Offseason Wishlist - Matrix offensively reloaded

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.

Offseason Wishlist - Fully integrating the 'new' guys

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.

Offseason Wishlist - Youth Movement

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.

Offseason Wishlist - Housing Haywood

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.

Offseason Wishlist - Keeping Dirk in D-Town

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.