Offseason Wishlist - Run, Caron, run

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.

Offseason Wishlist - A dominant Dampier

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.

Offseason Wishlist - Eddie the enforcer

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.

Offseason Wishlist - J-Kidd's tutoring lessons

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.

"I don't believe he's 37. He's lying," rookie Rodrigue Beaubois said.

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.

Offseason Wishlist - Relaunching the Jet

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.