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: Knicks (8-1) @ Mavs (6-6)

by Ryan Wilson on November 21, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

The Dallas Mavericks will once again face the point guard that helped lead them to the team’s first NBA title. Jason Kidd makes his return to Dallas when he and his New York Knicks will play the Mavs for the second and final time this season. In the previous meeting Carmelo Anthony had his way offensively and led the Knicks to a 104-94 victory.

Rick Carlisle and the Mavs come into this one at an even 6-6 record and fresh off an awfully brutal home OT loss to the Golden State Warriors. Warriors’ star guard Stephen Curry picked apart the Mavs defense, besting O.J. Mayo’s valiant effort to pull the win out for our guys.

The Knicks meanwhile continue to cruise through their early schedule with an 8-1 record. The latest victim was the New Orleans Hornets last night who played without rookie sensation Anthony Davis.

Success for the Knicks isn’t a fluke. New York has been superb on the defensive end. No team surrenders fewer points (88.3). Already with DPOY Tyson Chandler in the middle, the addition of Kidd and Ronnie Brewer on the wing adds grit. Melo has made it a point himself to work harder and get better defensively too. The Knicks also do it offensively with the 3-point shot. They lead the NBA in attempts and makes.

As evident in the first meeting, this will not be a barn-burner as in years past. The halfcourt game will be important. Dallas needs to value the basketball and limit unforced turnovers because the Knicks excel on the break.

Another key factor for the Mavs will be on the defensive end. Shawn Marion wasn’t active last time the two teams met, which left only Dahntay Jones and rookie Jae Crowder to cover the elite scoring Anthony. It didn’t work as Melo got what he wanted and dropped 31 points with relative ease. Marion has been very effective in slowing down Melo in the past, but with an achy knee we will see what transpires.

In New York, Mayo started the game scorching from deep, but got himself into foul trouble. He was also a mess turning the rock over eight times. That’s absurdly poor and since then he’s toned the careless giveaways somewhat, but still needs to improve on protecting the ball better.

Darren Collison really wants and needs his confidence to return. He hasn’t resembled the player he was in the first few games this year, but I still believe he’ll bounce back. The Mavs are much better when DC elevates his play by creating opportunities for his teammates.

What’s going to be the response for Jason Kidd when he’s introduced as the starter for the visiting New York Knicks tonight? I think there will be a mixed result with plenty ‘Boos’ and plenty cheers. I would cheer because he was a huge piece in winning the championship and I believe both the Mavs and Kidd benefited from the split over the summer.

Everyone is happy, well maybe everyone besides Mr. Cuban!

Game tips tonight at 7:30 p.m. CT and airs on both FSSW and MSG.

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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: 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 Turnovers and Cold 4th Quarter Shooting Knicks Them In The End

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

The Dallas Mavericks strolled into Madison Square Garden sitting pretty with a 4-1 record and loads of confidence. Mavs certainly have not been playing like a team that was missing their two best players. Although tonight, they could have used them in the lineup.

The New York Knicks were the lone undefeated team in the Association with a 3-0 record. Two members of the Mavs’ championship team are playing in this game and both play for the Knicks. Awkwaaaaard.

On to the game…MAAAYYYOOOO! The young lad was doing his thing scoring at will like always. Draining 3′s at 50% clip like always. Getting to the rim like always. Getting in foul trouble…not like always. Blah. About 8 minutes into the 2nd he picked up his third foul and had to sit. Game changed immediately following this. And not in our favor.

Carmelo Anthony is a beast. A real beast. Actually my 2nd favorite player behind LeKing (I know I know). We all know Melo is going to score. But without Marion in the lineup? Yikes. Melo scored 19 by the half and ended up with 31 total. Lots of big buckets in the 4th but that’s what he does night in and night out.

Collison was ineffective with only 4 points on 1-8 shooting. Not a good night. The lone bright spot was the big man play. Kaman and Wright combined for 23 points and 11 boards. Stellar defense was played between the two but the Mavs defense in general came to a crashing hault in the 4th. Final score 104-94 Knickerbockers to remain undefeated. I like to keep these recaps short and sweet on losses. Hopefully not too many more of these.

MAVS COMMITTED TWENTY (20) (10*2) (5*4) (37-17) TURNOVERS! I do not approve and will leave it at that. Just do better. Thanks!

On to the next one, which is tomorrow night in Charlotte against the seemingly imoroved Bobcats. W please.

Follow me on twitter @kenny_817 and as always…GO MAVS!

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Mavs Game Night: Dallas Mavericks (4-1) @ NY Knicks (3-0)

by Ryan Wilson on November 9, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

It’s been a week of reunions for the Dallas Mavericks. They already welcomed home former top assistants Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts. Tonight they visit the Big Apple and will see two integral players to the championship run two seasons ago.

Tyson Chandler and Jason Kidd now wear the blue and orange for the New York Knicks. Chandler is in his second year with the Knicks and has changed the defensive culture almost single-handedly. His efforts did not go unrecognized as he took home the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Kidd’s exit from Dallas in the offseason came as a surprise. The original plan was to lure Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams home and employ Kidd as his backup. When Kidd bolted back to the New York area (Kidd played for the New Jersey Nets from 2001-2008) it caught Mavs’ star Dirk Nowitzki off-guard and didn’t sit well with owner Mark Cuban.

“I was more than upset,” Cuban said. “I thought he was coming. I was pissed…

“J. Kidd is a big boy; he can do whatever he wants. But you don’t change your mind like that. That was … yeah. I’m sure I’ll get over it at some point, but as of now, I wouldn’t put J. Kidd’s number in the rafters.”

It was somewhat frustrating as a Mavs fan simply because we didn’t have another natural point guard on the roster. Personally, I wasn’t too hurt by the news. I love J-Kidd for all he did as a Maverick, but paying him $9 million for three more years until he’s 42-years-old would have been a poor investment.

We know how it all played out. Mavs went a different direction and quickly turned a signed-and-traded Ian Mahinmi into Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones. Mavs now have their starting point guard, a 25-year-old with speed, scoring ability and a high basketball IQ.

Kidd and his undefeated Knicks will be up against a vastly new-look Mavs squad. The Mavs will once again be without key players when Dirk and Marion sit out. Roddy B will be a game-time decision with a bum ankle.

A key for the Mavs in this game with be keeping Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony in check. Well, at least try to without top wing defender Marion to handle those duties. One would expect Rick Carlisle to go with both Dahntay Jones and Jae Crowder.

When the Mavs let their best impact center in franchise history, Tyson Chandler, walk to ‘keep the powder dry” it left fans dumbfounded and infuriated. Chris Kaman temporarily has eased those concerns and helps some move on. Kaman is by far Dallas’ best offensive center EVER. It’s only been a handful of games, but it’s that obvious.

Kaman looks natural out there on the offensive end. He can shoot, he can post and he can create problems for opposing big men. He will certainly make Chandler work tonight.

O.J. Mayo and Collison will need to push the tempo and create opportunities for one another as well as the rest of their teammates. Mayo is averaging 28 points per contest in November, but is finding other ways to impact the game.

This game should have plenty of storylines and excitement.

New York’s local broadcast network ‘MSG’ has had two Knicks promo posters pulled for possible inappropriate meanings (Check them out below). Both were clever and hilarious in my opinion. One other TV ad though for tonight’s game said, “Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler will show Dallas how basketball’s played in New York.” No problem, the Mavs will see how they play.

In the end we just want to also show them our new brand of Mavericks ball and hope it’s better than theirs. Another result to place in the standing’s left column. Go Mavs!

Actions tips at 6:30 p.m. CT and airs on Fox Sports Southwest and MSG.

Knicks Ad #1 “Kidd and Dimes” | Knicks Ad #2 “Real Men Fly”

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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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In Cuban We Trust

by Ryan Wilson on July 16, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

Mavs Offseason

 

I’ve been asked or told by many people recently about the reasoning behind letting go of a lot of key players from the Mavericks 2011 championship team.  Popular NBA experts/analysts and even the players themselves can’t seem to grasp the idea behind it.  So it’s time to break it down and hopefully we can all move on with a better understanding.

This Dallas Mavericks offseason can best be summed up in one word; Salvaged.  It quickly went from high hopes, to bust, to decent.  Or was it ever truly a “bust”?  The truth is that the new CBA has presented some necessary changes in the ways teams operate their rosters and only a few teams are being proactive with their approach.  Some teams choose to buy anybody and everybody in hopes of a quick fix and a quick title.  The window of opportunity is very small with this approach. Because in a few years, these teams will suffer.

Here are some of the important penalties of being over the salary Cap:

1. Teams risk not being able to perform sign and trades in order to dump salary.
2. They can’t use their annual cap exceptions of $5 million to sign veteran players.
3. The only way they can improve their roster is a regular dollar for dollar trade or signing guys at the minimum contract.  And we’ve learned from experience in the past few years that players are looking for more years and more money.  So the chances of landing key players at minimum deals are very low percentage.
4. IMPORTANT. Owners of teams over the Cap pay the luxury tax to other teams that are  under the salary cap.  The amount of money to each team is pro rated based on how much under the cap the team is.  (Yet another way for the Mavs to make money)

Example #1 (hypothetical):  if the Knicks would’ve signed Jeremy Lin, they would’ve had to pay a Luxury tax of $43 million in year 3 of the contract.  $43 million!!  Kudos to the Knicks for recognizing this and skipping out on that contract.  It’s the first good move they’ve made in a long time.

Example #2 (factual):  In regards to paying the luxury tax for being over the cap, there’s also a “repeat offender” rate for teams that are over the cap consecutive seasons.  The Brooklyn Nets, using the figures below, will be paying a luxury tax of $56 million in 2013-2014, $88 million in the 2014-2015 season, and $90 million+ in the 2015-2016 season.  Keep in mind that the salary cap each NBA season is $58 million.  It’s just laughable.  Ready to laugh some more?  The team that paid the highest luxury tax last year was the Los Angeles Lakers at a whopping $12 million.  In my best typed Prokorov impression; “Moneez no probl’m for Prokorov. Me and Jay-Z sign good player and win Champ-ship”

The problem that the NBA runs into is that the players are either not informed, or choose to ignore the fact that they’re joining a team that will be inevitably cash strapped.  Which brings up the question of if a player really cares about winning or only cares about the pay check?  I think, unfortunately, that we’re learning that it’s the latter.

Back to the Mavs.  In retrospect, after giving Mark Cuban a ton of criticism (myself included); I’ve come to realize that the business of the game is more important than ever.  Especially over the next 2-3 years while the CBA is leveling out the playing field.  Cuban is loading up the team with a genius mixture of short contracts and quality players.  Kaman, Brand, Jones, and Darren Collison….. All one year deals.  Actually, the only current player on the books in 2013 is our good buddy, Dirk Nowitzki.  (FYI, any rookies that we may sign from here and now will be on the payroll as well.)  Do you realize what this means?  It means that the Mavericks are in the best spot financially to make a killing next summer as well as stay under the cap.  I know, I know, we thought that about this year as well.  But in all honesty, Donnie Nelson did make reference to the “Summer of 2013” in a few interviews over the last year and we chose to not believe it.  But it was true.

But let me make something clear.  This DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MAVS BUILD A SUPER TEAM or some lame “Big 3” situation.  The idea here, as with any Mark Cuban game plan, is to sustain.  The Mavericks haven’t had a successful decade and a half due to poor management.   Plus, we as Mavs fans have done a lot of complaining about how unfair these super teams are, and it’s the truth.  These owners are stretching their dollars with little disregard for financial repercussions.  Again, these teams have very small windows for success with their current rosters before the luxury tax and the salary cap penalties prove to be too costly.

So the question is; would you rather max out the salary and win a title then be irrelevant for 5-6 years, or would you rather build piece by piece and have a comprehensive plan that keeps you competitive every NBA season?  The second option is what we have right now.  And it’s the reason that we expect success every year and always feel that the Mavs have a shot.

From now on, if anyone that claims to be a NBA fan comes up to you and ridicules Mark Cuban and the Mavs for not signing Tyson Chandler, just make reference to the current state of the New York Knicks.  By signing Tyson Chandler last year to the amount of money that they did, they are now forced to sign Raymond Felton at the point guard position.  They handicapped themselves by not thinking proactively so they’ve missed out on quality point guard and seat filler in Jeremy Lin.  The same would’ve happened to the Mavs.  We would’ve been stuck with Tyson Chandler, Dirk Nowitzki and little money to do much else unless we spent money and put ourselves in trouble with Cap penalties.  This also would’ve resulted in a  high possibility of losing Dirk in the summer of 2014.

In all reality, learning on how to focus on the business aspect of sports is almost like busting the Santa Claus bubble.  We want to believe that a fat man drops down our chimney and delivers awesome toys.  We also want to believe that all players are loyal and will do whatever it takes to please the fans.  But it’s just not true.  Players are going to follow the money and if owners are irresponsible enough to pay players ridiculous amounts, then you can’t blame them.   The CBA will ultimately help the league, that’s the idea.  Players will have to settle for less money in the future due to owners being forced to follow the rules.  This will create more parity for the league and less super teams.  Sorry ESPN.

I’ve come to terms that there’s a method to this Mavs offseason madness and the genius of Mark Cuban is happening right before our eyes.  The Dallas Mavericks are playing their hands just perfectly.  Mavs are getting a running start to the new era of NBA basketball.  Sit back and enjoy the show.

 

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Toronto Makes Pitch For Local Star

by Ryan Wilson on July 2, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

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J.R. Smith To Become Free Agent

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

J.R. Smith plans to decline his $2.4 million option with the New York Knicks Tuesday, giving the veteran guard leeway to re-sign under more lucrative terms, the New York Times reported.

Smith’s opting-out decision, which must be made by July 1, would clear him to test free agency and be eligible for a 20 percent raise based on his $2.382 million salary from this past season, the Times reported, citing an anonymous source.

Smith could get as much as $12.2 million over four years if he opts out. Another option for Smith, the paper says, is re-signing with the Knicks for one year with early-Bird rights and earning a salary of at least $5.3 million in 2013-14.

A source told ESPN New York in May that Smith’s father, Earl, is going to make a strong case for his son to stay in New York, but “it’s very clear that the money is the biggest factor with him.”

Smith was signed in mid-February to a prorated share of the Knicks’ $2.5 million mini-midlevel exception with a player option for 2012-13 after playing in China during the lockout.

It was likely expected that he would decline his player option and test free agency this summer.

In April, three league sources with knowledge of his contract situation told ESPNNewYork.com that he would be undermining his value on the free-agent market by signing the $2.5 million option.

Smith averaged 12.5 points per game on 40 percent shooting, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals in the regular season. But Smith struggled in New York’s first-round loss to Miami, shooting 11-for-48 in the final three games of the series.

Information from ESPNNewYork.com’s Ian Begley was used in this report.

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