Mock Draft: Mavs Fanatic First Round 1.0

by Damian Jackson on June 6, 2013 in Mavs 09 comments

The NBA Draft is three weeks away and player workouts have prospects shifting positions on a daily basis. It’s time that we break out our first edition of the Mock Draft and share our thoughts on who we think will go where based on team need, workout impressions and daily reports.

 

 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Nerlens Noel, C Kentucky | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 206

Noel has long been slotted as the top pick in this year’s draft and that hasn’t changed. Expect the Cavs to select the slender defensive center who’s aiming for a December return to the court.

 

 

2. Orlando Magic – Ben McLemore, SG Kansas | Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 188

McLemore has a pure jump shot and great size at SG for the NBA. Along with his shooting, Ben is an incredible athlete and many say he’s likely to be an All-Star level player for years. The Magic need that scoring infusion and McLemore can be that guy.

 

 

3. Washington Wizards – Otto Porter, SF Georgetown | Ht: 6’9″ Wt: 198

Otto Porter wins the Naismith College Player of the Year award if not for Trey Burke’s very impressive run in the tournament. Porter has an all-around game with intangibles that make him as NBA-ready an anyone in this class. Wizards keep Otto in DC.

 

 

4. Charlotte Bobcats – Alex Len, C Maryland | Ht: 7’1″ Wt: 255

Alex Len provides the Bobcats a center they need. With Byron Mullens likely gone it leaves Brendan Haywood. Bismack Biyombo could move to PF while Len offers Charlotte a solid defensive anchor in the middle who isn’t offensively challenged.

 

 

5. Phoenix Suns – Victor Oladipo, SG Indiana | Ht: 6’4″ Wt: 213

The Suns need stability. Victor Oladipo helps in that regard, he’s a relentless worker and plays hard on both ends of the floor. Oladipo would infuse energy into the U.S. Airways crowd, a step in the right direction with a new GM and head coach.

 

 

6. New Orleans Pelicans – Shabazz Muhammad, SF UCLA | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 222

ShaMu this high?! The popular pick is Trey Burke, but they do have the 6-foot-6 Greivis Vasquez running point who averaged 9.0 assists in 78 games last season. The Pelicans have a more pressing need at SF and Shabazz could be the right guy.

 

 

7. Sacramento Kings – Anthony Bennett, PF UNLV | Ht: 6’8″ Wt: 240

Kings need a PG more, but it’d be tough to pass on Bennett if he were to drop here. SI.com says Bennett may have the most star potential in the draft, but is he a tweener? Sneaky skilled for a PF-type, AB would compliment Boogie Cousins well.

 

 

8. Detroit Pistons – Trey Burke, PG Michigan | Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 187

It’s no secret the Pistons want a PG. Michael Carter-Williams could be the choice, but with   Wolverine and College Player of the Year Burke available they may go that route. Burke’s heart and competitiveness would be welcomed in Detroit.

 

 

9. Minnesota Timberwolves – C.J. McCollum, PG/SG Lehigh | Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 197

McCollum makes perfect sense for the Wolves. A combo guard with advanced scoring ability and versatility. The foot injury no longer an issue, McCollum would step in next to Ricky Rubio and relieve some of Kevin Love’s scoring responsibilities.

 

 

10. Portland Trail Blazers – Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 235

Portland hit a homerun (Damian Lillard) and a ground out (Meyers Leonard) in last year’s lottery. Steven Adams represents a true NBA center with his physical tools, rebounding and defense. Tons of upside and an solid fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge.

 

 

11. Philadelphia 76ers – Cody Zeller, PF/C Indiana | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 230

Some have the Blazers snagging Zeller, but he’ll be more of a PF in the NBA. Either way the Sixers will be satisfied to see Zeller fall to them. Cody showed impressive athleticism at the combine and he’d be able to play the 4/5 in Philly.

 

 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Mason Plumlee, C Duke | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 238

OKC could go in several directions with this pick, but smart money says they address the center position. Kendrick Perkins has been disappointing. Plumlee gives the Thunder an explosive big who rebounds very well and finishes with authority above the rim.

 

 

13. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Carter-Williams, PG Syracuse | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 185

The Mavs have their eye set on Carter-Williams. If he makes it to 13, they draft him. His size is special for the position and he owns the best court vision and PG instincts in this class. MCW would be nice addition if Dallas whiffs on Chris Paul.

 

 

14. Utah Jazz – Dennis Schröder, PG Germany | Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 165

Utah has strong interest in Schröder to replace free agent Mo Williams. The 19-year-old PG has a lot of Rajon Rondo in his repertoire. Reports say he received a promise from the Boston Celtics, but he may not make it that far.

 

 

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Jamaal Franklin, SG San Diego State | Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 191

The Bucks face a lot of uncertainties in their backcourt. If Brandon Jennings stays, Milwaukee could use help on the wing. Franklin fits the bill as an above average rebounder, elite athlete and plays aggressive on offense and defense.

 

 

16. Boston Celtics – Gorgui Dieng, C Louisville | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 230

With Schröder likely gone, the Celtics could switch gears and find a center. Dieng owns NBA center size and is skilled defensively. There are other options, but many scouts are high on Dieng ability to contribute immediately.

 

 

17. Atlanta Hawks – Dario Saric, SF Croatia | Ht: 6’10″ Wt: 223

Saric is believed to be the draft’s top international prospect and could go as high as No. 6 to the Pelicans. Naturally this would be quite to steal for the Hawks who will be carefully utilizing their cap space this summer. Saric to withdraw from the draft?

 

 

18. Atlanta Hawks - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG Georgia | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 204

The Hawks’ only guards with guaranteed deals are Lou Williams (ACL) and John Jenkins. There’s buzz about Caldwell-Pope and this seems like a good fit for both parties. Hometown kid stays around and Hawks get a legit all-around player.

 

 

19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Sergey Karasev, SG/SF Russia | Ht: 6’7″ Wt: 197

According to reports, sounds like Karasev’s already received a promise and word out there says this is the floor for Karasev. The Cavs really like him. He provides Cleveland a player with immense shooting ability and the size to play either wing position.

 

 

20. Chicago Bulls – Kelly Olynyk, PF/C Gonzaga | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 238

A slide of sorts for Olynyk, but he could still crack the lottery. If the Bulls consider amnesty with Carlos Boozer, the Gonzaga product provides Chicago an ample replacement (along w/ Taj Gibson) whose skill set fit an NBA four.

 

 

21. Utah Jazz – Rudy Gobert, C France | Ht: 7’2″ Wt: 238

The Jazz could double dip in international waters by going Gobert after Schroder. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are set to leave, so Utah could be enticed to take Gobert as a development behind ripe big men Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors.

 

 

22. Brooklyn Nets – Tony Mitchell, PF North Texas | Ht: 6’9″ Wt: 237

Mitchell is scheduled to work out for city rival NY Knicks tomorrow, but the Nets have interest as well. Brooklyn could use a PG unless they trust TyShawn Taylor as Deron Williams’ backup. Mitchell’s stock is on the rise nonetheless.

 

 

23. Indiana Pacers – Shane Larkin, PG Miami | Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 171

This would be too sweet for the Pacers. Point guard is an area of need and Larkin falling in their lap is a miracle. Chances of it happening are slim though as he could go as high as 14th or 15th to the Jazz or Bucks.

 

 

24. New York Knicks - Jeff Withey, C Kansas | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 222

Roy Hibbert’s size was too much for Tyson Chandler and the Knicks. Marcus Camby doesn’t play anymore, Kenyon Martin was too small. Withey plugs in as the immediate backup with great basketball knowledge, physical tools and shot-blocking.

 

 

25. Los Angeles Clippers – Allen Crabbe, SG California | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 198

Crabbe is a talented player with a terrific stroke. The Clippers believe Chris Paul isn’t going anywhere and it’s always wise to surround a PG with shooters. Crabbe works well off screens and in transition, perfect wing type for a Paul-run offense.

 

 

26. Minnesota Timberwolves – Ricky Ledo, SG Providence | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 197

Ledo appears to be the mystery and possible best sleeper of the draft. Someone mentioned he had a Kevin Durant-like shot and it’s not far off. He looks like a top-notch scorer and special wing this late in the first round. Minny can use ‘em!

 

 

27. Denver Nuggets – Glen Rice Jr., SF Rio Grande Valley (NBDL) | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 211

Glen Rice Jr. looks to go from the D-League to the NBA by way of draft. The Nuggets who recently severed ties with George Karl will probably lose SG Andre Iguodala to free agency and seek his replacement. Denver will like that Rice Jr. is ready NOW.

 

 

28. San Antonio Spurs – Lucas Nogueira, C Brazil | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 215

With already one Brazlian center on the roster in Tiago Splitter, the Spurs may entertain the idea of selecting Nogueira and stash him away for a year or two. This gives Lucas time to advance his skills and the Spurs to prep a role for him down the road.

 

 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tim Hardaway Jr., SG Michigan | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 200

The Thunder addressed a vital need in the lottery, but could seek a cheaper SG option here rather than retain free agent Kevin Martin. OKC still has Jeremy Lamb as well and could have two younger, more affordable guard competition in camp.

 

 

30. Phoenix Suns - Giannis Adetokunbo, SF/PF Greece | Ht: 6’9″ Wt: 196

Adetokunbo this late would be amazing for the Suns, who want to ignite new enthusiasm to it’s fan base. He brings different elements to the game than any Suns forward. Channing Frye remains a health concern and there’s zero faith in Michael Beasley.

 

 

 

 

Damian Jackson is a partner at Mavs Fanatic. Follow Damian on Twitter @thedfactor and like our site’s page on Facebook.

 

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Mavs Game Night: The JET Makes His Return to Dallas

by Damian Jackson on March 22, 2013 in Mavs 09 comments

I’ve already had the opportunity to watch Jason Terry play the Dallas Mavericks as a Boston Celtic in person when the Mavs were in Beantown back in December. The game was a double overtime thriller that unfortunately ended a 117-115 Celtic win.

My experience will not compare to the likely environment inside the American Airlines Center tonight when JET returns to Dallas, a place he called home for eight NBA seasons. The welcome will be warm for Terry because of all he did for the Mavericks organization and the city of Dallas.

“He meant so much to our franchise,” Nowitzki said. “Not only on the court, where, to me, he’s one of the best clutch shooters I ever played with, but also off the court. He was a great community man. Every other day, he was doing something, appearances left and right. He’s just a guy with a huge heart. I wish him all the best this season, and hopefully he gets the ovation that he deserves.”

No worries Dirk, your buddy will definitely get that roar he deserves after helping you bring the Mavericks their first championship title back in 2011. Clutch Terry was and his walk kept pace with his talk in the critical 2011 NBA Finals where the JET came up huge after Dirk called him out.

Terry actually had been trending worldwide because he was dunked on by LeBron James the other night. James dunks on a bunch of people, but he especially enjoyed the one on Terry he said. That passion definitely stemmed from the Finals two years ago when LeBron couldn’t contain JET for the entire series.

[VIDEO 1] JET Nails Dagger Three in Game 5

[VIDEO 2] Terry Takes Over in Game 6

Terry runs his mouth, yeah sure. He does. But tons of players do, howevert it’s the special ones that back up their talk and Terry has done that in his career. I love his toughness and the immense competitive nature possessed by that man.

“He’s one of the most beloved players, I think, in the history of this franchise because of his personality, his relationship with the fans and the community, and he was a great player,” Carlisle said. “He was a prime-time great player in the clutch. Guys like that always distinguish themselves. It’ll be emotional, I’m sure, for him and the fans and some of us that got to know him well. But we know how good he is, and we’re game-planning for him too.”

Tonight Terry’s Celtics are here to propel their playoff position and in the process push Dallas’ hopes further down the drain.

Neither team has much going right now. The Mavs have recently been trading wins and losses and the C’s have lost their last two.

“We are focused on getting a win,” Terry said, “but it will be good to come back home.”

The Celtics have been without their all-star point guard Rajon Rondo for several weeks now after he underwent season-ending knee surgery. Boston actually went on to play very well after his absence, but have since come back to reality.

Shawn Marion expects to return to action tonight after missing seven games with a calf strain.

The Mavs look to bounce back once again after they took a punch to the face by the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Nowitzki led Dallas with 16 points which wasn’t nearly enough as Brook Lopez and Deron Williams combined for 69 points.

____________________

Playoff Picture Update:

MAVERICKS - 10th seed in West; 3.5 GB of the Los Angeles Lakers for final playoff spot.

CELTICS - 7th seed in East; Tied with 6th Chicago Bulls & 1.5 GB of Atlanta Hawks for 5th seed.

____________________

Celtics at Mavs tip at 7:30 p.m. CT and airs on FSSW/CSNE.

Let’s Go Mavs!

Source: ESPN Dallas, Photo by Jared Wickerman/Getty Images

 

 

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The TC Report: Mavs Drop Ball In Boston

by Ryan Wilson on December 13, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

Turnover: turn-oh-ver; The loss of possession of the ball to the opponent, through misplays or infractions of the rules.

This is usually the part of the article where one would start with a clever yet unoriginal comparison to the Mavs turnovers and how they were “early Christmas gifts” to the Celtics.  So I won’t even mention that in this column.

Dang it.

Last night our Dallas Mavericks met the Boston Celtics at the Garden.  The Mavs were coming into the game winners of their previous 3 games.  On Monday night vs. The Kings, the stat that caught my eye the most was the total of only 8 turnovers.  I was so impressed that I tweeted, “Mavs with only 8 turnovers tonight.”  See how impressed I was?

But last night was a dumpster fire of turnovers.  Coach Carlisle stated that there was reason for optimism due to the fact that the Mavs were even in the game considering the amount of turnovers.  This is true.  It’s a Christmas Miracle that Dallas was able to go 2 over times with the Celtics given the 28 turnovers by the Mavs.  I credit the team for working through adversity but it’s a fact that turnovers cost them the game.  They’ve cost us a few games this year.

As I laid down last night after that frustrating loss, I couldn’t help but think of how careless and how mostly unforced the turnovers were.  Was it a lack of focus?  A lack of will?  Just not smart players?  Great defense?  Bad offense?  The answers to these questions is the popular and frustrating one-word-answer to a complex question; “Yes”.  To manage my restless nature after a Mavs loss, I decided to do something I rarely do after a loss.  I decided to watch the game again and document each turnover.  These are my notes from last night, verbatim.  So here we go. (Due to the overwhelming amount of turnovers, I missed documenting a few.  Turnover overload I guess)

First Half:

1. O.J. Mayo lost dribble, unforced.
2. Mayo tries passing to Marion. Bad Pass.  Not even close. Unforced.
3. Mayo skies a pass over the head of every player on the court.  Unforced
4. Mayo double teamed.  Loses dribble and lost ball.  Good defense.
5. Elton Brand loses ball under basket.  Blows easy chance of 2 points. Mavs down 2.
6. Brand driving to the basket and gets surprised at open rim.  Decides to pass but no one is there. Unforced.
7. Brand tries forcing a pass to Kaman and assumes the 3 Celtics in the way are holograms.  Good defense…… I guess.
8. Fisher tries passing to Marion down low.  Pass is too high.  Unforced.
9. Dahntay Jones gets fouled with no whistle while attacking the rim.  No call, loses ball to the camera men.
10. Darren Collison attempts an awful sidearm pass with less than a minute left. Picked off.

 Second Half:

1.  Fisher thinks Kaman is cutting to the basket so passes it through 2 defenders.  Kaman didn’t cut, Celtics ball. Unforced.
2. Mayo tries passing to Kaman down low.  KG all over Kaman, pass should’ve never been thrown.  Steal for the Celtics.  Good Defense, bad pass.
3. Shawn “Oven Mitts” Marion loses ball under basket.
4. Mayo shot blocked by Pierce.  Mayo tries chasing it down but knocks it out of bounds.
5. Shot Clock violation.

*** At this point the Mavs have a total of 16 turnovers with 5 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter. ***

1.  5 seconds left in the 3^rd quarter and Collison loses his dribble on a clear path to the basket.  Guess the ghost of Red Auerbach knocked that one loose.
2. Brand doing too much at the top of the key. Loses ball and leads to oop by Green.  Crowd goes nuts.
3. Fisher throws the ball away after Brand fails to cut to the rim.  Miscommunication.
4. Collison bad pass.  Turnover.  Unforced.
5. Down by 1 point, Mayo double teamed.  Skies pass into row 12.
6. Mayo driving for game winner but Rondo knocks it out.  Good defense.

Overtimes:

1.  Carter driving and dishes to a Celtics player rather than taking a lay up and maybe drawing a foul.
2. Collison with another horrible pass attempt to Mayo.
3. Mayo stripped.  Good defense.
4. Bringing the ball down after a great defensive rebound.  Marion tries to bounce pass it to Collison.  I have no idea what kind of pass that was.  Out of bounds.
5. Down by 3.  Collison tries inbounding a pass to Roddy.  For some reason, Roddy was at the half court line.  Collison throws it away and that’s ball game.

16 turnovers for Mayo and Collison, 13 turnovers for Boston Celtics.

What?

The most obvious reason for the turnovers is just due to pure lack of focus.  Many of them were because of bad decision making on the part of OJ Mayo and Darren Collison.  Is this something they can grow out of?  Hopefully.  Is this just the nature of those players and nothing will change?  I hope not.  Another reason for turnovers is the obvious lack of playing time together and miscommunication.  Player A is passing the ball and is expecting Player B to make a cut to the rim or back the other way and it fails.  And obviously an opponent’s defense is a cause for the fair share of turnovers.  But from what we’ve seen so far this season, it’s not near as much as a contributing factor as some would lead you to believe.

28 turnovers last night.  28.  That’s unacceptable at this level.  That’s unacceptable in a game of 3 on 3 in my driveway.  But I will credit the team for fighting hard and battling a good Boston team.  But the turnovers have to be corrected.  Maybe last night was the game that will cause the main culprits to assess their passing game.  Their bad decision making is affecting the team.  Take responsibility.
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Mavs Game Night: Mavs(11-10) @ Celtics(11-9)

by Ryan Wilson on December 12, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

Another triple roadie waits on the horizon and begins with the a trip back to the Northeast. The Dallas Mavericks face the Boston Celtics and a very familiar player tonight – Jason Terry. Terry bled Maverick blue for eight wild years. The ‘JET’ was born in Dallas. He and the rest of the 2010-2011 NBA Champion Mavs squad achieved the ultimate goal. JET spent one last abbreviated season defending the title before signing with Boston this summer.

The Celtics have used Terry more as a starter than the 6th man role he owned all to well in Dallas. It could be due in part to the lack of offense provided by Courtney Lee, another offseason addition to replace the void left when Ray Allen chose to sign with the Miami Heat. The statistical numbers have dipped for Terry who averages 11.5 points in about 30 minutes each night.

Aside from Terry the Mavericks will have Rajon Rondo as the primary defensive focus. Rondo isn’t going to hurt you with his scoring, but he’s dangerous in just about every other aspect of the game. Just two games ago Rondo posted 16 points/14 assists/13 rebounds for his 18th career triple double (He also had 3 steals and 3 blocks). On the season he’s averaging 13 points, 12.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds.

The Mavericks enter this game winners of three straight for only the second time this year. Dallas defeated the Sacramento Kings 119-96 Monday night in one home game sandwiched between two three-game road trips. Six Mavs scored in double figures led by O.J Mayo’s 19 and Chris Kaman’s 18.

Mayo continues his all-star caliber play for the Mavericks in the absence of superstar power forward Dirk Nowitzki. Many have compared Mayo’s role to that of Terry in his time here. After a somewhat slow start and a brief slump, Juice has left very few Mavericks fans disappointed, if any.

Dallas has had recent success in Boston, winning all three trips in as many seasons.

1) 2009-2010 – Dirk scores 37 on MLK Day

2) 2010-2011 – Jason Kidd’s Clutch Game Winning 3

3) 2011-2012 – Dirk wins the game on this go-ahead And-1

Now obviously the Mavericks will not have the services of either Dirk nor Kidd, but that doesn’t matter to this group. Mayo has shown he’s more than capable of coming through in the clutch.

NOTES:

Since the addition of Derek Fisher the Mavs have won 4 of 5 games. The Mavs and Celtics each sit in 7th place in their respective conferences. Shawn Marion is a game-time decision with a groin strain. Rookie Jared Cunningham has been assigned to the Mavericks’ D-League affiliate Texas Legends. Rajon Rondo has recorded at least 10 assists in every game he’s played and finished this season.

Tonight’s game tips at 7:00 p.m. CT and airs nationally on ESPN. Also can be seen on CSNE (Boston).

Let’s go Mavs!

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The Mavs Wrap Up: Mavs Crown Kings In Rout

by Ryan Wilson on December 10, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

With a date with Jason Terry and  the Boston Celtics on ESPN looming just 2 days away, the Mavericks didn’t want to waste any energy on the Sacramento Kings. The Kings came in to tonight’s game with a 5-12 record, and managed to stick around for 1 whole quarter. Then everything started to unravel for the hapless Kings. The Kings failed to score in the 2nd quarter until Jason Thompson’s tip-in with 2:26 remaining. The Mavericks outscored the Kings 29-14 in the 2nd Quarter.

“There was just nothing that we could establish,” Kings coach Keith Smart said. “They kind of took us out of what we can do.”

O.J. Mayo and Chris Kaman each had 16 points at the half, and the Mavericks were well on their way to moving a game over .500. These types of games by Kaman and Mayo have to have Mavs fans salivating all over Mavs Nation. With Dirk’s return “crawling” back to a reality, the Mavericks could add their most lethal weapon, and still have two dependable sidekicks.

Sacramento came out guns blazin in the 3rd Quarter, but the Mavericks managed to weather the storm. The Mavericks had 6 guys in double figures, and only turned the ball over 8 times. Turnovers have plagued this team in many of their losses this season. If the Mavericks can find a way to be more secure with the basketball, these kinds of performances won’t surprise so many.

Jae Crowder and Darren Collison were the two guys that stepped up most in my opinion. Darren Collison played well on both ends of the floor, leading to 15 points and 2 steals leading to breakaway slams. The shooting form of Crowder that had all of our jaws dropped to start the season looked like it may have made a return. He missed some shots early, but managed to put up 11 points on 5-9 shooting, to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

O.J. Mayo Update:

Stat Line: 19 points(6-9),7 rebs,4 asts.

You tell me!

“We’re playing good basketball right now,” Mayo said. “But now we’ve got to take it on the road with us and continue playing hard. We need to continue playing with effort and energy.”

Interesting Notes:

Strong Bench Play: Crowder(+24),Brand(+29),Collison(+22)

In the 2nd quarter, O.J. Mayo and DeMarcus Cousins were hit with a double technical. Replay showed Cousins hit O.J. Mayo in the groin area(OUCH!) with a closed fist. Looked pretty blatant. Potential fine could be just a day away. Wouldn’t be the first time for BoogieCousins!

On Tap:

The Mavericks will head to Boston to take on Jason Terry and the Boston Celtics. The game tips off 7:00 CT and you can find it on FxSW or ESPN.

As always, GO MAVS!

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NBA Releases Schedule: 5 Games To Circle

by Ryan Wilson on July 26, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

Perhaps not since the 2003-04 season when Mark Cuban brought in Antawn Jamison and Antoine Walker have the Dallas Mavericks been a bigger mystery than they are entering the 2012-13 season.

With the roster now appearing to be finalized – barring any trades before the start of training camp in late September — the re-tooled Mavs now know who and when they’ll play as the NBA released the full 82-game regular-season schedule Thursday.

There’s no Christmas Day game and no Martin Luther King Jr. day game. Dirk Nowitzki and his new pals won’t be on national television at the rate that they were a season ago as defending champs. Still, the Mavs will have eight games on TNT — including the opener at the Lakers — seven on ESPN, seven on NBATV, one on ABC and two on ESPN Radio.

None of it means this won’t be one of the more intriguing seasons of Cuban’s ownership. At the moment, just about anything — from being lottery bound to a top-four finish in the Western Conference — seems possible.

We take a look at five games to circle, and why not start with the opener?

No. 1: Mavs at Los Angeles Lakers, Oct. 30
Not only will it be the first real game for a Mavs club that features five new key players around Nowitzki, but it will also be Steve Nash‘s debut with the Lakers. And for that matter, since we’ve already mentioned Jamison, he’ll also be wearing the purple and gold for the first time. The big question as of July 26 is if Andrew Bynum will still be calling the Staples Center home or if Dwight Howard be manning the rim and playing alongside Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Nash?

No. 2: New York Knicks at Mavs, Nov. 21
Coach Rick Carlisle predicted that Jason Kidd would receive a standing ovation when he returns to the American Airlines Center. We won’t have to wait long to find out if he’s right — and he probably is. Two-fifths of the Mavs’ championship starting lineup will suit up for the Knicks as Tyson Chandler makes his second trip back to Dallas since the title. Kidd’s last-minute departure to the Big Apple was stunning, but in retrospect it’s allowed the Mavs to add a bit more shake-n-bake to their backcourt with Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo.

No. 3: Mavs at Boston Celtics, Dec. 12
A trip to the Garden is always special, but now that Jason Terry will be writing ctc on his green and white sneakers, it’s extra special. And don’t think that Terry, who played eight seasons with the Mavs, won’t want to drill about 15 buckets from downtown and send his former team out of town with a loss. Terry never wanted to leave Dallas, but he knew he was no longer in their plans. He’ll try to fill the very large shoes of Ray Allen, who took his talents to South Beach. Terry won’t make his Dallas return until March 22.

No. 4: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Mavs, Jan. 18
It’ll take a few months for the Western Conference champs to make it Dallas, which isn’t a bad thing since the Mavs will need some time to break in the new rotation. Although Dallas is a drastically different team than the past two seasons, consecutive playoff series have elevated the Thunder to the top of the Mavs’ rival list, or at least just notch below the Spurs. This game will show the Mavs how far they’ve come or how far they still have to go.

No. 5: Mavs at Brooklyn Nets, March 1
Who knows if the Nets will have Dwight Howard by this first meeting of the two teams, but this game is all about Deron Williams, who spurned his hometown Mavs to re-sign with the Nets as they move to Brooklyn. In the grand scheme of things, this game will mean little, but the free-agent process was emotional for Williams and the two teams, and that could make this the most intense Mavs-Nets game of all-time. Less than three weeks later, Williams will make his return to Dallas. He won’t be staying.

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The Empty Hangar

by Ryan Wilson on July 10, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

We all had the feeling it was coming to an end. Starting the season, the writing was on the wall. The Mavericks would be doing everything possible to bring Deron Williams and/or Dwight Howard to Dallas. This would mean bringing very little of the current roster back for the 2012-2013 season. One of those specifically was the one we had come to love so much. One of the all time clutch players in Dallas Mavericks history. One of the loudest personalities in history. One of the best teammates as well.

The man who at the start of the Mavericks historic championship run, got the Larry O’Brien trophy tattooed on his bicep. You know if someone goes through those kinds of lengths to make his goal clear, he better have the play to back it up. If you haven’t figured it out by now, the man is Jason Terry.

When I hear the name Jason Terry, their is one image that comes to mind. Running down court with his arms at full wingspan, ready for takeoff. In a very rough free agent summer, the Mavericks did very little to keep that JET in it’s hangar. There now lies a very empty void in that locker room.

“Boston was the first to call me and Doc Rivers got on the phone and said, ‘We need you, you’re our No. 1 priority,’ ” he told RF Sports Report, which followed Terry and his daughter’s AAU basketball team at a recent tournament in Orlando, Fla. “Had I got that same phone call from Dallas, I’d still be a Dallas Maverick.

“But I didn’t, so I’m on to bigger and better things and hopefully with that team, with the way they are structured right now we have another chance to win the championship.”

This will be a tough pill for all of Mavs Nation to swallow.

Jason Eugene Terry came to Dallas in 2004, after Steve Nash left to Phoenix. It wasn’t a successful lift-off at the beginning for Terry’s partnership with Dirk Nowitzki, but eventually the two would form a very unique bond. They would also lead the Mavericks to 2 NBA Finals appearances, and one NBA Championship.

Players came and went throughout the years, but the one thing all of Mavs Nation could count on was Nowitzki and Terry always side by side. Dallas embraced Terry with open arms, and that gesture will always remain the same. Hopefully, the stars will align one day, and we could welcome Terry back, and put that #31 high up in the rafters, right next to his buddy Nowitzki. That is something he seems very open to.

“I was in Dallas eight years, played with some great teammates and had a great coach and a great owner,” said Terry, who averaged 15.1 points last season and shot 37.8 percent from beyond the arc. “But what the city meant to me is priceless. Without them, I’m nothing. The Jet was born in Dallas, right there in Dallas. So, I always have a home in Dallas and hopefully when I’m done I can go back and end my career there.”

The runway is quiet, but the hangar will always have a reserved spot for the JET.

 

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The JET Takes Off To Boston

by Ryan Wilson on July 5, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

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Heat Defend Home Court

by Ryan Wilson on May 31, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

The biggest postseason comeback in Miami Heat franchise history wasn’t enough.

The Heat needed more — and got it, digging deep to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

LeBron James scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored 23 and the Heat rallied from 15 down to beat the Boston Celtics 115-111 in overtime on Wednesday night.

Mario Chalmers scored 22 for the Heat, who won despite an unbelievable night by Rajon Rondo. The Celtics guard played all 53 minutes and scored 44 points, dished out 10 assists and grabbed eight rebounds. The Heat expected Boston’s best — and the Celtics didn’t disappoint.

“This group had resolve,” Wade said of the Celtics. “They came out and played a great game. It was physical early. They brought the game to us. That can’t happen. We used our crowd and the energy to get back into the game and we had to play better.”

Paul Pierce scored 21 points, Kevin Garnett added 18 and Ray Allen 13 for Boston.

Rondo finished 16 of 24 from the floor, 10 of 12 from the foul line and made both his 3-point tries.

“He was absolutely phenomenal,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “Put us, put the whole team at times on his shoulders. … We had a lot of opportunities to win the game.”

Allen’s 3-pointer with 34.3 seconds left tied the game at 99-all. James missed two shots, first a layup — he got the rebound of his own miss — and then a jumper on the final possession of regulation, and to overtime they went.

“We had to do it the tough way,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Game 3 is Friday in Boston.

The Heat had come back to win from 14 points down in playoff games twice before, first in Game 6 of the 2006 NBA finals — their title clincher — and again last season against Philadelphia.

And this one was slipping away, more than once. James missed two free throws 21 seconds into overtime, and Miami looked in trouble. But the Heat held on, in a game where they took 47 free throws — 24 by James — to Boston’s 29.

The scoring dossier in overtime began like this: Rondo scored, Heat tied it, Rondo scored, Heat tied it, Rondo scored, Heat tied it.

When Rondo missed a layup — he thought he was fouled, and the Celtics agreed — with 1:33 left, Miami took advantage, with Udonis Haslem getting a dunk to put the Heat up 105-103. And after a turnover on the next Boston possession, Wade drove the lane, hit the deck and watched as his layup bounced on the rim and dropped through.

Garnett stood over Wade and glared, to no avail. Wade hit the free throw, and Miami was up 110-105 with 59.7 seconds left.

On a night where the Heat missed 16 free throws — including at least four by James in crucial situations — they would survive.

“Now we’re going home,” Boston’s Mickael Pietrus said. “Our jersey is going to be white. They got two. Fine, good for them. But we’re going home now and you know what that means.”

Miami was down by 15 in the first half and by as many as 11 in the third quarter, before a pair of 3-pointers by James started a comeback. Wade made consecutive jumpers midway through the third to shake off a slow start to his night and get the Heat within three both times, and the 2006 NBA finals MVP set up Haslem for a three-point play with 2:55 left that gave Miami its first lead since the opening minutes, 73-71.

As Haslem’s shot dropped, Wade spun at midcourt and punched the air. More highlights followed.

Miami’s lead got to as much as seven in the third after James blocked Pierce’s shot near the rim, sending the ball high into the air and starting a sequence that was capped by a three-point play from Wade, pushing the margin to 78-71. It capped a 12-0 run for the Heat, who took an 81-75 lead into the fourth.

It was the fifth straight game where Miami outscored its opponent by double-digits in the third quarter. In each of the previous four of those outings, Miami never trailed in the final period.

That streak ended in this one.

And a call that Boston argued against played a big role in the Celtics getting the lead back.

James stole the ball from Rondo early in the fourth, drove down the court and got wrapped up by Pietrus, who was assessed a clear-path foul, meaning Miami got two free throws and the ball. James missed both foul shots, Mike Miller missed a 3-pointer later in the possession, and the lead stayed at 85-81.

Barely a minute later, it was gone. Pietrus hit a 3-pointer, Rondo followed with a steal and layup and Boston led 86-85. The Celtics led by five with 3:50 left after a jumper by Pierce, and the Celtics looked to be in control.

It was temporary. The Heat scored the next nine points, Haslem’s jumper with 1:08 remaining put Miami up 98-94. So of course, back came Boston — Allen’s 3-pointer tying the game a few moments after Pierce fouled out.

Early on, it was all Boston. Over the first 15-plus minutes, Boston was shooting 65 percent (15 for 23), Miami 27 percent (7 for 26). By halftime, Rondo had 22 points, the most anyone had scored in the first half of a playoff game against Miami since 2004.

“An incredible game,” Spoelstra said of the Celtics’ point guard.

Miami’s point guard did his best to keep the Heat close.

Chalmers had 12 in the second quarter and seven in a 14-6 Miami spurt to end the half. He hit a pair of 3-pointers during the flurry, Wade got his first points of the night on a falling-down layup with 27 seconds left and the Heat closed the margin to 53-46 by halftime.

 

Game notes

Celebrities in attendance included UCLA coach Ben Howland, rapper Flo Rida and former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, a regular in the Heat crowd. … Celtics F Greg Stiemsma had four fouls in the first quarter, the first NBA player to do that since 2009. … Rondo’s other 22-point first half was Feb. 22, 2009 at Phoenix. … Allen, considered one of the game’s absolute best shooters for many years, said he’s been getting plenty of unsolicited advice lately on how to get rolling again. “I’ve only been doing this for 20 years,” Allen said at the morning shootaround. … Haslem (6) had more rebounds than Boston (5) in the third quarter. … Heat C Ronny Turiaf started, played the first 4:51 and did not return. Joel Anthony started the second half in Turiaf’s place.

 

 

 

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Ray Allen To Play In Game 2

by Ryan Wilson on May 30, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

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