to get the high-flyer known as "The Matrix" more involved on the offensive end.
For his career, the 11-year veteran is a 17.2-point scorer. But his emergence as the Mavericks' lock-down defender in the 2009-10 season overshadowed his prior offensive prowess. Meanwhile, the squad benefited greatly from Marion's ability to hold some of the NBA's top scorers to mediocre nights.
"(Marion) sacrificed so much of his game this year to be one of the best defenders, to get rebounds, to be a screener and a movement-maker," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "Every week I tell him how important he is to us and how much as a coach I appreciate what he's done this year. He is the guy who's made the biggest adjustment of any of the new guys we got."
While Marion's scoring average dipped to 12.0 points a contest this season, as did his rebounding from a 9.6-board average to 6.4, he did relish the role of shutting down the best perimeter scorers that the league has to offer. He also battled through nagging injuries to start in all 75 games that he appeared in, giving the Mavs a defensive-oriented star on the court nightly.
"I want to win, man. At the end of the day, you've got to make sacrifices to win," Marion explained. "Whatever it takes for me to do to help this team win, that's what I'm going to do. I want to win a championship. That's what it's about."
His teammates also observed No. 0's sacrifice and it's positively infecting the entire team.
"Obviously, we all have to make sacrifices on a good team," forward Dirk Nowitzki said. "We all know (Marion) can get a lot bigger numbers than what he's scoring. Ultimately, if you want to win the championship, the whole team has to make sacrifices."
But now the Mavs head into the offseason looking to utilize Marion's athleticism in a more effective way. The former UNLV standout proved that he is still capable of going for huge scoring numbers, while also cleaning the glass with the best of them. Evidence of that came when Marion produced a 29-point, 14-rebound performance against Minnesota on March 8, in a 125-112 road win.
The team will try to duplicate nights like that more often next year. And after averaging just 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in six games, as the Mavs fell in their first-round playoff series against San Antonio, Marion intends to come into next season more assertive.
"You just have to come back hungrier. You get a taste of certain things, and you just want to go out there and do it," Marion 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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Fully integrating the 'new' guys
Joining a team in the middle of an NBA season is kind of like being the new kid at school. That's how Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson felt when they first arrived in Dallas.
After the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards pulled off a seven-player trade on Feb. 13, Butler, Haywood and Stevenson didn't have much time to get used to their new surroundings. Just three nights after the transaction, the trio suited up for the Mavericks in the first game after the All-Star break. Though the Mavs went on to drop that game, a 99-86 road loss in Oklahoma City, it was the start of something bigger. Much bigger.
The squad went on to win 13 straight games after that loss, doing so without any practice time with their new teammates. A 55-win season, Southwest Division title and No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs was also in the team's future, though so too was a first-round postseason exit. Now, with a full offseason to get better acquainted, the team hopes that the new arrivals can help bring a championship to Big D next season.
"The trade with Washington has been a big positive for us," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "It helped our overall toughness. I thought it put more of the right kind of players around Dirk (Nowitzki)."
Headlining the deal was the exchange of former All-Stars, as Butler and former Mav Josh Howard swapped spots. But the transformation was not seamless for Butler, as he had to adjust to playing in the shooting guard slot after spending most of his career as a small forward.
The swingman's regular-season scoring average slipped from the 16.9 points per game in 47 outings with Washington to a 15.2 average in his 27 appearances for the Mavericks. But the former Connecticut star showed that primetime players step up in primetime moments, averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals in the Mavs' first-round series against San Antonio.
"I hit a nice stride in the playoffs, and I was finding out what was expected of me and what my role was. I look forward to seeing what's going to happen next year," Butler said.
He may have served notice to the rest of the league prior to next season with a playoff career-high 35 points in the Mavericks' 103-81 blowout win in Game 5 of the series. No. 4 swished in 12 of 24 shots, hitting 3-of-8 from behind the 3-point arch and a near perfect 8-of-9 at the foul line. He also put the icing on the cake by pulling down 11 rebounds, collecting a double-double.
"(Butler) really is one of our tough guys...I was really, really thrilled to see him have a game like that. He is just a great guy. You just love to see a guy like that succeed and have that kind of night...He has just been a great pro and a guy that is really into winning," Carlisle said after the performance.
While Butler did his work on the perimeter, Haywood turned heads with his dominance inside.
The 7-footer split time with fellow big man Erick Dampier to secure the starting center duties. But when his name was called, Haywood proved to be a force in the interior. The 30-year-old, who had spent his entire career in Washington before the trade, produced five double-doubles in his 28 regular-season games for the Mavericks.
"I really liked what (Haywood) did for us. He's a guy that had an impact on both ends...Brendan is very athletic. He's got a good feel for the game. He's got a good knowledge of the game," the coach said.
Now the organization will try to keep Haywood patrolling the paint for years to come, as the talented center officially becomes a free agent on July 1.
"With (Haywood and Dampier), it gives us a really nice one-two punch," president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson said. "They do things a little bit different. But between the both of them, you've got a really solid centerpiece with youth and experience. That's something we look for with positions."
Meanwhile, Stevenson has done everything to make sure he's not the forgotten man in the deal. Though he wasn't always a fixture in the team's rotation, No. 92 found a way into Carlisle's heart. It translated into more time on the court.
Stevenson's scrappy defense gave the Mavericks a perimeter enforcer on the second unit. The veteran guard also stepped into the starting lineup five times, filling whatever role his coach asked of him.
"I've been trying to crack the rotation, but at the same time (Carlisle) has been talking to me. It's hard to get mad when you're winning -- as long as we're getting the wins. I've been getting in, sometimes starting, so I've been getting my opportunities. I've just got to go out there and do the things that I know I can do," Stevenson said.
"DeShawn's a guy that's developed into a very good 3-point shooter and is known as a good defender in this league," Carlisle added.
With some level of familiarity now with each player, the Mavericks' front office sees the trifecta playing much bigger roles next season.
"We feel like these guys are really going to help us. I was thrilled that this transaction could happen and we're looking forward to working with them," Carlisle said.
"They're great guys from top to bottom. They're all pulling in the same direction. We did make a transaction that hasn't fully taken, so that's a part of things. Guys are still getting used to each other out there...We like the guys that are in that locker room," Nelson concluded.
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Youth Movement
On a roster full of 30-somethings, the "young guns" are patiently awaiting their opportunity to explode on the scene. That opportunity may be on the horizon.
The play-making explosiveness of rookie Rodrigue Beaubois and energetic play of four-year guard J.J. Barea served as sparks of the bench for the 2009-10 Dallas Mavericks. But the two youngest players on the veteran ball club figure to have expanded roles next season, as the organization tries to tap into the potential of the budding stars.
"We've got some young guys that we're excited about," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "We've got to understand that this is something that's not going to happen over night. There's going to be growing pains, there's going to be ups and downs, but we're going to be steadfast in how we approach it."
While many see the two cat-quick youngsters in competition for the backup point guard responsibilities behind future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, the two also spent some time on the court alongside each other this season. Their interchangeability allowed Carlisle to play his upstart duo together, as Barea extended a helping hand to Beaubois, tutoring the first-year sensation on the duties of running a team.
"Roddy (Beaubois) is a great person. He has great character, so it's easy to be supportive and to help him out," Barea explained.
Between the two, the young backcourt mates combined to start 34 games. Now both head into the offseason with a list of things to work on before next season.
For Beaubois, becoming more comfortable as a lead guard tops his list, after seeing the majority of his game action at the shooting guard spot next to Kidd or Barea.
"Going forward, (Beaubois) needs to spend more time this summer, in Summer League, playing the point guard position. We need him to enhance his knowledge of the point guard position," Carlisle said.
"I need to get much better at the point guard position...This summer will be very important for me," Beaubois added. "I really need to work on my game and my body, everything, and just come into training camp ready to go."
The former French League product and native of Guadeloupe is also expected to suit up for France's national team during the FIBA World Championship held in Turkey, which runs from Aug. 28-Sept. 12.
Barea will also look to refine his game in international play, focusing on his ball-handling and shooting skills while steering the Puerto Rico national team.
"I love to play for Puerto Rico...This summer, I definitely want to play. We're going to have a long summer, so I have time to rest, I have time to work out and I have time to play," Barea said.
When the two finish representing their respective native countries, once again they'll be asked to spearhead the Mavericks' youth wave.
"We don't have to bring a bunch of young guys in at one time, but next year we can get more quickness," Barea said. "For the future, it's me and Roddy right now."
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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Housing Haywood
Productive 7-footers don't just fall in your lap every day. With that said, the Dallas Mavericks are determined to hold on to free-agent-to-be Brendan Haywood.
The big man is coming off of perhaps the best season of his career, even after joining the Mavericks via an All-Star Weekend trade with the Washington Wizards.
While the seven-player exchange on Feb. 13 was headlined by the acquisition of two-time All-Star Caron Butler, Haywood quickly proved to be more than just an accessory. The 30-year-old center averaged 9.1 points and a career-best 9.3 rebounds while splitting 77 games with the Wizards and Mavs, making him a highly sought-after player this summer. But the Mavericks don't intend on letting him go anywhere.
"It's very important to get Haywood re-signed," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "I really liked what he did for us. He's a guy that had an impact on both ends. At 30 years old, he's relatively young for a center. Centers tend to play for a very long time...Brendan is very athletic. He's got a good feel for the game. He's got a good knowledge of the game."
The front office shares the coach's sentiments, once again looking to team Haywood with fellow center Erick Dampier to stabilize the inside.
"With (Haywood and Dampier), it gives us a really nice one-two punch," president of basketball operations and GM Donnie Nelson said. "They do things a little bit different. But between the both of them, you've got a really solid centerpiece with youth and experience. That's something we look for with positions."
Meanwhile, Haywood would certainly like to make Dallas his home for years to come, after escaping the bottom of the standings in Washington and gelling with the players in the Mavericks' locker room upon arrival.
"I would love to be back in Dallas. The team's great. The city's great. The fans are great. We had a very good group of guys. Everything around here is done first class. I think any basketball player that experiences what this franchise has to offer would love to come back here," Haywood said. No. 33 started 19 of the 28 regular-season games he suited up for the Mavs, connecting on better than 56 percent of his field goal attempts. But after spending his entire career in Washington until his recent departure, Haywood now embarks into the uncharted territory of free agency, with July 1 officially giving the former North Carolina standout the option of selecting a team of his choosing..
The Mavs hope he chooses to stay in Big D.
"I'll worry about free agency when it gets here. July 1, that seems like a long time. So, I have a long time to sit around and think," Haywood 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.
Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com Offseason Wishlist - Keeping Dirk in D-Town
The Dallas Mavericks' front office can't envision seeing Dirk Nowitzki suiting up for another squad, and this summer the organization wants to ensure that No. 41 is a Maverick for life.
Coming off of a season in which Nowitzki picked up All-NBA Second Team honors and his ninth All-Star appearance, the 7-footer can now opt out of his contract and test the free-agent waters. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson are determined to keep that from happening, hoping to work out an extension with the superstar in the pending months.
"We can't imagine Dirk not being in a Maverick uniform," Nelson said. "He's been here for so long, and he's paid the ultimate price of sacrifice...From Mark (Cuban) to management, all the way down, we'll do whatever needs to happen to make sure he's in a Maverick uniform."
Like management, Nowitzki would like for his days in Big D to continue. But he has remained open-minded to joining the coveted free-agent class of 2010 when July 1 comes up on the calender.
"I always said I want to finish my career in Dallas, but I've still got some thinking to do. I never planned on opting out, but I have to keep my options open," Nowitzki said after becoming the first European-born player to join the 20,000-point club this season.
With 12 seasons now in the rearview mirror of Nowitzki's career, and no title to show for it, disappointment hovers over the Germany native's shoulders as he heads into the offseason. He also shoulders the Mavs' disappointing first-round playoff loss in six games to the San Antonio Spurs. "It's another disappointing season to me. At this stage in my career, losing first, second or third round is all the same. As long as I don't achieve my goal and my dream, that means it was another disappointing season," Nowitzki said.
"That's where the disappointment is. You get a guy who is pure basketball heart. He'd do anything to win any ball game and he wouldn't care how many points he scored," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "That's what really makes him special, along with the other things (Dallas fans) have seen on a daily basis for over a decade."
But Nowitzki believes that the Mavericks are on the cusp of contending for a championship, which may be what keeps the league's seventh-leading scorer (25.0 ppg) during the regular season playing his home games at the American Airlines Center.
"I know it's been tough endings over the years, but I still believe we can do it. If we make some acquisitions, keep plugging and keep fighting, then hopefully we can get it done," Nowitzki concluded.
And hopefully his days in Dallas aren't done.
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.
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.
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