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Mock Draft: Mavs Fanatic First Round 1.0

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

MFMock1

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.

The TC Report – Pump The Brakes Mavs Fans

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

Walking into work this morning I noticed the Christmas decorations were out in full force. Light posts were dressed up with red and green and the building had lights on the lower section. That’s funny. I don’t even remember eating Thanksgiving dinner yet. Did I miss something? Did I sleep through the Cowboys/Redskins Thanksgiving day game? We win?

My point? We’re jumping the gun on Christmas. Much like we’re jumping the gun now on the latest Mavs losing streak.

First of all, all three recent losses were winnable games. Mavs hung tough against a good New York Knicks team only to fall short in the 4^th. It was more frustrating as the Mavs lost their first game EVER to Charlotte on Saturday night after a miserable effort to close out the game. And last nights loss to the Timberwolves was there for the taking if not for our awful shooting percentage.

By the way, I’m reading and hearing a lot of negative reaction towards the loss to the Bobcats. Let’s try taking the glass-half-full approach to this. This Bobcats team is the same team that we throttled in the 3^rd game of the season, 126-99. I understand that sports are a “what have you done for me lately” type of scenario. But let’s not freak out over an OT loss to a team that we already beat earlier in the season. Plus, we were due for a loss to the Bobcats at some point.

“We have to play desperate basketball every night,” said sixth man Vince Carter, who endured his worst offensive performance of the season (four points, 1-7 FG). “We’re not one of the best teams. We have the ability to be, but we have to play harder than teams.”

With the Mavericks hot 4-1 start, it resulted in some unreasonable expectations. Not saying that this team is not that good, but the team also shot 62% from the field vs. the Blazers and Bobcats in games 3 and 4 of the season. Obviously, this wouldn’t sustain. Mavs were able to mask the negative rebounding proportions by making a lot of shots. A lot of these shots came from the 3 point line as OJ Mayo quickly found himself on the top of the 3pt shooting list for the league. On Friday night inNew York, the Mavs turnover machine was cranked up to a high level. 20 turnovers in NY and 19 in Charlotte were the main cause for the losses. Mavs reduced the turnovers to 8 against the Timberwolves but only shot 36%.

Some of you have commented that the Mavs defense needs work. This is true to a certain degree but it’s not the reason that we’re losing. Last night we surrendered the highest shooting percentage by an opponent all season, 46.2% but we also created 17 turnovers. The second highest percentage was given up to the Raptors at 44%, a game we won. The defense has been stingy this season for the most part. Grabbing more defensive rebounds would be beneficial given that we’re stopping a lot of first attempts. This is where an injured Shawn Marion would help. He was our leading rebounder before his injury.

The MAIN issue with this current Mavs team, without Dirk and Marion, is that they can not win games if they’re severely struggling in any of the categories of Shooting percentage, Rebounding, and Turnovers in one specific game. All three categories have to be at average or better to produce a win. (Season Averages: Shooting: 46.3%. Rebounding: 41.9. Turnovers: 15). With a scorer like Dirk on the floor, the Mavs can afford to have a bad turnover night simply due to the fact that Dirk can keep them in a game offensively. But this current Mavs team has limited scorers and once defenses close in on Mayo, the offense panics. Hence the desperation 3’s by Carter and company when down by 5 or more. Had the Mavs shot closer to their season average and not a abysmal 36% vs. the Timberwolves, they would’ve won.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda.

Let’s credit the opponents some for creating turnovers, grabbing boards, and forcing us into bad shots. But mostly these issues can be solved by the Mavs. The last 3 losses hurt but in no way is it showing the teams “true colors” and the first 4 wins were not as much of a “fluke” as some of Dallas’ own would say. No matter what Jean-Jacques Taylor wants us to believe, this Mavs team is better than what you think.

Stay strong Mavs fans, we’ll be ok. Just weather the storm until @Swish41 is back.

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Mavs Game Night: Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2) @ Dallas Mavericks (4-3)

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

The Dallas Mavericks are back home and ready to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Our Mavs return to Texas after a disappointing two-game road trip that included the first loss ever to the Charlotte Bobcats. After dropping two in a row, the Mavs look to avoid a third consecutive loss. They are undefeated at home at 3-0.

Perhaps the injuries to Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion weren’t missed until this past weekend. Both Dirk and Matrix will not play tonight, but there’s no room for excuses. The Timberwolves come into the game riddled by injuries too. Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio have yet to play this season, while the team will be without Chase Budinger, ex-Mav J.J. Barea and likely Brandon Roy as well.

Several factors have played into the Mavericks’ struggles en route to a pair of losses.

Darren Collison had a rough weekend, more so just not playing his game. He was out there thinking too often than acting and reacting. No need to panic though, DC is a smart floor general that learns and improves from challenges.
Careless turnovers will always hinder success. The Mavs didn’t protect the ball and committed 39 combined giveaways which provided the Knicks and Bobcats extra scoring opportunities.
Mavs only shot a tidbit over 40% on the road trip and were outrebounded by the Bobcats 53-43 which ended up being crucial in the 101-97 overtime loss.

Even though the Wolves enter tonight’s game with the better record, you figure the Mavs should be considered the favorites. The AAC has been kind to the Mavs and they will need to get the crowd involved early and often.

Vince Carter played through a hip flexor injury on Saturday night and tallied 19 points (5-8 3PT), 5 boards and 3 steals. He’s been effective in the absence of key starters missing extended time.

O.J. Mayo continues to stroll alone as the NBA’s top 3-point shooter with 28 makes. Carter has made 16 triples himself and together they have paced the Mavs as the league’s top shooting team from deep.

Mayo has been the focus of opposing defenses as currently he’s the Mavs No. 1 offensive option, averaging 25.8 points in November. He’s gotten a bit sloppy with the ball at times (10 TO in NY/CHA), so he’ll have to make some adjustments.

The Mavs will see plenty of Russians Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved tonight. Without both Rubio and Barea, Shved and veteran Luke Ridnour will see all the minutes at point. Kirilenko joined the Wolves in the offseason after a strong performance in the Olympics. He’s their only healthy small forward, but Derrick Williams and Dante Cunningham could slide down and play reserve minutes behind AK47.

With numerous injuries on both sides, the lineups are sure to be unorthodox and at times undersized.

The Mavs need to come out with energy and get off to a fast start. After an underwhelming trip out east, what better way to get back into the winning column than a home game against the injury-plagued Minnesota Timberwolves? Get that DUB!! Let’s Go Mavs!

Catch all the action locally on Fox Sports Southwest!

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Mavs Game Night: Dallas Mavericks (4-2) @ Charlotte Bobcats (1-3)

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

Here we are again. The Dallas Mavericks face the Charlotte Bobcats for the second and final meeting this season. It comes at the right time. The Mavs have lost twice early on and both times the Bobcats have been the next in line. 17-0 will be the Mavs goal when they leave the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte tonight. Send those Bobcats home waiting until 2013-2014 for another crack at our Mavs.

So last night…hmmm…do we want to really remember that game? I’ll be brief. The Knicks came away with a home win 104-94. Carmelo Anthony took his 20-plus shots and scored 31 points. Dallas went to the foul line 23 times, converting 20. Only the Knicks went to the stripe 38 times and were called for seven less fouls. After going 7-for-15 from 3-point land in the first half, the Mavs shot just 1-for-13 from deep after the intermission. And finally, 20 turnovers shot us in the foot. Do the math and it’s clear the performance didn’t equalize a winning formula.

The Mavericks young backcourt of Darren “DC” Collison and O.J. “Juice” Mayo shouldered the blame for their team’s loss last night.

“I’m really, really disappointed in my performance tonight,” said Collison, who had as many turnovers as points (four) and was 1-of-8 from the floor. “I promise you that I’ll be in full-mode attack next game. I felt like I let my team down tonight.”

“I think it’s on me, too.” Mayo said backing up his backcourt mate.

HIGHLIGHT ALERT: Brandan Wright’s high-flying flush on Rasheed Wallace

Mavs Game Night is in Charlotte and ready for a fresh start to a new streak. However, the last thing Dallas should do is take the Bobcats easy. Yes it would seem the history of matchup trumps the possibility of a ‘trap game’, but it DOES NOT. Anyone can beat anyone any night in the NBA. Was that too many “Anys”?

In the previous meeting between these teams, Dallas cruised to a 126-99 home win. In the first preview for the Bobcats game I mentioned three keys and each played its part in the Mavericks W. Tonight the Mavs need to replicate that effort to continue the league’s longest opponent winning percentage.

My three successful keys from Mavs’ 126-99 win on November 3^rd

Darren Collison – DC, our Mavs engine had himself a night to forget against New York, but tonight provides him a solid bounce-back opportunity. I believe he’ll be in double-double territory.
Rebound – Against the ‘Cats in Game 3 of the season, Dallas actually out-rebounded an opponent (43-38 edge). The Mavs will once again be without leading rebounder Shawn Marion, so they will need guys like Chris Kaman and Troy Murphy to crash the glass even more. Kaman goes for his first double digit rebounding effort in this one.
O.J. Mayo Shooting – Mayo had his coming out party against Charlotte. He took advantage of a soft perimeter defense scorching the twine for a career-high seven 3-point baskets. Mayo’s November shooting numbers are sexy:

Time for a quick look at the Mavs injury front. Roddy Beaubois (ankle) returned to action last night and played 14 minutes. Vince Carter seemed to injure his hip area on a contact jump shot in the lane. According to VC he will be a go tonight in Charlotte.

“I’m planning on playing,” Carter said. “I don’t care what they say. We’re already down some bodies. Gotta go.”

The Bobcats’ starting center Brendan Haywood is questionable due to a family issue. Haywood missed their game in New Orleans on Friday night. Expect Byron Mullens to slide over to center and Bismack Biyombo to start at power forward if Haywood can’t go.

The Mavericks conclude the back-to-back two-game road trip and head home for a homestand duo against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards next week.

Tonight’s game will tip at 6:30 p.m. CT and locally airs on Fox Sports Southwest. NBATV will carry the broadcast nationally. Go Mavs!

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Mavs Take Home Opener In Rout

by Ryan Wilson on November 4, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

After Vince Carter pumped up the crowd, O.J. Mayo kept knocking down shots.

Mayo scored 30 points, including a career-high seven 3-pointers, and Carter got the fans going in Dallas’ home opener with a powerful dunk and high-flying block to help the Mavericks remain unbeaten against Charlotte with a 126-99 victory on Saturday night.

“He was locked in,” Carter said of Mayo. “He was worried about his shot a couple of days ago, and even early in the game. And I just said, ‘Just shoot. Just shoot it like you’re 5 for 5 instead of 1 for 5.’ ”

Mayo fed off Carter, too. He had a three-point play and his first 3-pointer less than a minute after Carter’s emphatic first-quarter dunk — reminiscent of his “Vinsanity” days — over Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo.

Carter then brought fans to their feet again by chasing down Kemba Walker and sending his breakaway layup attempt into the stands in the second quarter.

Dallas, which improved to 16-0 all-time against Charlotte, trailed 53-52 when Mayo put the Mavericks ahead for good on a 3-pointer with 1:01 left in the first half. Shawn Marion followed with a three-point play, and Darren Collison hit a running 34-footer at the buzzer for a 61-53 lead.

Collison started the second half with another 3-pointer, and Mayo finished the 24-8 run with a 3 that made it 76-61. The Mavericks scored 36 points in the third quarter after getting outscored by Utah 37-13 in that period in their first loss Thursday.

“Once we got on the plane, a couple of us popped in the film and saw that our energy, effort, we were so casual during the entire third quarter, so we wanted to come out with an attack mentality and really just get after it,” Mayo said.

Carter had 18 points, and the 14-year veteran was 4 of 8 from 3-point range. The Mavs had 16 3-pointers as Rick Carlisle became the third coach to win 200 games with Dallas. Don Nelson (339) and original Mavericks coach Dick Motta (329) are the others.

“You make 16 3s, you’re not going to lose many games, and it was a bit of a deodorant for some of our other transgressions,” Carlisle said. “We look to make strides, mild as they may be, and get better.”

Ramon Sessions led Charlotte with 22 points. Former Mavericks center Brendan Haywood had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Dallas center Chris Kaman made his debut as a reserve. He got off to a slow start after missing two weeks with a strained right calf, but he was a different player in the second half. He made all five of his shots in the third quarter, including an alley-oop dunk on one of Collison’s 10 assists, and finished with 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting.

“I missed the last four preseason games and the first two, so I’m kind of like a new player out there,” said Kaman, expected to be a critical component as the Mavericks try to hold on until injured star Dirk Nowitzki returns. “I’m just trying to fit in where I can and do what I can do.”

Collison also had 18 points.

Former Charlotte coach Larry Brown, now at SMU after he was fired by the Bobcats two years ago, watched courtside as the Bobcats fell behind 31-19 after the first quarter before going on a 17-4 run for a 36-35 lead. Sessions had eight points during the spurt, including the go-ahead bucket.

“It was a wonderful first half,” Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap said. “But unfortunately in the third quarter we gave up 36 points, so we hang our hat on our defense so we know where to start.”

Carlisle wasted no time going to Kaman, calling on him less than two minutes into the game. Carter’s entrance about five minutes later had a much bigger impact. After his big dunk, he hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds of the first quarter.

“I think they just move the ball,” Dunlap said of the Mavericks. “There are three or four teams that we show film of and the Mavericks is one of them. They call it their flow offense. They do a great job of moving the ball to find the open shooter.”

Walker had 10 points and was held to 10 shots a night after scoring a career-high 30 to lead the Bobcats past Indiana in their opener.

“They played him different, so what he did was he adjusted his game,” Dunlap said. “I really like the way he played. He didn’t force things.”

Mavs Game Night – Charlotte Bobcats (1-0) @ Dallas Mavericks (1-1)

by Ryan Wilson on November 3, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

It’s Game Night! Dallas Mavericks basketball returns home to the American Airlines Center for its regular season home opener. The forecast calls for an electric atmosphere. Mavs Dancers killin’ it on the court, ManiAACs rockin’ in the rafters and both Champ and Mavs Man entertaining in the stands.

Rowdy, Proud, Loud sets the scene as our Mavericks (1-1) host the Charlotte Bobcats (1-0). Not often do the Bobcats, the only team still to NEVER defeat the Mavs, enter this matchup with the better record. Fresh off a home win in their opener against the Indiana Pacers, the Cats look to ride that momentum in tonight’s game.

The Mavericks enter the third game of the season with yet another new face. This time it’s veteran power forward Troy Murphy. Murphy spent last season on the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas waived frontcourt stop-gap Eddy Curry to create a roster spot for Murphy.

Coaches Rick Carlisle and top assistant Jim O’Brien lobbied for the Murphy signing. Both previously coached Murphy during different stints in Indiana. With starting center Chris Kaman on the verge of return, Carlisle prefers to have a rebounding power forward with the ability to stretch the floor.

Kaman expects to play tonight for the first time since October 17^th. The Mavs could really use his presence as they have struggled rebounding and scoring in the post.

Roddy Beaubois tweaked an ankle in practice and will be a game-time decision.

Here are my three keys for the Mavericks to continue their winning ways against Charlotte:

1. Darren Collison – The new Mavs point guard has been the team’s best and most important player in the first two games. Collison controls the tempo and thrives in transition. The result? He’s averaging 17 points, 5.5 assists and two steals with incredible high efficiency. He should have Kaman to feed on the block which ought to help even more. Collison needs to keep doing his thing and Mavs will be in good hands.

2. Rebound! – Mavs need to be better on the glass, plain and simple. Sitting near the bottom of the league, the Mavs have a -13.5 rebound differential after games against the Lakers and Utah Jazz. Adding Kaman (8.3 RPG career avg) and Murphy (7.9 RPG) to the mix will aid the issue. The more defensive boards Dallas grabs, it will limit opportunities for Bobcats’ second chance points.

3. The Shooting of O.J. Mayo – Most slapped Mayo, myself included, to be Dirk’s Robin once he signed this summer. Dirk had surgery and Mayo was to become Batman, right? Early on it hasn’t evolved as planned as Mayo struggles to shoot the ball. His shot from deep isn’t the problem (55.6%; 5-9 3PT in 2 games), but rather inside the arc (31.8%; 7-22 FG). Mavs and fans just need to be patient, his shot will start to fall and it will open driving lanes to attack the basket as well. Mayo should benefit tonight against a subpar Bobcats defense.

Game action tips at 7:30 p.m. CT and airs on Fox Sports Southwest. NBA League Pass free trial active through November 6. Watch games live on your television, computers or smart phone.

Pre-Game Press: Charlotte Bobcats (1-6) @ Dallas Mavericks (3-4)

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

The preseason finale is upon us as the Dallas Mavericks (3-4) will host the one team to never beat them – the Charlotte Bobcats (1-6).

A whirlwind of news came through yesterday when the Mavericks suspended guard Delonte West for the second time in October. This time around West will not return and has played his last game for the Mavs.

In light of West’s pending departure, Dallas claimed center Eddy Curry off waivers after the San Antonio Spurs released him days earlier. The Mavericks also signed guard Chris Douglas Roberts and forward Melvin Ely to compete with Curry for the remaining roster spot.

Curry holds the early advantage and will start in his very first game as a Maverick. Coach Rick Carlisle has no better options with several injuries in his frontcourt after Brandan Wright rolled his ankle and will join Dirk Nowitzki (knee) and Chris Kaman (calf) in street clothes Friday night.

“I can be a presence down low, especially with Chris being out, Dirk being out. I’m just trying to help them out and give them a physical presence.”

Without West on the team, the Mavs need to quickly determine who will take over as Darren Collison’s primary backup at point guard. Dominique Jones has shown spurts of running the point well, but it remains to be seen whether he can be effective enough without a jumpshot.

The three newcomers Curry, Douglas-Roberts and Ely ought to see significant playing time in a last-ditch effort to prove themselves worthy of an NBA-roster gig.

Rookie guard Jared Cunningham hasn’t seen much action in preseason and that trend likely continues once the regular season begins.

Expect to see plenty of Jae Crowder once again as his beyond impressive streak of six straight double-digit scoring efforts will become seven.

Ex-Mavs center Brendan Haywood makes his return to the American Airlines Center after deemed the team’s amnesty player and waived the summer.

The Mavs should handle their own tonight and remain undefeated againt the Bobcats.

Action tips at 7:30 p.m. CT and airs on KTXA 21. Let’s Go Mavs!

Bobcats Narrow Down Search

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

The Charlotte Bobcats have narrowed their list of head coaching candidates to Jerry Sloan, Brian Shaw and Quin Snyder, according to league sources.

After going through an initial interview with Charlotte executives Rod Higgins and Rich Cho, each of the three candidates will meet with Bobcats owner Michael Jordan within the next week or so.

Shaw will interview with Jordan Thursday, sources said.

Sloan, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, is the only candidate with prior head coaching experience. The 70-year-old Sloan, who resigned abruptly during his 23rd season with the Utah Jazz last year, is eager to return to the sidelines and regards the Bobcats’ job as a great opportunity to teach young players, according to sources.

Sloan led the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances but lost both times to Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Shaw, an assistant with the Indiana Pacers, is perhaps the most highly coveted assistant coach in the league. He is also a top candidate for the Orlando Magic coaching job. Snyder is an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sloan, Shaw and Snyder were chosen from a field of interviewees that included Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, former Portland coach Nate McMillan, Golden State assistant Michael Malone, Cleveland assistant Nate Tibbetts, Charlotte assistant Stephen Silas, Memphis assistant Dave Joerger and St. John’s University assistant Mike Dunlap.

Ewing Not Jordan's Choice

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

Charlotte Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins says the team will hire a new coach within the next couple of weeks, but it won’t be Patrick Ewing.

Higgins said owner Michael Jordan informed Ewing that the team plans to hire someone other than him to replace Paul Silas.

Exactly who that is remains to be seen.

“Patrick has a lot of great qualities as a coach and he will one day be a head coach,” Higgins said.

The Bobcats will interview Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw on Friday, sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard. They will interview Lakers assistant Quin Snyder on June 4. The Bobcats reached out to former Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, but sources say he told them he is thinking about taking next season off.

Other names in the mix for the Bobcats are Golden State assistant Mike Malone, former Utah coach Jerry Sloan, ex-Portland coach Nate McMillan and Cleveland assistant Nate Tibbetts.

Once they conclude that process, they’ll narrow the list down to the final few candidates who will then meet with Jordan face to face before a final decision is made.

Charlotte did not bring back Paul Silas after a 7-59 record this season.

Information from ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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