Bleacher Report - Articles by Janet Kessler

Rodrique Beaubois: For Dallas Mavericks, Raising Roddy Requires Baby Steps

Janet Kessler — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:03:56 -0500

One thing every Dallas Mavericks fan can agree on is that we want Rodrique Beaubois to play more minutes. Sometimes bringing up the future stud takes patience, and for now the Mavericks have the luxury of taking their time with Roddy.

Little Roddy is blazing fast like Devon Harris—maybe faster, but Roddy knows how to throttle that speed down when he needs to, unlike Harris. That should lessen the likelihood that he injures himself by crash landing after a layup.

Roddy brings excitement to the game when he goes vertical for anything—whether on the receiving end of a "Roddy-oop" pass from Jason Kidd, or just going for a rebound. Watching him gives me flashbacks of what could have been with former dunk champion Gerald Green.

He is so exciting that owner Mark Cuban wants Roddy in the Slam-Dunk competition at the soon-to-be-held Dallas All-Star Game.

Yes, Roddy is amazingly fun to watch and we want more of him, but understand one very clear point: He is a rookie on a very short leash for very good reasons.

Please understand that Roddy is a person who is learning the English language; everything is new for him here. The Mavericks have to be cautious and absolutely sure he understands what they say to him and that the communication gap is bridged in a positive way.

Beaubois has started the last six games since Josh Howard was shut down for more rehab. This has insured that sixth man Jason Terry is coming off the bench and not forced back into the starting lineup.

What the Mavericks are getting for that move is a jolt at the start of the games that has been lacking all season. The Mavericks are energized by Roddy's speed and high percentage shooting. His grip on the team's concept of defense has materialized faster than anyone could have foreseen. Roddy's impact on the team is clearly evident.

Beaubois' education in the NBA and with the Mavericks is very much in front of him; he is never on the floor without either senior point guards Kidd or JJ Barea. Roddy is not even to the point where he can bring the ball across the half court line on his own yet. He has a way to grow yet, even though we have witnessed glimmers of promise in his passing abilities.

We, like the Mavericks, have to be patient and let Roddy develop at his own pace. The Mavericks are mindful not to put Roddy in a position to fail and hurt himself or the team.

We have seen Roddy match up well with the smaller quicker guards, something that has been lacking in the Mavericks' arsenal since the departure of Harris. The Mavericks are keeping a careful watch at Roddy's turnovers, not allowing him to hurt the team with rookie mistakes.

For Roddy to get more minutes, he is going to have to earn them. He has to show the coaches that he is learning what they are teaching him by applying it to his game.

For now, we should be thankful that Beaubois hasn't been sent to the D-League by now. Since the Mavericks have been plagued with injuries, and Howard is not ready to return to the lineup, Roddy is needed with the Mavericks.

That may still happen if and when Howard returns to playing. The Mavericks know they might have the steal of the draft, they just have to raise Rodrique Beaubois right.

That means lots of patience and lots of growing pains.

For the Dallas Mavericks, Life Under the Radar is Very Sweet

Janet Kessler — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:36:59 -0500

By now, we Mavs fans are used to our Dallas Mavericks getting little to no recognition for playing at the top of the league...but that's okay!

It's okay that the national media doesn't mention our Mavericks when they talk about the top powers of the league or who will the season's championship contenders may be...and we scream "idiots!"

You would be hard pressed to find any national media outlet covering the NBA mentioning how great the Mavericks have started their season, they're too busy covering the Lakers, the Celtics, and the Cavs.

Some genius has our Mavs figured no higher than 10 on their own opinionated power rankings, placing teams like the Lakers and Spurs whom we have beaten already, ahead of us.

By now we're used to such insults and lack of respect at the expense of our Mavs, so what else is new?

Mavs Fans, we should be very proud, our Mavericks have just completed a very tough stretch of 13 games with a record of 10-3, good enough for a franchise best start and tied for first in the West. None of the so called experts saw this one coming.

What is more impressive is how the Mavericks accomplished this amazing feat, with no fewer than two primary players on the bench with injuries at every single game. Last year's team would not have fared nearly as well.

Since Dirk Nowitzki took the summer off, he has been playing out of his German-loving-mind. I'm on board to cast my vote for MVP.

The Mavs didn't have to wait the usual three to four weeks that it takes for him to get back into NBA form, Dirk came out of pre-season smoking red-hot shooting-wise.

Speaking of red-hot shooters our reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Jason Terry, is playing like he wants another trophy. I say get it polished and engraved, the Jet is on the runway to repeat.

Mix in "The Matrix" Shawn Marion, who has lived up to our summer hopes and dreams for the Mavs. He is proving he still can play at an All-Star level, he just needed a point-guard that could get him the ball.

With Drew Gooden it's "love him hate him," but you can't question what he has brought to the game every night since Dampier went down. As long as he stays playing like this, Dallas will have lots of love for Gooden.

Eric Dampier was playing like a one-man freak-show before his mystery illness. Rumor says it might be his heart, tests Friday indicated it as not anything career-ending. No words of Dampier's return from the Mavericks' office.

The last game against the Kings was Tim Thomas' second and most effective. He brought welcome depth back to a depleted bench. Thomas' game was limited only by his lack of conditioning, that will only improve.

We all know Josh Howard had ankle surgery last summer, he tried to make a comeback in the middle of this run but was shut down for more rehab.

Mavs Fans, don"t be too surprised if we see little of Josh this season; he had total reconstruction of that bad ankle.

In fact, it was discovered during the operation that Josh should have never played on it last season. He had the ankle equivalent of a Tommy John Surgery.

Rodrique Beaubois has shocked everyone by becoming the starting 2-guard in Howard's absence.

He's averaging 13.8 minutes a game now and giving us a nice first-quarter spark of 8.1 points per game and shooting an unreal 61.4 percent. He's giving us some very nice defense too.

Coach Rick Carlisle and the team's brain trust are very careful with Roddy's minute, they don't want to overwhelm the young prince or put him in a situation he can't handle.

That wouldn't do Roddy or the Mavericks any good. Watching Roddy grow up on the court is an awesome thing to witness.

Nothing new from Jose Juan Barea, just the usual spark off the bench we love and expect. JJ now has a new job in helping Kidd getting Roddy schooled in the fine arts of point-guard.

The other surprise for the Mavs is new comer Kris Humphries . He is becoming quite a bruiser on defense, and has a nice soft touch on the open J's.

Quinton Ross is making his mark with the Mavs by giving us much-needed defense. He presence is vital with all the team's injuries.

Of course none of this would work without Jason Kidd . I will repeat myself here, but it's fact: Kidd makes everyone on the team better.

I've done my own math and I believed this from pre-season start and I believe it even more that the Mavericks will win at least sixty games this season.

My source with the Mavs is calling this Mavericks team the best since the 2006 team...And we remember where that team got us.

The Mavericks are far from showing their full potential since they have not been healthy all season. The very thought of what they can do with all its members whole is exciting and downright scary. So for now we can be content with it being the best kept secret in Dallas.

Now is not the time for any team to peak; after all, it is an 82-game marathon, but learning to win against adversity does make the grueling race easier...Our Mavs are doing that now!

So for now lets enjoy our Mavs to ourselves while the media gurus look elsewhere, it would not be the first time these guys showed their true I.Q.'s. Mark my words, as the Mavericks keep their winning ways, the Mavericks won't stay under the radar for long.

Miles Austin Passes "Hot Check" for Dallas Cowboys

Janet Kessler — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:45:25 -0500

No. Miles Austin isn't in trouble with the law. A "hot check", sometimes known as a "heat check", is a test of sorts. Let's take a look at what it means.

Here, a hot check is a way to determine if a player is...well...hot.

Every quarterback that has ever been enshrined in the Hall of Fame had one. Any active quarterback worth his salt has one too. He's that ultimate go-to guy, you know, the one that makes the "how in the heck did he catch that" play in the clutch. Every team wants one. Every team needs one to win it all. He is, simply, the playmaker.

During his tenure as starting quarterback for the Cowboys, Tony Romo has never had his go-to guy as far as wide receivers go. Sure Romo has tight end Jason Witten, and they have earned a decent living as the Cowboys main "Dynamic Duo." The problem is opposing teams are learning how to deny Witten as Romo first passing choice.

Who will step up in his place? Is there anyone hot enough?

So what are the Cowboys gonna do?

The Cowboys need to find Romo a receiver that has the same on-field unspoken chemistry as Romo has with Witten. Sure they tried with wide receiver Terrell Owens, and I'm not going to waste keystrokes here repeating what has already been said about T.O., so let's move on.

Wide receiver Roy Williams sounded off at Valley Ranch this week. Some though he sounded stupid, but there was truth to what Williams has said. We have all seen the evidence every Sunday. The fact is Romo and Williams are not connecting in games.

Williams, who claims to be the No. 1 receiver, also added that everything is going the No. 2's (Austin's) way. Williams' final chime was about how Romo throws to him differently than Austin, causing him to twist and contort himself to catch the ball.

Yep I agree with you Roy!

But the fact of the matter is, somewhere, somehow in the Week Five game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Romo and Austin found their groove.

Everyone is now asking if Austin is for real? Is he a playmaker? Is he the heir to Michael Irvin and other Cowboys receiver greats of the past?

Austin fits the bill

Austin filled his stat line against the Chiefs a few weeks ago with 10 receptions, 250 yards and two touchdowns. But wait. Let's check this. After all, one game does not a playmaker make.

The next game had the Cowboys at home hosting the Atlanta Falcons. Austin came through again with a line of six receptions, 171 yards, and two touchdowns in the win.

Again, wait. The Cowboys had the bye week so everyone on the team should have been rested and ready to play at top speed. Can't say playmaker yet.

Last Sunday the Cowboys had the noon game with the Seattle Seahawks and won their third game in a row. Austin's numbers were not as big as the previous two weeks he had five receptions, 61 yards, and one touchdown but finally, a consistent passing option is found for Romo.

After three straight unfailing performances we can safely say Miles Austin is the Dallas Cowboys newest in a long historic line of playmakers. My he wear the crown well!

Dallas Mavericks: Making a Point with Dynamic Guards, Deep Bench, Dirk Nowitzki

Janet Kessler — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:14:57 -0400

Well Mavericks Fans it's That Time Again!

Time to breakout our Mavericks gear or invest in the latest new jersey (I love this new blue alternate jersey by the way, had to have one). Time to get ready as our Dallas Mavericks begin their quest for the ultimate prize of all...The NBA Championship.

I got to see our Mavs play against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday night, so I got a first hand look at the new guys on the team. There was a lot to like from what I saw of individual players.

Of course our Mavs were victorious over the Cavs winning 93-82. I missed seeing Shaquille O'Neal and LaBron James though.

Better Shaq and King James stay at home, having the flu bug running through the locker-room is the last thing the Mavericks need right now.

Our veterans of Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Jose Juan Barea, and Dirk Nowitzki were what you expected of them. Yes, they are ready to go for the season.

The Best is Still to Come!

Shawn Marion was still out sporting street clothes and nursing his sore calf. Marion is expected to be ready to go for the first game of the regular season.

From the glimpses we've seen of Marion this pre-season, he looks like the perfect fit for the Mavs. Remember Marion's rookie season with the Phoenix Suns, Jason Kidd was the starting point-guard.

Josh Howard , also in street clothes, was keeping Marion company on the bench. Howard is questionable to be ready to start the regular season, and the teams time-table on him has been scratched.

One bit of good news on Howard, he is participating in full contact drills with the team. So we should expect to see him back in the line-up soon.

Tim Thomas was hurt before the start of training camp, and underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair his injured knee. Not much on Thomas as far as updates from the Mavericks, I'm anxious to see how this three point specialist will contribute to the team.

The Return of the Thirty-Something Gang!

You couldn't miss the biggest jab at this roster of Mavericks, as there is presently seven members that are over thirty. I seen them play and my opinion is they looked great for old men, but we will see how great they look after 82 games played.

JJ Barea is still the bundle of energy that we love and expect to see coming off the bench. He has racked up a lot on playing time in the pre-season. Loved his game against Orlando on October 5 scoring 13 points in the second quarter, his taking Dwight Howard to the hole for an and one was so sweet!

James Singleton is back and ready to contribute from the bench. The Mav-Man look-a-like has bulked up over the summer, which should help on the defensive end.

Matt Carroll is back to no surprise, his contract is a bit to hefty to move him right now. Carroll had Lasik surgery over the summer, he is out to prove that he really can shoot.

The jury is still out as far as Carroll's shooting is concern, but I have been impressed with his defense during this pre-season. And Carroll gets credit for the Mavericks first technical foul of the season, when he and Matt Barnes went at each other on October 5 in at the Orlando Magic.

Jet Terry has been smoking red-hot this preseason, he's feeling the groove on his three- pointers. The Jet is definitely ready to take off for the regular season.

Eric Dampier is feeling the added pressure for the starting center job. He knows the minutes at the center will be platooned to get the Mavericks the best match-up against their opponents.

I almost had a heart-attack at the game when I saw Damp do this Mavs fans, and I have heard he can make them too.  That night Dampier just bricked it up, but it was the first time ever to see him launch one from behind the three-point arc.

I hope I never see one again, to be honest I would much rather see Dampier make his free-throws when he gets the "hack-a-Shaq." We have plenty of real real shooters to take care of business shooting tres.

J Kidd is back and ready to command the Mavericks offense. He is still the best passing point-guard in the league. With Barea and the added draft-pick the Mavericks should be solid at the point-guard position.

Mavs fans one thing really concerns me that I saw from the game, at the end of the fourth quarter I saw Kidd sitting on the bench with both knees heavily wrapped being iced down. Kidd only played 25 minutes that night, could this be an omen of a future problem? Let's hope not.

Dirk Nowitzki   left his past summer troubles behind him, and is ready to lead the Mavericks into the coming season. What else can I say about our franchise player except he looked relaxed, happy, and hungry for a ring.

The Dirkster is as deadly with the ball as ever before, but he's no point-guard. There should be an NBA rule against seven-footers for dribble driving across the mid-court line. What were you thinking of Dirk, you aways lose the ball to a steal when you do that!

Let's Meet the New Mavericks!

Rodrique Beaubois can be looked at as the crown prince to the Mavericks point-guard. As the understudy to Kidd and Barea, Roddy's education is in good hands.

Beaubois has started the last two games, baptism by fire as head-coach Rick Carlisle put it. One play I witness of Roddy on the floor with Kidd Saturday night in the first quarter. Little Roddy went back-door to slam home a beautiful lobe-pass from Kidd, you had to have been there to see it.

Drew Gooden salvaged the Mavericks summer shopping-spree after they lost Marcin Gortat. He is expected challenge Dampier for minutes at the starting center.

Biggest concern for Gooden is for him to stay motivated.  Winning games and battling the elite teams for tops the West should keep Gooden busy.

Kris Humphries is filling the void made by the lost of Brandon Bass to the Orlando Magic. Humphries has been averaging nine boards a game in the pre-season.

Besides his showing as a more than capable defender, Humphries can be counted on for offense from the bench.

Humphries has better shooting range than his predecessor, able to hit one from three-point range. And unlike Bass, Humphries is better at multi-tasking between offense and defense.

Quinton Ross is another addition to help deepen the Mavericks bench. Will be interesting to see if Ross will be able to contribute in the regular season.

Jake Voskuhl is battling for the last spot on the roster. No one is expecting him to be big contributor in the regular season. But the Mavericks know from experience that big men are hard to find.

Shawne Williams is still listed on the Mavericks roster, and it is only a matter of time until the team cuts him loose. The Mavericks have been trying to work a trade to rid themselves of Williams, who no longer wants to be a Maverick since last season. Currently, Williams is currently suspended from the Mavericks with pay.

Just How Far Will We Go?

This is the part were I get to stick my skinny neck out and be brave to say how the Mavericks will do this season. Of course I want to see them win it all, this is my team.

I do believe the Mavericks are talented enough to win sixty games. Are they talented enough to win the West? I'm not sure, but the Mavericks will be tested early with game two being in La against the Lakers.

Together we will see just how much our Mavericks have improved from last season, and can they really be a threat in the West.

Cowboys QB Romo Failed the Mile-High Test.

Janet Kessler — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:38:35 -0400

Well I was so hoping to be able to write a glowing review of how Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo stood tall and fearless in the pocket against the blitzing Denver Broncos defense and won the game.

Sorry... that was just the dream I had last night.

Another lack-luster game with Romo having trouble connecting with his receivers. Again Romo underutilized his weapons, and again Romo looked lost and dazed, looking most of the game like even owner Jerry Jones couldn't buy Romo a completion.

The Cowboys lost to the Broncos 17-10.

For a team that is supposed to be in the hunt for a Super Bowl Championship it's not too early to say something is wrong in big "D." In my opinion it's not too early to worry about this season and where the Cowboys, now 2-2, are going to end up in the rankings.

Why did the Cowboys stop running?

Starting with the second drive, Dallas was developing a good run game, even with a hurt Marion Barber starting in today's game. In the second half, that run game seemed to disappear being shelved for the "Air-Romo" show.

Romo did make one late fourth-quarter completion that gave Cowboys fans a glimmer of hope that they just might pull it out by their shoestring... Not to be so as Romo and receiver failed to connect again.

Thus the theme for the passing game so far this season.

Alright for you Romo lovers out there I'll get off the Queen "B" bit and cut Romo some slack, after all, it is offensive coordinator Jason Garrett that is really calling the shots for Romo. So it's not all his fault.

Okay we'll all say it's Garrett fault that the Cowboys lost. Right?

Believe what you want to believe, I believe the Cowboys' season right now is in jeopardy. The way this team is playing, forget about any chance of seeing a postseason game, let alone winning one.

Next stop Kansas City to play the 0-4 Chiefs. Let's hope Garrett can get Romo on the same page with his receivers for this one. The Cowboys still have time to right the offensive game.

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo Needs to Step Up In Week Four!

Janet Kessler — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:06:06 -0400

Well it's been three weeks now and I'm still waiting for the "real" Tony Romo to show up. Sadly, Dallas Cowboys fans, this might be as real as we can expect.

Over the summer Romo rid himself of the pesky distracting girlfriend Jessica Simpson, and the Cowboys fired the demanding loudmouth wide-receiver Terrell Owens.

So what is Romo's excuse now?

Owner Jerry Jones parted ways with T.O. stating he wanted to make the team more Romo friendly. Well this is as Romo/QB friendly of a team as anyone could dream of.

Romo doesn't need to depend on lobbing the long bomb this season. Any one of his receivers is more than capable of bulling his way for extra yardage after the catch.

Let's review something from week one:

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Romo threw three touchdown passes in that game, one for 42 yds, another for 66 yds, and the last one a monster for 80 yds.

This really inflated Romo's stats, but in reality those completions were only short passes. It was the enormous gains after the catch by the Cowboys' big receivers that netted yards and made the plays big.

Week 2 vs the New york Giants:

Romo had three interceptions, giving the Giants 24 points and costing the Cowboys their home opener. I'll give him the one off Jason Witten's foot was a fluke, and anyone will have one bad game, but please even I know you don't toss one out to a receiver in triple coverage.

Week 3 flat again:

Last week the passing game was very conservative like Romo was on a short dog leash. And rightfully offensive coordinator Jason Garrett should have had Romo on one.

I don't know what Romo's problem is and quite frankly I don't care!

I just want a QB that can lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory. We don't need one that rides on the backs of his playmakers.

To all you Romo lovers that are drunk on the Romo Kool-aid let me set the record straight!

First I don't hate the Cowboys, my affection for Da'boys is older than most of you are young.

Second I don't hate Romo either. The fact is he hasn't been sharp all season. At the rate Romo is playing, don't go expecting any post-season wins this year either.

You, my loyal readers, deserve better than someone sugar coating the truth, and I don't plan to be guilty of that.

Dallas Cowboys QB Finds Lady Luck in Win Over Carolina Panthers

Janet Kessler — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:06:27 -0400

Week one we saw the good Tony Romo, week two we saw the bad Romo.

Tonight 21-7 win over the Panthers we saw the good Romo despite the Panthers swarming defense. Romo did successfully keep the ball under control the whole evening with no turnovers.

Garrett's play selection was much more improved over last weeks lost against the New York Giants. The Cowboys were able to efficiently run the ball, rushing for over 200 yards for the game.

Pass protection was challenged as Romo was sacked twice in the first quarter, as the Panther defense was over zealous on blitzing the Cowboys. The Cowboy offensive line struggled all night to contain the Panther's blitzer's.

Romo got much needed help from the Cowboys defense, who limited the Panthers to only seven points.

Tonight it would be the opposing QB to be hit with turnovers, as the havoc wrecking Dallas Defense punished the Panthers QB Jake Delhomme for three interceptions.

Next week it's a trip to Mile High Stadium with a match up with the 3-0 Denver Broncos. Another test against a top contending team. Will Romo and the Cowboys pass this test?

Dallas Cowboys Qb Tony Romo Earns Failing Grade in Giants Test!

Janet Kessler — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:38:51 -0400

The matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants has been hyped from the unveiling of the 2009 schedule.

To the victor the spoils of having a record of 2-0 and first place in the NFC East.

All eyes were focused on the matchup between Cowboys QB Tony Romo and Giants QB Eli Manning. Both are young up-and-coming stars of their teams, with Manning already proving he can win the "big" game, and Romo, who still has to prove he can win in the postseason.

Let the bloodbath begin...

The Giants had every intention of trashing owner Jerry Jones' open house party at the new Cowboy Stadium. After the 33-31 win over the Cowboys, they did just that.

Cowboys dominated practically every stat, and one in particular would solidify their demise. Costly turnovers of 3 int. and 1 fum. handed this game to the Giants.

Tonight Lady Luck was nowhere to be found for Romo, who did lead the Cowboys offense to 31 points.

The Dallas offense had little problem finding the their own end zone, but they spent too much time helping the Giants find theirs with the costly turnovers.

At certain points of the game it appeared that Romo was clueless to the fact that ball control was his number one responsibility. This is a demon that haunted Romo last season.

Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett scripted a winnable game plan, and for the talent the Cowboys have, this should have without question been number one in the win column.

Instead the fault of the loss is on Romo. Like last week, his throws were off, making his passes easy pickings for the Giants superior secondary.

The whole game was a close dogfight the way a rivalry matchup should be, except this should have been a 31-9 home game blowout. That's right the Cowboys gave the Giants 24 points.

Garrett is in dire need of putting Romo through Ball Control 101.

Next week the Cowboys will host the 0-2 Carolina Panthers. A team unless Romo is generous with ball like he was today, that the Cowboys should dismantle easily.

For the Dallas Cowboys' Passing Game ,There Is Life After T.O.!

Janet Kessler — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:17:02 -0400

This Sunday the Dallas Cowboys answered the critical question: How will the passing game survive after the departure of wide receiver Terrell Owens?

A 34-21 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay was a good start for the 2009 season. But the score could have been higher for the Cowboys.

Without the drama or the popcorn that we had come to expect from Owens, the Cowboys looked like a team more focused under the leadership of quarterback Tony Romo.

Even Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett looked more in control of the scripting of plays.

Romo passed for a career high 353 yards. He completed 16/27 for 59.3% avg. not the completion percentage we are use to seeing from Romo.

Romo didn't have to rely in "Old Faithful" Jason Witten who had 5 for 71 yds, but was able to find his receivers for three long TD's.

Miles Austin - 42 yds.

Roy Williams - 66 yds.

Patrick Clayton - 80 yds.

The rest of the passing game 13 catches for 165 yds.

Jason Witten 5 - 71 yds.

Roy Williams 2 - 20 yds.

Patrick Clayton 3 - 55 yds.

Tashard Choice 2 - 6 yds.

Martellis Bennett 1 - 13 yds.

The first quarter started slow as Romo was having trouble connecting with his receivers, perhaps first game jitters. Romo missed connecting with his wide open receivers numerous times.

Romo's timing seemed off as he seemed to force plays, end resulting in Romo overthrowing wide open receivers or throwing slightly behind them.

As we are accustomed to seeing, the Cowboys Offensive-line provided Romo with ample time to get rid of the ball, with superb upfront blocking.

It appeared that Romo wasn't patient with himself, as he seemed to force plays during the first half. But he slowly found his receivers and started to settle down.

The Cowboys have size and speed in their receiving core, they were easily able to outrun the Buccaneers secondary. The yards after the catch had me thinking T.O. who?

One big improvement for Romo was 0 interceptions. Still playing on his luck, Romo came close to turning the ball over more than once when he was flushed out of the pocket.

Luckily for the Cowboys Romo's improvisation was limited and didn't cost them in turnovers today. Perhaps Garrett is wielding control over this team after all.

The Cowboys can consider the Buccaneers as a full dress rehearsal, with next weeks opponent being the New York Giants in Dallas.

Romo will need to be more on target against the Giants than he was against the Buccaneers, for the margin for error will be a whole lot smaller.

Reviewing the Dallas Mavericks Summertime Bargains!

Janet Kessler — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:07:45 -0400

Hey Mavs fans I'm back!

After a long summer of extreme bargain hunting I am exhausted.

No one can say the Dallas Mavericks sat on the fence and watched the world pass them by this summer.

Owner Mark Cuban and GM Donny Nelson have been a pair of busy customers.

First they emptied their wallets, second they maxed out all their credit cards, and finally they broke their piggy banks.

I warned everyone that this summer's shopping season was going to be a crazed frenzy, and it did not disappoint.

Did we find everything we were shopping for? Of course not, but we did the best we could hope for given the availability of choice players, and the attitudes of certain teams.

So let's unpack our shopping bags and see what the Mavericks brought home.

Our shopping trip started on July 7th with draft day. After much finagling the Mavericks found themselves with the 25th pick.

Hmm...I'm thinking this year maybe something a little more couture...possibly French.

If you don"t think I'm excited about our latest draft pick Rodrique Beaubois (Roddy), then you haven't been reading my articles.

Putting Roddy under the wings of Kidd should get every Mavs fan on the edge of their seats.

Stay tuned, in a couple of years we might just witness the passing of the torch at the point-guard position.

And a big FYI for everyone, Roddy was this year's Summer League star.

Next stop re-signing Jason Kidd:

Just as I predicted the biggest chunk of change, $25 million over 3 years to be exact, of our summer shopping budget went to re-signing point-guard Jason Kidd.

Kidd was fought over like two girls fighting over the same dress...Okay so it looked better on me anyway.

The New York Knicks seriously thought they had a chance of stealing Kidd right out from under our noses. Credit Cuban's midnight rendezvous with Kidd, for making sure that wasn't going to happen.

The essential essential, Kidd is the core to the Mavericks master plan this coming season. Let's face it Mavs fans, there just wasn't anyone else on our radar for starting point-guard.

Shopping the Matrix!

The Mavericks next shopping stop put us in Toronto, were we snagged ourselves a big name big man in Shawn Marion.

This was the wildest and most complicated player exchange made by any team this summer. My head is spinning tying to keep all this straight.

Adding Marion to our collection was by no means an easy trick. In total it involved four teams and nine players.

First the Mavericks sent Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George, and Antoine Wright to the Raptors.

The Raptors sent along with Marion, Kris Humphries, Nathan Jawai, and Greg Buckner to the Mavericks.

The Raptors then sent along with Stackhouse, and a future second-round pick to the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies would incorporate Stackhouse's $7.25 million contract, and turn around and buy him out for $2 million.

The final team in this trade was the Magic. They would send Hedo Turkoglu to the Raptors in exchange for a trade exception.

Marion is such a complete package too, we get size, strength, scoring, defense, and attitude.

After surviving on a diet of humble pie on going nowhere teams for two seasons, let's see if Marion will be more of a team player with the Mavericks.

And FYI, during Marion's rookie season he did play with Kidd.

No Magic in Orlando!

The biggest disapointment came early this summer on the shopping trip for Orlando Magic's center Marcin Gortat. We made a top dollar offer for Gortat that the Magic decided to match.

Let's face it, they got down right catty with us. Our hopes for getting this big guy were dashed to bits.

It wasn't like Orlando didn't have a starting center already, that's what the Mavericks had planned for Gortat. But hey, if Orlando wants to pay $35 million for a backup center, go knock yourselves out.

So we screamed, cried, and curled up in a fetal position. We pretty much thought our season was over before it had a chance to start. But our Mavericks were not done shopping yet...

Good things do come to those who wait!

You could have knocked me over with a leaf on this one Mavs fan, 'cause I didn't see it coming either. Still determined to find that elusive big man, the Mavericks made a huge score.

Out of the blue, free agent Drew Gooden is signed to a one year hitch. And the sun shines again in Dallas.

Gooden may prove to be a better bargain than Gortat talent-wise. His price tag is much better and has a warranty so that if he doesn't work out, no big loss, no hard feelings.

But since it's a partially guaranteed contract, it has nice tangibles ($$) that might motivate Gooden to play his best game ever.

Repairs under warranty!

Getting healthy was also high on the Mavericks todo list this summer. Sending both JJ Barea and Josh Howard to the repair shop for surgery and reconditioning, both are expected to be ready to go for the start of training camp.

After needed shoulder surgery, JJ will be pain-free for the first time in years. Unfortunately Cuban had to be the bad guy and break our little JJ's heart.

The FIBA America's games were played this summer in Puerto Rico. Of course being the star of the Puerto Rican Nationals, JJ had high hopes of playing for the home crowd.

Cuban did not want to expose the still rehabbing shoulder of JJ to potential injury. So permission was denied for JJ to play in the FIBA America tournament.

Howard's long over due surgeries to his left ankle and left wrist were successful, and the rehab in Dallas has been better than we could hope for.

The Mavericks have the big idea of putting Marion in the small-forward position, and move Howard to the shooting-guard. No question we need to find an answer to the 2-guard spot.

To be honest I like the thought of Howard being the wide-receiver for Kidd in the transition game. But Mav's fans, I this idea may only look good on paper.

Howard has struggled in the past at the 2-guard. He will have to use his best salesman abilities to convince me and everyone else, that he is the Mavericks shooting-guard.

If Howard is not able to hold his own at the two, with an expiring contract, he might have to be traded. But only if the Mavericks have a chance to land a true 2-guard and/or a quality center.

New accessories for the bench!

Even with all the shopping the Mavericks did for essentials they didn't forget to pickup accessories for the bench.

Center/Forward Nathan Jawai rode to Dallas with Marion. It's fun finding deals at the checkout. Jawai is not guaranteed a spot on the Mavericks roster. It will be interesting to see how hungry he is to earn a spot on the team.

Forward Kris Humphries was another pickup with Marion. Humphries is a little damaged as he recovering from a broken fibula. It's unknown when he will be able to contribute to the bench.

Forward Tim Thomas was among the free agents finds and was signed to an undisclosed contract.

Guard Quinton Ross was another free agent find. After four seasons with the Clippers and one with the Grizzlies, this Dallas native can't wait to be finally on a contending team.

Guard Greg Buckner: Yes he's back and hopefully not for long. Let's hope the Mavericks can cash in on a last minute sale to rid themselves of Buck once and for all.

Rolling out the latest Mavericks starting lineup!

Our 2009-10 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup should like this:

PG—Jason Kidd

SG—Josh Howard

SF—Shawn Marion

PF—Dirk Nowitzki

C—Drew Gooden(?)

The Mavericks want Gooden to avg. 30 minutes a game. Unless we find a suitable upgrade, Eric Dampier will be called on in certain match ups.

Marion is planned to slide over to the power-forward as Dirk's backup, and also in the small-ball lineup with Dirk playing center.

Josh will move back to his familiar small-forward spot to make room for two of the following guards Kidd, Barea, Terry or Roddy.

It took a lot of work to get this lineup Mavs fans. I believe we have a team we can be proud off. LETS GO MAVERICKS!!!

I'm a Texas Rangers Fan again, and It's Tom Hicks Fault!

Janet Kessler — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:40:53 -0400

After ten plus years of jaded hate for all that is owned by Tom Hicks, the Texas Rangers are winning me back.

After taking 2-3 games against the Angels this weekend in LA the Rangers are in position to make some serious noise in the West. They are also tied with the Boston Red Sox in the Wild card race.

This collection of fine young talent seasoned with proven veterans isn't what started my comeback to Ranger fandom. As much as I hate to admit it the credit is due to Tom Hicks himself.

You see Hicks did something I thought he would never do, hire the right people to make the decisions about the Rangers, and just write the checks.

It gradually started last season when Hicks hired Nolan Ryan as president, to take over Player Personnel. I've always been a fan of the "Express", good move Hicks, but I wasn't onboard quite yet.

Rangers last season ended much like all Rangers seasons ended, tanked again. Ryan promised next season would be different. Having in mind to put all the pitcher on a special off season conditioning program.

One thing Ryan doesn't get enough credit for, he was conditioned to play in Texas. He did it first in Houston with the Astros, and in Arlington with the Rangers. Ryan knew how to be ready to play and win, in the worst of the Texas summer heat.

Sure the Rangers came out like normal from spring training, beating everyone in sight. But we've all seen this before.

The real season for the Rangers doesn't start till after the All-Star game. That's when the heat in the Ball Park in Arlington gets really nasty. Why they didn't built that park with roof over it is beyond me.

So here I'm am still learning the players names and rotations. I pride myself as a quick study in sports. Those who know me know that is a fact.

Last week the Rangers did it again with their off field actions, and impressed me greatly. They ridded themselves of Vincente Padilla. This was a bold move for clubhouse solidarity.

I watch Padilla's last start as a Rangers pitcher. I saw him hit Kurt Suzuki of the Oakland A's. I later watched as the camera pan to the Rangers' dugout with Padilla grinning after Michael Young took the brunt of the A's revenge.

I would later learn that this was not Padilla's first incidence of being a complete jerk. I learned bout him hitting Mark Texiera twice in one game back in June.

I have a lot of respect for the Rangers' management for looking out for the integrity of the team over a winning pitcher prowess.

Sending your number two rotation starter to AAA in August, when your in the hunt for post season play is a big gamble. So far the Rangers as a team, are proving that the management made the right decision.

You see, in baseball the team playing together as a unit is far more important than in other major sports.

Win or lose if they give it their all and leave it all on the field they are winners.

This is a very different Rangers team. These guys look like they really are having fun

So thank you Tom Hicks, looks like I'll be watching for a while.

Is Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban Too Attached To Certain Players?

Janet Kessler — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:15:13 -0400

Mavericks fans help me out here...

Is it me, or does it look like Mark Cuban had gotten just a little too attached, to certain players on the team?

It appears to me it's to the point of a "Bubba" club. Even to a point that if it would make the team better, I don't believe he would make the "Deal."

Now, we all have are fan favorites. I have mine as well. The bottom line is we want a Championship in Dallas. If it takes trading away my favorite team player (what am I thinking) so be it (gulp).

Can I stirrup two camp of people out there?

There are those of you who like our team just the way it is. "It's not broke so don't fix it" mentality.

Please ask yourselves this one little question, "Just what has Bubba won for me lately?." The answer is...N.O.T.H.I.N.G!!!

And then there are those like me (the smart ones) who are not happy with this teams Summers trading. We still believe this team still needs to be shaken up a bit.

It's a real "Bubba's" club:

Mavericks fans do you realize we have had the same core four players since 2004?

That's right! Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and can't get an upgrade Erik Dampier.

Another common thread to these "Bubba's" is their ages. All of them are over thirty(with the exception of Howard), and are NOT getting any younger.

First there is Dirk Nowitzki, who has just turned 31. True confessions here, I will be one of the biggest cry-babies in the City of Dallas when he eventually leaves the game. I know I'm not the only one out there.

Josh Howard has been surgically repaired. He is now 29 years old. He is expected to change positions and play starting two-guard. He will be completely healthy for the first time in two seasons.

I have seen Josh TRY to play two-guard, it is a completely different mind-set from the small-forward he normally plays. Mostly what I remember is how lost he looked at the two-guard.

Ask yourselves this question: If Howard was that good at the two, why didn't the Mavericks use him more in small-all lineups?

Jason "Jet" Terry is 31 years old. Again Jet faded away in post-season(more on that later).

Jet is primed and ready to defend his title as six-man of the year. Platooning the two-guard with Howard, Jet should still get the bulk of the minutes played.

Jet's small frame can be a defensive liability against bigger two-guard. Let's hope his "Bubba" Howard will get it together at the the two.

Erik Dampier is 34. I did the research on centers to know, there were a lot of them out there this summer. Just only a very few choice ones to pick from.

Yeah, losing Marcin Gortat was a heart-breaker, we'll just have to get over it. Drew Gooden just might be a better deal, if he stays motivated.

Mavericks are set on keeping Dampier as insurance, since he's a true center.

Ask yourselves this question: Would you buy that insurance policy?

All we have to show from Cuban's "Bubba" club is one appearance in the finals.

Did we spend too much and got too little in this summers trading?

For the last five summers we have seen Cuban do the same thing. Trade a few role-player and a couple of starters. And of course shakeup the bench.

The Mavericks keep saying they are looking for the "right" mix to compliment their core.

After five years of nothing Mavericks fans, maybe it's the core that needs to be shaken up.

Trading with the Orlando Magic: You Know It Don't Come Easy!

Janet Kessler — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:12:11 -0400

A musical parody to the tune of "It Don't Come Easy", by Ringo Starr:

You know you got to be true...

If we want to trade with you...

'Cause with you it don't come easy...

We gave you cash...

And you took away Bass...

So you can even say that we're easy...

Even as the trade...

Came together...

You made us wait...

'Til you came and took Gortat away...

We know we messed up...

And you shouldn't ask for blood...

'Cause you know it won't come easy...

We helped you...

And you didn't help us...

Don't you ever say that we're even...

Even with the shaft that you left us...

We will find a way...

We won't let you get the best of us...

We didn't ask for much...

We only wanted trust...

So you know it won't come easy...

This trade's a bust...

It's just our bad luck...

Everybody will see that you're sleazy...

It won't come easy...

You know it come easy...

A Dallas Cowboy Fairy Tale

Janet Kessler — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:34:10 -0400

Gather 'round little children, and I will tell you a story of old.

A story as old as...Me!

Once upon a time in the Land of the Silver Star, there once was a goodly, mighty prince named Landry. For most of his days on earth, Prince Landry commanded the knights and guards of the Keep of the land.

The knights were handsome and brave leaders of the guards. The guards were huge, brave, and mighty men of valor.

The Keep they occupied was an enchanted mighty fortress. Legend has it that the Keep was an unusual place in size and had a window to the heavens.

It is said that Prince Landry and his men drew magical powers from the Keep. A magical all-seeing eye was once housed there.

The soul purpose of the eye was to record the feats of Prince Landry and his men.

Now I am told there were many kings at one time that once ruled over the Land of the Silver Star. But none were ever seen, for they lived far, far away.

Brave Prince Landry had the blessing of all the kings, and with his knight and guard, he defended the Land of the Silver Star.

There would be many, many battles to come...

Closer little children, as I tell you the horrors of the past.

You ask, "who would attack the Land of the Silver Star?...Who would attack the Keep?"

There were incredible savage beasts in those days, mostly from the north. Many evils stalked the Land of the Silver Star, trying to destroy it.

There were evil Giants to the East. They were ugly brutes whose very gaze could turn a man to stone.

From the Land of Philadelphia rained the terror of the skies. Giant Eagles attacked the Keep regularly. Their razor sharp talons could carry away a full size horse.

There were tribes of angry people of Redskins that lived in the woods to the northeast. Crazed savages, there would be no reasoning with them. Pillage and plunder was all they understood.

There were vicious hungry Lions to the North. They were ungodly in size and could kill with a single bite.

Even giant Bears from the land of Chicago prowled the land. They looked for anything and devoured everything.

Menacing Vikings came from the land of many lakes. They came and took what they wanted, leaving only destruction behind.

There were other evils as well, too many to mention, too terrible to put to words.

Bravely, Prince Landry and his mighty men met each and every challenge and were victorious in many battles.

Songs of their exploits were heard across the land. All was well in the Land of the Silver Star.

After major battles of super proportion, the kings of the land had special rings made to commemorate the victories. Each knight and guard were given a ring, and Prince Landry was given one as well.

This feat of kindness by the kings was only known to have been done twice.

Many years past, and things began to change in the Land of the Silver Star. Prince Landry became older, although still very wise, his powers had diminished.

An evil sorcerer, by the name of Jerry of Jones, cast a spell on all the kings of the Land of the Silver Star, making them give their crowns of authority to him.

The evil sorcerer claimed the Land of the Silver Star as his own. His next act of evil will be forever unforgiven.

The evil sorcerer vanquished our beloved Prince Landry from the mighty Keep, leaving Prince Landry broken hearted, and to wander the earth for the remainder of his days.

Next the evil sorcerer cast a spell on all the knights and guards of the keep. Putting every single one under the evil sorcerer's control.

Jerry of Jones next appointed his own evil prince to do his evil bidding. Yes little children...The sun is fading in the Land of the Silver Star.

It is said the evil sorcerer still occupies the Keep to this very day...

Dallas Mavericks: The French Connection

Janet Kessler — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:04:49 -0400

On July 7, the Dallas Mavericks signed french point-guard Rodrigue Beaubois.

The No. 25 pick of the draft out of Guadeloupe, Rodrigue's contract will be worth $1.1 million for the season.

Yes he a virtual unknown, but I think the Mavericks have found another gem. For the record Josh Howard was a No. 23 pick and started his rookie season.

If you Have not seen his YouTube clip, you are missing such a "Thriller".

He is all ready been nicknamed Roddy. Beaubois is very long at 6'2", he has an unbelievable wingspan of 6'10".

He is naturally athletic. This 180 pounder possesses a vertical jump of 38".

Beaubois has Devin Harris type speed, with a twist. Remember the one little knock on Harris? Little Devin couldn't find the brakes on his speed, to save his life.

Examine the YouTube clip carefully, you will be quickly excited as I was. Beaubois shows potential that he can run the fast-break offense. And unlike Harris, Beaubois can throttle his speed.

There is one possession that is burned into my mind. Watch the clip carefully, and see if you catch it too.

Beabois is ahead of everyone on the fast-break. He makes dribble penetration into the paint, and brakes his speed in half.

That causes the defenders to over-pursue him. He makes a sweet one bounce pass through traffic, to the shooter waiting on the left-wing. Easy "J."

Seeing what Beaubois can do, now let us imagine the future. Coupled that with what Kidd can teach him.

Is your head spinning yet?

It appears to me, that the Mavericks may have landed the point-guard of the future. Someone for Kidd to pass the mantle of the starting point-guard too.

Now that the Mavericks have signed Kidd for three years, Beaubois will have plenty of time to learn from the master.

Dallas Mavericks Re-Sign Jason Kidd: Step One In the Right Direction.

Janet Kessler — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:08:34 -0400

We are only in the second week of July, with almost 100 days till training camp. We have witnessed more player movement on the Mavericks roster than in past seasons

No. 1 on the Mavericks to do list this summer, was to quickly resolve the question of who will be the starting point guard. They did so by re-signing Jason Kidd.

Kidd's re-signing was a bigger battle than the Mavericks anticipated. For the New York Knicks fought for Kidd's affections, as well.

The most the Knicks could offer was a three-year deal, worth $18 million. The Knicks were betting to lure Kidd away from Dallas, for less money.

They were also counting on his past relationship with coach D'Antoni. Being teamed together for the Beijing Olympics.

The Knicks were also betting Kidd would jump at a chance to be near his three young sons. Sorry...they were wrong.

Let me refresh everyone's memory here. The real reason Kidd didn't go east, is because of his ex-wife.

I am referring to the very violently public divorce of Kidd and his then wife, the mother of this children. She said he beat her, he claimed she beat him. Domestic violence is a very sad thing, especially when children are involved.

This is what started Kidd's campaign to be traded out of New Jersey in the first place. Kidd was wanting to be as far away from New Jersey as he could.

Even L.A. sounded nice and quiet for Kidd. Fortunately for us Mavericks fans, he landed in Dallas.

So unless Kidd and his ex-wife had made some kind of peace agreement, for the sake of their children, his going back to live there was a bad idea.

Thankfully for the Mavericks, Kidd went with the team with bigger purse-strings. The Mavericks' deal is $25 million, over three years. Almost guaranteeing Kidd retiring as a Dallas Maverick.

Adding to their depth at the point guard position, the Mavericks drafted Rodrique Beaubois. Giving Kidd another student to pass his knowledge of the game too.

Need I remind everyone what Kidd did with JJ Berea, last season? The present and future of the Mavericks point guards are now in Kidd's Hall of Fame hands.

Finding the Cure for the Dallas Mavericks' Ailing Transition Game

Janet Kessler — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:06:55 -0400

To my regular readers: It will appear that I am repeating myself from my past couple of articles, so bear with me.

My intentions are to bring together my thoughts as to how the Mavericks need to fix the transition offense.

To fully understand the ills of the Dallas Mavericks' transition game, we need to first understand what it is and how it's supposed to work.

Whether we call it a fast break, run-and-shoot, run-and-gun, or whatever, it's all about transition.

Transition in basketball is when the possession quickly shifts between the two contending teams during the play of the game.

Transition offense first begins with a defensive stop of any kind, with the most common one being a rebound. The rebounder passes to the nearest guard, who then passes it on to the forwards before they pass it on to one of the shooters.

The objective is to get a score before the opponent has a chance to set-up on defense.

This seems like a simple task, right?

To me, this is the most magical part of the game.

The skill at the NBA level is so finely tuned, and there is no scripting to be done here because of time. It's all about action and reaction with the brilliant improvisation of the point guard, and the showcasing of pure individual athletic talent.

It looks so simple on paper, but we watched game after game last season as our Mavericks struggled to execute their offense. There are faults to be corrected at all five positions, but I'm only going to focus on the two main culprits, which are the point guard and the center.

The Point Guard

This is the initiator or quarterback of the offense.

How many times last season, did we see this scenario?

Our point guard would lead a break in transition and be ahead of the wings. He would freely run the lanes, making dribble penetration into the opponents' paint, only to do a run-by under the basket with no layup attempt.

The ending results would be the Mavericks setting up a half court offense, which by then, the opponent is ready with man-to-man coverage.

How about this scenario?

Our point guard makes a dribble penetration and balks on a layup, passing out 17 feet instead to the starting center (oh yeah, Damp can make that "J"). Those of us stuck watching at home are left screaming at the TV, "SHOOT THE BALL KIDD!"

I'm sure you've guessed that I'm talking about Jason Kidd.

As much as I love what Kidd has done for the Mavericks, I still have the right to hate him. His inability to take his own shots creates a nightmare of problems for the Mavericks.

When it comes to statistics, he did make everyone better considering his passing is pure magic.

Just ask yourself this one simple question: Would you cover Kidd on defense?

No, you wouldn't waste your time and energy simply because you're going to help double-up the real shooters, Dirk, Josh, or Terry. Defenders don't see him as a scoring threat, which is why he gets left open at the three-point line.

As a defender, I can live with him bricking up an occasional three-point attempt. If he starts ripping up the paint and making layups, then you will have my attention.

Kidd will be leading the Mavericks offense for the 2009-10 season. He needs attempt around 15 shots a game, and make at least seven of them if the Mavs want to be contenders.

I hope owner Mark Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle make it very clear to him, I mean gun-to-the-head clear.

Just shoot the ball, Kidd!

The Mavericks No. 1 problem with their transition offense is the center

I saved my best bash for last.

As I stated before, transition starts with a rebound. The Mavericks problem is that center Eric Dampier ranked third or fourth on the team's rebounding list.

How is that a problem when you have Dirk, Kidd, and Howard rebounding?

It's not like these guys are on your fantasy team.

In live transition basketball, it's rebounding by committee. The Mavericks had to rebound this way in order to make up for Dampier's shortcomings.

Don't get me wrong, I love seeing Dirk, Kidd, and Howard pad their lines off of boards.

However, it's putting everyone out of position for transition by putting the wings behind the point guard. Kidd has no one in front of him to pass to since they are all fighting for boards.

The center should be the anchor of the squad by grabbing a majority of the rebounds. At the same time, the wings should be breaking out in front of the point guard to take his pass. Of course, the center won't get all the rebounds, but he should still be the team's rebound leader.

The only time I want Dirk to be dominant on the glass is when the Mavericks are playing small and he is the center. He is always good for a transition three as the trailer.

In my past articles, I have supported trading Jason Terry since he faded away into nothingness in the postseason. Terry was constantly being jammed up by none other than the opposing center.

Another very important role of our center is to set the screens for pick-and-roll plays. Dampier was ineffective in keeping his man away from Terry while setting his screen.

As soon as Terry tried to cut to the basket, he would hit a wall of human flesh, which resulted in Dampier not being able to move fast enough to block out his man.

We now have diagnosed the ailing Mavericks' offense. The Mavs have signed a possible cure in Marcin Gortat from the Orlando Magic.

Who is he you ask?

He's just the big man that backed up Dwight Howard last season.

He is someone who doesn't wear cinderblocks for shoes, nor does he have oven-mitts for hands (I promised a bash). This is someone that can give the Mavericks something they haven't had in recent seasons, a scorer at the center position.

Rumors are running wild now as news that the Mavericks may be working on a two-headed monster for its center.

Will it be Gortat/Okafor or Gortat/Marion?

Will it be someone else?

Only time will tell for the Dallas Mavericks.

NBA Withdrawals...Not for the Average Fan

Janet Kessler — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:19:08 -0400

If you are like me, this is the most dreaded time of the basketball season.

And, if you are like me, your respected team exited the season much too soon.

Yes my friends, you have it too...NBA withdrawals.

We try not to think about it (it's much too painful and embarrassing), but the empty feelings just linger on. We stare endlessly at our TVs and computers, waiting for anything NBA to come on.

We are left with a cold achy empty feeling (oh, where is my hoops?) in our guts. We surf all the known sports sites trying to get a fix with some news about our team.

And in the Mavericks' case, isn't Dirk-opera or Crystal-gate related?

But, sometimes in desperation, even that will do.

We hit up our friends for a fix: "Hey buddy, have you heard anything lately?"

Oh, we amuse ourselves with conversations about hypothetical trades and draft predictions. Sure they pass the time, but it's just not the same.

And, it's only make-believe!

We even try other sports.

Baseball is outdoorsy, and summer is hot. I want to see the players sweat, not be a participant.

Yeah, football is good, in a brutal way, but the scoring is too slow for my forte.

But, take heart my dear friends.

A true fix is coming.

One that will satisfy our hunger for anything NBA. One that will calm our NBA needs.

Thank the Lord, the NBA draft is June 25th.

We will finally learn who our team will select, and all this silly guessing and theorizing will come to an end. We will finally know who the new millionaire rookie on the team is.

Then we can focus the hype on whether or not we think our team made "The Right" choice, and whether or not the new kid will make an impact this season, or is just a future project.

So, I'll see you on the blogs.

So, let the debate begin.

This may just be a short-lived fix though, so beware. Moderation is a key in making it last. This fix has to do us till Sept. 28th, when training camp starts.

Together we can make it through this long summer without basketball.

I know it's hard to live without NBA basketball, but we can do it.

Five Questions the Dallas Mavericks Must Answer before Training Camp

Janet Kessler — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:20:26 -0400

Everyone is wondering and waiting for draft day festivities.

Who will the Mavericks take with the 22nd pick, or better yet...will they trade up?

Can they afford to re-sign Kidd?

Can they afford not to?

Will the Mavericks be healthy by training camp?

So many questions to be answered before the seasons starts. For now, I'm just sticking with five I think are most pressing.

1. Are the Maverick financially strong? I'm not the team's accountant, but, based on the fact they regularly sold out all their home games, I would say yes.

Let me go into more detail.

The heart of any sports team budget is revenue generated from home-ticket sales. NBA teams are of no exception. What is unique to major sport venues is television revenue.

When a team has its home game aired locally, the home team receives a portion of the advertising dollars from the local broadcaster. That is money paid by advertisers for commercial air-time to the local station.

So, all those goofy commercials we see on TV during our home games, remember they are paying for our player's salary.

Now, here is where it gets tricky.

There is a little mandatory requirement for the home team to qualify for this bonus money. They must sell out that would-be aired home game.

Failing to sell out a given home game will cause the local broadcaster to impose a local black-out.

What does that means to us home-bound Mavericks fans?

Well, unless you have the NBA package on your TV or can get last-minute tickets, more than likely you are not going to see the game live. Meaning, the game is not aired on the local team's station.

Fortunately for Mavericks fans, our team knows how to sell its tickets.

Remember last season?

The Mavericks were selling tickets for $2 a seat. This was more than Mark Cuban being generous to the "little fan."

This was a sound business decision.

So, giving away tickets for $2 was not a crazy idea; it was financially smart. It ensured the Mavericks would maintain that inflow of capital from the television revenue.

Folks, Mark Cuban wasn't born a billionaire.

2. What will the Mavericks do on draft day? There is a good possibility the Mavericks might move up in the draft order. The financial situation of many teams will force them to severely cut salary.

These teams did not share the same fortune as the Mavericks in selling out their home games, therefore these teams lost revenue for last season and are finding themselves in a financial hole.

Another financial hit to all the NBA teams is the new salary cap for the 2009-2010 season. It will be $1.38 million less at $57.3 million for the coming season.

And to add even more salt in the wounds of these financially ailing teams, the NBA imposed luxury tax has been lowered, making it even harder for these financially strapped teams to stay under cap.

So, some of these financially hurting teams would rather part and sell their high draft pick. Some teams are not financially able to pay a top draft's salary and would rather trade away that top pick.

They are willing to take a lower and less expensive player than pay another multi-million dollar contract.

Being a more financially solvent team, here is where the Mavericks can make some killer deals. The Mavericks have three things these hurting teams need:

1. We have a lower, less expensive pick in the draft. 2. We have tradeable contracts to help these teams get under cap. 3. We have the one thing everyone needs, cold hard cash.

The Mavericks could also help these teams with high draft picks by taking current players from their roster. After all, the Mavericks are in need of a better-than-Damp center, a real shooting and scoring starting two-guard, and a possible starting point guard.

The Mavericks are shopping to return to the elite of the NBA. Their owner, Mark Cuban, is willing to pay the luxury tax, but only if it will benefit the team.

3. Will the Mavericks find a dominant center? As I have hinted already, the Mavericks need to replace Erick Dampier. The Mavericks need a dominant center, someone who will take responsibility for the team's rebounding, and who can ignite the transition offense with defensive stops.

All of last season the Mavericks had trouble consistently running their transition offense. The major problem is they rebound by committee, which means whoever can get the rebound.

What usually happens is one of the wing positions, usually Dirk Nowitzki or Jason Kidd, will get the rebound.

What is happening folks is that all of our wings are playing for a spot to get the rebound. That is putting them behind and out of position to take an outlet pass from the point guard.

How it's supposed to work: the center rebounds the ball while the wings are positioning themselves ahead of the point guard to take the outlet pass. This has to be very quick, before the opponent has a chance to set up on defense.

There are more centers available this summer than I have ever seen. Dampier's contract has reached a point to where it is tradeable.

We need a dominant center.

Where is such a man?

4. Will the Mavericks find another scoring option? The Mavericks were hurt last season.

Heck, they were beat up badly. Too many games were played with only two scorers.

Josh Howard was in and out and missed 31 games. We would get Josh back, and we would lose Jason Terry. We would get Terry back, and we would lose Josh. We were short on offense all season long.

Antoine Wright played the two-guard for most of last season. Being young, he has a lot to grow before he becomes a stellar defensive guard. He has even further to grow to become an offensive threat.

Jason Terry gives the Mavericks much-needed offense off the bench. Terry is really too small, body-wise, to be an effective defender to match up against bigger two-guards.

The Mavericks need another scorer, a true shooting guard or small forward. Again, this free agency has a lot of players on the market.

Will the Mavericks make a move to trade for the better?

5. Just what will the Mavericks do about Jason Kidd? As of right now, this very minute, the Dallas Mavericks do not have a starting point guard.

Doesn't anyone think that the Mavericks haven't been thinking about this for a while?

Rest assured, Jason Kidd is too.

The question is, will both sides come to a mutual agreement?

Kidd wants a three-year deal.

Will the Mavericks give him his deal?

If not, the Mavericks will have to quickly find a suitable starter.

There are quality veteran point guards available in free agency this summer, and any one of them would not put the same strain on the team's salary cap as Jason Kidd.

Sure, I might be dreaming, but there is a real chance the Mavericks could get Chris Paul. They tried last season only to fail.

Why not make it for real this season?

Extreme Makeover: Dallas Mavericks' Center Edition: Part II

Janet Kessler — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:47:34 -0400

Part II of a discussion of available centers that the Dallas Mavericks could pursue, brought to you by Janet Kessler and Alex McVeigh, two Dallas Mavericks community members.

Ben Wallace: Unrestricted free-agent, with one year of contract left. Last season salary netted him $14.5 million.

Alex: Ben Wallace is another guy who is washed up, but the 2003-2005 Wallace could have been great for the Mavs. He doesn't need to score, he just locks down the interior. I know he's got a monster contract, and he isn't worth much of it, cause he's always hurt, and doesn't log big minutes anymore. He averages 4.2 points and seven rebounds in 26.3 minutes this year.

Janet: According to the Cavaliers team site, the team can't afford for Wallace to retire. They would have to carry his final salary under cap for the season, or work out a buy out. More than likely he will be trade bait. I don't think the Mavs will be biting.

Anderson Varejao: Unrestricted free-agent. Last season salary was worth $5.8 million.

Alex: Besides Ben Gordon, I don't think there's a player in the league that I like less than Anderson Varejao. He provides a decent presence inside, and he's good on the boards, but he flops like a fish, and he thinks that he is way more valuable than he is.

He held out most of the season after the Cavs went to the Finals, because he wanted a bigger deal, which he didn't get until Charlotte made an offer and the Cavs matched it.

He shoots at a decent percentage, but he's never scored more than nine points per game, or rebound more than eight per game, and I don't think he's a starter on a good team. He'll probably get overpaid by a bad team.

Janet: Varejao's scoring averages have been on the rise every season. This flop-artist is no shot-blocker. He would be a better fit in Hollywood than the Mavericks.

Chris Andersen: An unrestricted free-agent. Last season salary was worth $1.939 million.

Alex: I think Andersen is one of those guys who gives you more than stats, plus he can hit a midrange jumper, and shoot free throws. I think he could be a great energy guy off the bench.

Janet: According to the team site, Andersen is hoping to re-sign with Denver. He is loyal to them for helping with his drug re-hab. His value could demand the mid-cap exception, around $5.6 million.

Besides the crazy hair and tattoo sleeves, he is amazing to watch. Andersen was the league’s No. 2 shot blocker. I think Denver will do all they can to keep him. But we can dream.

Kwame Brown: An unrestricted free-agent. Last season salary was worth $4.0 Million.

Alex: Kwame Brown does not bring good memories around the D.C. area. He was the Wizards first overall pick in 2001, made by Michael Jordan. They passed on Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Joe Johnson and Tony Parker. He has the skill set, he's only 27, but he has absolutely no motivation. When he was traded to the Lakers, the fans used to boo him, he did nothing when he was on the Pistons for last year, and I doubt he'll be making any sort of contributions. He's a poor man's Dampier; no hands, no leap and not much defense.

Janet: Brown has to decide whether or not to exercise his $4.1 million players option. Although he is cheaper than Dampier, his points and rebounding are no better. He is not what we are looking for.

Antonio McDyess: An unrestricted free-agent. Last season salary was worth $6.8 million.

Alex: McDyess is pretty good, but he's 34. I know the Pistons wanted him back in the Nuggets trade, but once they got him off waivers, he wasn't super effective off the bench. He averaged about 10 points and 10 rebounds, but played almost 30 minutes per game. He's a pretty good defender though.

Janet: McDyess' shooting and rebounding numbers are slightly better than Dampier's. His salary fits better under the cap too. I'll put him as a possible, we might have to come back for a second look.

Rasheed Wallace: An unrestricted free-agent. His last season salary was worth $13.68 million.

Alex: Rasheed Wallace is also 34, and has the questionable emotional baggage. I like his skill set, but he seems to be having trouble motivated, and he pretty much quit on the Pistons this year, and he tends to spread that discontent around a locker room.

He's got a good shooting stroke. His numbers have fallen off ever since that championship season though, he only averaged 12 points and seven rebounds as a starter last season. He and Josh might get along though, I think they've both had their run-ins with doing certain off-court activities.

Janet: The Pistons' team site states Wallace wants $8 million, for next season. It also said if he doesn't get it, he might retire. He can still shoot his way to double figures, on average. His rebounding is no better than Dampier. He could be an if all else fails choice.

Marcus Camby: Unrestricted with one season lest on his contract. Last season salary was worth $10.00 million.

Alex: Besides the transition thing mentioned in part one, Camby could be a good answer for the Mavs. He's great at locking down the paint, but I don't think he runs very well. I think he can shoot a jumper though, which could spread out the floor for others.

I think he's an expiring contract, so he could prove to be a decent rental for part of the season, the Mavs could always dump him at the deadline. He is a rebounding machine too, as he pulled down 27 last December. Of the ones in this group, I like him the best.

Janet: The Clippers own the No. 1 pick of the draft, and are expected to take Blake Griffin. The Clippers can't afford Griffin and stay under Cap. I wouldn't mind if Dallas helped them with their salary problem, for Camby.

Even with declining numbers, Camby looks like the rebounding machine were looking for. Mark Cuban are you reading this?

Lamar Odom: An unrestricted free-agent. His salary last season was worth $14.148 million.

Alex: One of the most versatile, if not inconsistent players in the game. He can play all five positions, he's got size and speed, and can do things like bring the ball across half-court, to post someone up in a matter of seconds, which not many players can do.

He's not very consistent though, and he makes a lot of money ($14 million), though I think he said he expects to take a pay cut. When he's playing well, his teams are hard to stop.

Janet: According to the Lakers team site, Odom want to re-sign with the Lakers. He is even willing to take a pay-cut to stay. Unless some team makes him a lucrative offer he can't refuse, he's not leaving LA. In this financial climate that is unlikely to happen.

Shelden Williams: An unrestricted free-agent. His last season salary was worth $13.8 million.

Alex: He was pretty good in college, and he's young (25). He's also undersized though, and I think he's more famous for being married to Candace Parker. He doesn't play much, and only made 15 appearances last season.

Janet: We might have something here. Williams scored a double-double against Denver's and the Lakers' big men. He is a little pricey though. He could be an impact player, being so young.

Tyson Chandler: An unrestricted free-agent with one season left on his contract. His last season salary was worth $11.4 million.

Alex: He's only 26, and can finish the alley-oop with the best of them, but his health is a major concern. He's had a series of foot problems, one of which caused that trade to OKC to get nixed.

He's a good defender though, and he's pretty athletic. If there was a good backup behind him (Ryan Hollins perhaps?), he could be a solid contributor.

Janet: Rumors through the NBA grapevine, says the Hornets organization is hurting for cash. The Hornets might be willing to move Chandler. Chandler will be iffy for the start of training camp. He is recovering from surgery to his left ankle and big toe.

David Lee: A restricted free-agent. His last season salary was worth $1.78 million.

Alex: Another undersized center/forward. Lee is very athletic, he can shoot and dunk, and he's a monster around the boards.

He's capable of putting up a double-double every night, but it could be tough to put him against seven-footers.

Janet: Lee is a double-double machine, leading the league with 65 of them. The Knicks want to do a sign and trade for him. The Knicks are looking to clear cap-space for 2010.

Marcin Gortat: A restricted free-agent. His last season salary was worth $711,000.

Alex: His performance backing up Dwight Howard has earned him the shot at a big payday, and he looks to be worth it. He's pretty athletic, and managed good production out of limited time playing behind the best center in the NBA.

But, there is a reason he bounced around a few times, and he could be a classic contract year phenomenon. He'll probably get overpaid by somebody, and I don't think he'll do well as a starting center.

Janet: He was great to watch in the finals. The Magic are more determined to re-sign Hedo Turkoglu. Even if it breaks the teams salary cap to do it.

Gortat could be a casualty of the Luxury tax. Mavericks better keep an eye on him.

Shaquille O'Neal: An unrestricted free-agent with one season of contract left. Last season salary was worth $20.0 million.

Alex: Quite a price tag, and at the tail end of his usefulness, but he sells tickets, gets headlines, and seems to be a good locker room guy, although recent reports have indicated the opposite.

Before his stint in Phoenix, he also seemed to bring winning wherever he goes, but he may still have another season left in the tank, the problem is is it worth gambling another year (possibly the last) of Dirk's prime to find out? I don’t think so.

Janet: The rumors have been flying about O'Neal coming to Dallas since the All-Star break. Partly due to all the Twittering between Mark Cuban and him. I really don't want him here. He is too expensive, but if there is no one else, than maybe.

LaMarcus Aldridge: A restricted free-agent with one season of contract left. His last season salary was worth $4.6 million.

Alex: Better suited as a power forward, he is a good, small ball center as well. Good on the boards, can shoot from about 15 feet, but he's far from dominant on the glass. If he was a starting center, I don't think he would do well against any seven-footer though, but he might be athletic enough to make up for it.

Janet: Aldridge is listed as 6'11", so he is big enough. His rebounding is in the neighborhood of Dampier's. This guy would be a good scoring option. We can go that route.

Joel Przybilla: An unrestricted free-agent with one season of contract left. His last season salary was worth $6.3 million.

Alex: The Vanilla Gorilla? He's a pretty good center, and a tough guy to boot. If he can be platooned with an athletic guy, even if he's smaller, Przybilla could make half of a good center duo.

Janet: Przybilla is better rebounder than a scorer. The Mavericks could live with that, as long as he puts up big numbers on rebounds.

Drew Gooden: An unrestricted free-agent. His last season salary was worth $7.1 million.

Alex: A monster physically, he's got an intriguing skill-set, but I don't think he's consistent enough. He's a good counter to big centers defensively, and he can even hit the occasional jumper, but he shouldn't be counted on as the main provider for either of those.

Janet: Gooden is more consistent as a scorer, than Dampier. I don't know if he would give the Mavericks anymore rebounding than Dampier.

Fabrico Oberto: An unrestricted free-agent with one season of contract left. His last season of salary was worth $3.6 million.

Alex: He might be available soon, but I think he's had some heart problems as of late. If the price is right, he could be worth it for just the boost on the offensive glass, he is great at tipping out rebounds and giving his team a shot at second half points. With a good enough offense, an extra four or five possessions could be huge for a team.

Janet: On June 8, Oberto underwent a procedure to correct an atrial fibrillation. He will soon began a conservative cardiovascular exercise program. He has all summer to get back to full speed. A nice backup or tandem center. Don't think he could do starter minutes.

Mehmet Okur: An unrestricted free-agent. His last season salary was worth $9.0 million.

Alex: I've always been a big fan of his. He's the player Andrea Bargnani has the best hope of playing like. Great shooting stroke, pretty good on the boards, though he's not a defensive world-beater. He has struggled with injury, and might be setter served
playing as a power forward, but he's solid.

Janet: Okur matches Dampier's rebounding numbers well. Most impressive is his scoring, that would complement the Mavericks core, very well.

Brendan Haywood: An unrestricted free-agent with one season of contract left. Last season salary was worth $5.5 million.

Alex: Brendan Haywood is one of the most underrated centers in the league, and the secret reason the Wizard were so bad last year was the fact that he was gone. Great defender, monster on the boards, and he shoots a very high percentage.

He's smart about his shots, but he's got a few low-post moves to get him his points. He turns 30 in November, and has proven he can be a good starting center. Don't know his contract situation, but he would be a great find.

Janet: Haywood's rebounding numbers are close to Dampier's numbers. Looks like if Haywood had decent floor minutes, scoring numbers would be impressive as well.

Let the makeover begin:

As you can see from the list big men are a plenty this summer, but a good big man is so hard to find. It would have easier for me, and less writing, to just list all the hot prospects.

I wanted you the reader, see what a difficult task it is to find the just the right one.

The Mavericks brain-trust have a lot of work to do. It will be extremely hard to makeover the Mavericks center position. For the Mavericks to reach the ultimate prize, they have no choice but to do so.

Extreme Makeover: Dallas Mavericks' Center Edition: Part I

Janet Kessler — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:08:25 -0400

No one can argue that the Dallas Mavericks need to make over the center position.

There is no denying Erick Dampier has been a "serviceable" center. There is no denying he has been a workhorse, and the very fact he stayed healthy all season long was an asset by itself.

But for the Mavericks to be Championship contenders, they need more from the center position.

What did we get from Dampier this past season? Keep in mind he only averaged 23 minutes a game. He did give us 80 games, which is remarkable for a 33 year-old center.

Dampier also gave us an average of 5.7 pts per game. His touches were an average of 3.5, and have been on the decline since he has been with the Mavericks. His shooting average was up a bit, which I'll credit that to Jason Kidd's passing.

Dampier gave us 7.1 rebounds per game last season; 2.7 on offense, 4.4 on defense. Those are also numbers that have been declining every season since he has been with the Mavericks.

The only numbers that have increased for Dampier are the ones on his paycheck. He boasts the third-highest salary on the Mavs' roster—$11.5 million for the past season. I don't think we got our money's worth.

To have his 2010-11 salary guaranteed, Dampier has to play 2,100 minutes this coming season. It averages out to only 25.6 minutes a game, that is assuming he plays 82 games a year. He averages 25.2 minutes per game for his career, and that number has gone down the last few years.

Dampier's postseason game really wasn't that great when you think about it. In the first round he played against Tim Duncan who had two bad knees. Dampier should have easily been able to beat Duncan, but he only barely did. Worst of all, Dampier could not keep Tony Parker out of our paint. But we survived that round.

In the second round against Denver, Dampier quickly proved to be outmatched by the much more athletic Nene. How many time did we see Nene and the other Nuggets score a back-door dunk in Dampier's face? Let's face it, Dampier was a liability against Denver's big men.

Let's take a moment to define serviceable: Good enough to get you through the regular season, but won't get you an NBA ring.

The Mavericks have never had a "dominant" center. Their current offense doesn't require much scoring from that position.

Our center's job is to anchor the defense, protect the paint, but most importantly grab rebounds. Any scoring is just added gravy.

To quote head coach Rick Carlisle: "Transition offense starts with defensive stops."

So most of our transition offense start with a defensive rebound, sometimes a block or a steal. The rebounder then flips the ball to the point guard, who passes on to the wing position.

Only in the half-court set does the center come into play in scoring.

The center will set screens for pick-n-roll plays by drawing or blocking his defender away from the ball handler. That is important to open up the scoring lanes and minimize double teaming.

A few scoring plays are mixed in for the center, too, such as rolling to the basket off a pick-n-roll, or a slam dunk off an alley-oop pass.

So we don't expect much point-wise, from our centers. What we demand is rebounding. He should marshall the paint like he owns it.

Rebounding by committee just doesn't work well for the Mavericks. Our shooters should be more focused on scoring their shots than making rebounds. The bottom line is if the center is not going to create points, he better be a double-digit rebounder.

The following commentaries are presented in round table-style between Janet Kessler and Alex McVeigh, two Dallas Mavericks Community Members, on some available centers.

Will the Mavericks find that ultimate center, for their quest to the top of the league?

Zaza Pachulia: An unrestricted free agent. His salary last season was worth $4.0 million.

Alex: Zaza Pachulia is pretty good, though he doesn't play much, so it's hard to tell if he could be a legit center. He's 25, pretty athletic, a good shooter, and good on the boards, and I think he's 7 feet. Although, when he started for Atlanta in 05-06 and 06-07, he averaged about 12 PPG, but only 7-8 rebounds.

Janet: Pachulia has been the Hawks' primary backup to starter Al Horford. He has made it known that he wants to stay with the Hawks. He's a nice young, athletic seven-footer. Just don't think he is the rebounder we are looking for.

Mikki Moore: An unrestricted free agent. His salary last season was $5.784 million.

Alex: I've always liked Mikki Moore back to his days in New Jersey. He is 33 though, so I don't know if he could play starter's minutes anymore. He certainly didn't this year.

Janet: Playing behind someone like Kevin Garnett won't get you a lot of playing time anywhere. I tried looking at games where Moore had good minutes, I just don't see an improvement over Dampier. Who's next on the list?

Brian Scalabrine: Unrestricted with one season left on his $15 million contract. Last season paid him $3.2 million.

Alex: As far as Scalabrine goes, I would stay away from him. Aside from his obvious deficiencies (he's a big, slow, red-headed whitey), he can't do much other than take up space on the floor. I don't think he rebounds or shoots very well. The Celtics used him last season as their "human victory cigar" he used to come in during the garbage
time. I know he played some meaningful minutes for the C's in the play-offs with KG out, but I don't think he's worth trading anyone away, not even Matt Carroll.

Janet: Ooo, that's really strong Alex. Apparently the Celtics are thinking the same thing too (almost). According to their team site, they're willing to put up Scalabrine, Allen, and Giddens for a good backup for Paul Pierce. He is definitely not what we are shopping for.

Nazr Mohammed: Unrestricted, and on his final year of contract that netted him $6 million last season.

Alex: I think Mohammed is a decent enough center. His numbers look pretty similar to Dampier, though I think he's pretty good on the offensive glass. He's 31, so he's slightly younger, but he didn't play much this year, I'm not sure if that's a reflection on him, or the Bobcats' big men. He's got good FT numbers for a big man though.

Janet: Mohammed has made it clear to the Charlotte front office: Play me or trade me. He'll be 32 at the start of training camp. I don't know, only slightly younger than Dampier. Looking past last seasons stats, they are no better than Dampier's. Let's keep shopping Alex.

Jerome James: An unrestricted free agent. Last season salary was worth $6.2 million.

Alex: Jerome James is one of those players that you can't believe pulls down $6.2 per year. He's 33, and 7'1", but he only played in two games this season. his best year was 2004-05 with the Sonics, when he averages 24.9 PPG and 10.2 RPG. Since then, he hasn't averaged more than 10 minutes per game, and hasn't averages more than three points and two rebs per game.

I'm not really sure why the drop-off, apparently he was in a contract year in 04-05, and once the Knicks signed him to a big deal, he showed up out of shape, and hasn't done anything since then.

Side note on James, he also played in only two games in 07-08, but made one field goal and two free throws in the game, giving him a 1.000 FG% and FT% for the season. Also, he was paid $5.8 million that year, meaning he got around $1.45 mil per point. Not a bad gig.

Janet: He's been injured the past three seasons. His last injury may be career ending; he ruptured his Achilles' tendon. Also his age is a factor, he is 32. I would stay far, far away from this guy. There is still a lot of shopping to do.

Zyndrunas Ilgauskas: Unrestricted free-agent, with a player option. His last season salary netted him $10.8 million.

Alex: Zyndrunas used to be one of my favorite players to watch. He could shoot the mid range jumper like crazy, and he was always a decent rebounder. This season, however, he has been like a corpse, plus he's pretty injury prone being so big, and I believe he exercised his player option for something around $11-12 mil.

Janet: This 34 year-old has made it known he wants to stay in Cleveland. He is fun to watch, with nice scoring numbers. His rebounding numbers aren't much better than Dampier's, though.

Oh well, I don't think we'll see "Big Z" in a Mavericks uniform anyway. Who's next?

Stay Tuned for Part II...

Head Coach Rick Carlisle...After One Year with the Dallas Mavericks

Janet Kessler — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:14:00 -0400

The honeymoon is officially over...

But that's not a bad thing. Head coach Rick Carlisle has completed his first season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Can we call this first year a success?

I think so.

Frustrating, but a success nonetheless.

The Mavericks did break the first-round-and-out curse against the San Antonio Spurs. Let's face it, putting a smack-down on the Spurs is a good day any day.

Even after the Mavericks failed to advance past the second rounds of the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, they still achieved more than most people gave the Mavericks a chance of accomplishing.

A marriage made in heaven?

Last summer, Rick Carlisle was hired to replace fired head coach Avery Johnson. What he got was a team that had pretty much tormented itself to death.

Having failed in the first round of the playoffs for the past two seasons, the Mavericks were looking for a new direction at the head coach.

Before the season started, I found myself liking coach Carlisle. He put it on himself to personally visit every member of the roster at the player's home.

...Even as far as Germany to visit with Dirk Nowitzki and his family.

Carlisle sat in on workouts with Dirk and his personal coach Holger Geschwindner. He even suggested a few things to have Holger work Dirk on.

Coach Carlisle made it clear to the bench, "just be ready" at the beginning of the season. Time for the bench and role-players wasn't guaranteed.

This means if one player played well one night that it didn't translate into extra minutes the next game. Coach Carlisle was determined to play the best matchup for the over-all win.

The starting two-guard proved to be a hard fill. After exhausting every possible lineup, a suitable starter could not be found.

Finally, months into the season, Antoine Wright won the starting job.

For better, for worse:

Starting the season 2-7 and 0-4 at home was a lousy way to start a relationship with the Mavericks. To say it was a strenuous start was an understatement.

Finding ways to win was no easy feat.

The Mavericks developed a knack of losing games that should have been given wins...Especially if the opposing teams were missing their star players.

To make this even more confusing, every player was putting up great stat-lines. Check it out yourself if you don't believe me. Some of the guys were having a career best season.

This was a season that seemed like everything was stacked against the Mavericks. They just could not piece themselves together.

Somehow the Mavericks were able to gut out a very hot run to close the season. It started the last week of April with the Howard's return. We finally witness the Mavericks playing the way we were hoping to see all season.

The Mavericks accomplished the unthinkable by making the play-off, but not as the eighth-seed with a date with the LA Lakers.

No, no sixth-seed, but with a rumble with the San Antonio Spurs.

It all ended against the Denver Nuggetts. It was a sweet, promising, but all too short run.

We relished it while it lasted.

The biggest culprit for the demise of the Mavericks' season can be said in one sentence: The Mavericks were just not healthy.

In sickness and in health:

Did I mention the word frustrating already?

The Mavericks had more injuries than any season I can remember. And not just one or two gamers, I'm talking weeks, months, and season ending injuries.

First there was Jerry Stackhouse: Was told at training camp by Coach Carlisle that he had a shot at being the starting two-guard.

Stackhouse's poor old body had other things in mind. Unable to play due to a chronic injured foot, he made ten cameo appearances throughout the season.

Devean George: Blew his ACL in March. After needed knee surgery, George was done for the season.

Shawne Williams: I can't tell you if he was injured in a game or at practice. The guy kind of disappeared off the bench anyway.

Jason Terry: At midseason Terry suffered a broken hand. It required surgery to repair the damage. Fortunately for Terry and the Mavericks, he was able to recover very quickly.

Josh Howard: The most costly injury of the season. Howard missed 31 games due to injuries to his left wrist and left ankle.

Medical update: At the time of this writing, Howard had just underwent arthroscopic surgery to his left wrist and ankle.

Word from the Mavericks is that the surgery was successful and are hopeful Howard will be ready for training camp in Sept. 28.

Keeping the Kidd(s) happy:

At the season start, play calling was through coach Carlisle—similar to former head coach Johnson, and much to the dislike of point-guard Jason Kidd. Near midseason, coach Carlisle gave play calling to Kidd.

I saw him as a coach that was flexible and listened to his players. The results were magic to watch. After all, running the offense is what Kidd was brought here to do.

Looking to a bright future:

This summer I expect coach Carlisle to be more involved in selecting new players. The team has specific position needs.

The NBA draft is looming over the horizon. With the 22nd pick in hand, the Mavericks will be more on the same page with coach Carlisle.

Together they are looking for just the right mix of players; players that will compliment the current core of veterans as well as coach Carlisle's game plan.

In the end, it's all to insure the Dallas Mavericks are once again among the elite in the NBA.

Dallas Mavericks Serching for Summertime Bargains

Janet Kessler — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:29:50 -0400

As a girl, one thing I know first hand is shopping:

Let's face it guys, shopping is a competitive sport for women. We do our scouting through the sales circulars. We plan our purchase carefully, sizing up our needs, and our budgets. Then we launch an all out strike, to claim that bargain before the competition.

So you ask: What that has to with the Dallas Mavericks, or basketball? This is the time of year, when the Dallas Mavericks brain-trust looks for bargain talent.

The NBA draft is right around the corner. Yes, the Mavericks do have their first round pick. Since making it to the second round in the playoffs, the Mavericks are insure of an almost next to last pick. Don't expect to find any bargains there. But you never know, the Mavericks have been known to trade-up.

For the past couple of years, the Mavericks have done their best bargain hunting with the Summer League.

What is Summer League?

It is for developmental, and transition purpose. All the NBA teams participate. The teams comprise of current year draft-picks, last seasons rookies, sophomores, and developing players.

The new draft-picks have a transition time between college and pro-ball. Players that are owned by the teams, that were overseas, are invited back to play.

Lastly player that have been cut from their teams, can end up with an invitation to play. The Summer League-rs give these second-chance players, a second chance to sell their skills to a shopping team.

Past Summer league bargains includes: Jose Juan Barea, Brandon Bass, and James Singleton. Gerald Green was also a Summer League find. Let's just say he's still in development.

We need to budget our wallets carefully:

With a down economy, the NBA has lowered the salary cap. Every team will be capped out at $57.3 million, for the '09-'10 season. That is a shrinkage of $1.38 million, from the previous season. Rumor has it, the cap will fall to $55 million for '10-'11 season.

An added hit to all the teams, is the Luxury tax penalty. That will drop from $71.15 million for previous season, to 70 million for the coming season. Making it easier for all teams to go over cap.

Only profitable teams can afford to pay the Luxury tax penalty, for being over salary cap. This will force teams that are in the "Red" to possibly look to dump salary. Sounds like a bargain hunters dream. Right?

Before we can go shopping, we need to inventory what we have:

Let's start with our basic essentials, with our starting five:

Jason Kidd is without a contract. His is one essential that goes well with everything. Just look at his team-mates stats for the '08-'09 season, if you don't believe me. Kidd made every player on the Mavericks roster better.

Kidd is unrestricted; meaning for him to stay in Dallas, is largely up to how bad he wants to stay. How bad Dallas wants him to stay, depends on how much owner Mark Cuban is willing to pay.

If the Mavericks do not re-sign Kidd, it marks the Harris/Kidd trade as a dud. Leaving a bigger question, who will take his place?

Jason Terry doesn't start, but he gets starter minutes at the two-guard. Just for that reason, we'll call him a starter.

Anchoring the bench, earned Terry the NBA's Six-man of the year award. A career best effort for the '08-'09 season.

Just one loan flaw on Terry, and it's crippling. This streaky shooter has developed a bad habit of disappearing, point-wise, in the post-season. This might be the time to exchange this essential, for a more reliable model.

Terry's is one of the few contracts the Mavericks do not have to worry about. In the midst of a six-year deal, the Mavericks have Terry lock-up through 2012.

For the time being, this essential is flying nowhere.

Josh Howard is headed for long over-due surgery, to repair his left ankle. Surgery to his left wrist , is also a possibility.

Howard was never healthy this season. When he was able to play, he showed us signs of being at his All-Star form.

With much re-hab to complete, it's doubtful Howard will be ready for the seasons start. This essential will be on the shelf for while. The Mavericks will have to rely on their accessories again, to fill the void.

At least the Mavericks do not have to think about Howard's contract this summer. He is locked up trough 2011.

Dirk Nowitzki: This classic piece of German Engineering, is never out of style. Completing his eleventh season, Dirk posted numbers that rival his MVP season.

Dirk's salary amounted to $18 million this past season, and worth every penny. His $60 million contract, is through 2011. Extension talks can start this summer.

Here is the scary part; Dirk stated back in October, that he had no intention of signing an extension this summer. Dirk's contract also has an early termination clause. Meaning, if he wants to leave Dallas, there is not much to stop him.

Enduring the embarrassment of having his personal life all over the national media, might give Dirk enough reason to pack-up and get out of Dallas. His relationship with owner Mark Cuban, and re-signing Kidd, might be reasons alone, for Dirk staying.

Eric Dampier is the outdated model, the Mavericks have been stuck using. He is getting up there in age, and moves really slow. Let's face it, we need an upgrade. Preferably a young, sleek model that can rock the rim, an average 15 points.

Witha shortage of available big men, the Mavericks have been forced to make due with Dampier. Too many times stat wise, he has become more of a liability, than an essential.

Dampier's fat contract, has the Mavericks weighted down through 2011. This behemoth is worth $73 million. Last years salary alone, took the Mavericks for $11.5 million.

I am told, the Mavericks can rid themselves of Damp, who has the third biggest salary on the team roster. The contract does not guarantee the 2010-2011 season. Unloading this, not expiring soon enough contract, is in the best interest of the teams budget health.

Don't expect the Mavericks to just drop Dampier, without a replacement. To their thinking, he is better than no big man at all.

Now let's look at our accessories, with our bench:

Let's see who we need to keep and who we need to toss out:

Jose Juan Bareais the guy everyone said, doesn't fit in the NBA. Was never drafted, Barea came to Dallas as an unsigned free-agent. The Mavericks tried out this little guy, and decided he was a perfect fit.

Everyone on the Mavericks calls him Rudy, for good reasons. The obvious is his size, and he sort of resembles the actor, that played Rudy in the movie. Mostly because the story of how Barea made the Mavericks, is an almost parallel to the story of Rudy.

Ever since the Mavericks gave this pint-sized Puerto Rican a chance, he has rewarded the team, with his wholehearted effort. No one can question, that he gives 100% of himself in every game.

As backup point-guard, Barea has bloomed under the tutelage of Jason Kidd. This past season, could be called a breakout season for Barea. His $5 million contract, will keep Berea in Dallas through 2011.

With re-signing of Kidd a big question, could Barea be the starter of next season? I would like to see Barea, have at least one more full season under Kidd. The very idea of him being the starting point-guard... We'll just say the mavericks need to do some shopping.

Brandon Bass may prove to be the biggest challenge of the Maverick brain-trust. Bass is an unrestricted free agent, and wants more minutes. Keeping him happy in Dallas may be tricky, on a bench were minutes are stretched thin.

This accessory was One of the best Summer league finds. He is worth the fight to keep him here.

A contract with a promise to start, could lure this valuable center/forward away. The Mavericks could use their mid-cap allowance, if they can get Bass to stay. It would be a nice take, worth $5.5 million.

Jerry Stackhouse is that old favorite outfit, that you just can't bear to part with. Even though it's worn-out, you wouldn't think of putting it on the donation pile.

Stackhouse poor old body, kept him out the entire season. The likelihood of him being ready, at the start of this season, is not good.

Last season the Mavericks offered Stackhouse a position, as a player coach. That could still be an option for the Mavericks, to move Stackhouse's salary from the team roster.

Stackhouse's salary will be worth $7 million for the coming season. His contract contains a buyout clause, and if Mavericks act fast, they can save $5 million of cap. But they better hurry, the clause's coupon expires August 1.

Antoine Wright was the added accessory to the Harris/Kidd trade. Has since developed into a promising defender, by covering other teams two-guards. He is also developing a swagger, that reminds me a lot of Jerry Stackhouse.

If only he could just make his shots like Stack...Keeping that in mind, and he is only a 25 year-old, well then we could have one bad-ass on this team.

Fought for and won the starting two-guard spot, mostly to keep Terry coming off the bench. He's cheap enough to keep around one more season. His contract is in it's last year, and has only $1.8 million remaining.

Devean George was an other accessory sidelined be injuries. Having had surgery to repair his injured knee, It's unclear if or when George will return to the lineup.

He was never really a favorite accessory, to me. He was decent on defense, I'll give him credit. Forgive me for sounding like a girl here, but aren't two-guards suppose to be hot shooters?

His last years salary was only $1.6 million, and of course everbody knows he has Bird-Rights.

Unrestricted for the coming season, I say give him the bird and send him out of here. The Mavericks can do better. We need an upgrade.

James Singleton has European styling, but made in the USA. Returning from over-seas, this accessory was last years Summer League find.

This Ever-ready player, was an Energizer off the bench. Though minutes were limited, The Mav-Man look a like, was another victim of a too deep bench.

His one year hitch with the Mavericks, was set at league minimum. Unrestricted this summer, this cheap young rim-rocker, might be worth keeping around.

Shawne Williams somehow got lost, and buried in the back of the closet. Last sighting of this unmemorable accessory was two minutes on January 4, against Memphis. Even his injured foot, went unnoticed.

Williams restricted contract, worth $6.8 million, is in its final season. Barely more than league minimum, this accessory might be worth a second look.

Sending him out with the rest of the Summer League-rs, might give the Mavericks a chance to really see what Williams has to offer.

Matt Carroll just doesn't fit here. He is like an outfit that looked good in the store, but once you get home you realize it doesn't work. But you're stuck 'cause you lost the receipt.

We traded Diop's bad contract for Carroll's. To make this worst, Carroll has an over-sized price tag of $5 million a year, that runs through 2012. Trading this guy is a must for the teams budget health.

Ryan Hollins was a toss-in to make the numbers work on a trade, guy. Sort of like when you get a bunch of free samples, that turn out to be the best part of the purchase.

What a rim-rocking spark-plug, he has turned out to be.

Hollinsexpired contract is restricted, it was worth $1.1 million over two years. Hmm, an athletic, Skinny, cheap, young seven-footer, should we sign him or not? Yeah, he's a keeper. He is in need of a good weight building program, for this summer.

Gerald Green is that outfit that you know is going to look so good, once you get it on. The problem is you can't quite get in to it. You take it out of the closet once in a while to check to see if it fits yet. Your left with hoping, if only...

You see Gerald "Cupcake" Green possesses tremendous natural talent. The big problem is his NBA I.Q. is barely greater than an amoeba, making him one big defensive liability. If Green's game knowledge ever catchesup with his talent, he will be one dangerous player.

This former Slam-dunk champion is an unrestricted free agent, that was bagain priced at league mininum. He is really too young to let get away, without a second chance.

He needs a mentor to teach him NBA 101, possibly Stackhouse or Darrell Armstrong. Then send Green back out with the Summer League-rs. This young man needs a chance, to make Dallas his home.

Let's go shopping!

Every girl wants a big man. A suitable one should be high on the Mavericks shopping list. Right after they figure out, what to do 'bout Kidd.

Finding suitable added accessories, to complement the big German guy, should be next.

With all the bargain possibilities, we have to trust the Mavericks will be better and healthier next season.

How in the Heck Did the Dallas Mavericks Make the Playoffs?

Janet Kessler — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:57:41 -0400

Well Maverick fans back in October, did we dare think our Mavs would be were they are now? A respectable six-seed in a very, very wild West.

Heck no!

Starting the season 2-7, 0-4 at home:

The Mavericks were so consistently, inconsistent this season. They were either blown away by opponents, or got their bottoms handed to them.

Starting out we couldn't win at home , we couldn't win on the road. Plain and simple we just sucked.

Facing opponents missing their star players, should have been a given win. Right? Not if you were the Dallas Mavericks. That seemed to be the recipe to certain victory against the Mavericks, this season.

Injuries to key players:

Jerry Stackhouse missed all of the regular season to a foot injury, and is questionable for the post-season. Deaven George is out for the season, after knee surgery.

'Round the mid-season mark the Mavericks became short handed, literally, when six-man candidate Jason Terry broke his hand. Thankfully, his recovery was quicker than anticipated.

An injury plagued Josh Howard, has been the real nemeses of this team. With a bad left wrist and ankle, causing him to miss thirty-one games over this season. Getting him back, the real Mavericks can finally be seen. Keeping him healthy enough to play, is the key to the Mavericks post season success.

So just how did the Mavericks make the play-off?

Had anyone bothered to to looked at the Mavericks individual players stats, they would have found an interesting trend. Most of the player individually, were having career best, or near best season. I'm looking at this, shaking my head, wondering "why can't the Mavs pull it together?"

Yeah, Dirk is only the No. 4 scorer in the league, but he's still our MVP. With Josh being out so much, the scoring responsibility was squarely on the German shoulders of Dirk Nowitzki. Not bad for a 30 year-old, eleven year player.

Speaking of old players, ever heard the phrase work smarter not harder? I think that is Jason Kidd's mantra. He is amazing to watch on offense, especially since he is calling the plays. He' is even more fun to watch on defense.

Kidd's timing is so precise, too. He knows just how to pick his moments, and strike to make that needed defensive play.

If ever a season the Maverick needed a six-man, it was this one. Yes, oh yes, the JET really was on the runway. Jason Terry is the runaway favorite for the NBA's six-man award. Being consistent as a scorer, made it all possible.

Solving the riddle of the missing two-guard: Somewhere along the season, the Mavs found their elusive defense. Antoine Wright made his case, and won the starting two-guard spot. Doing so by guarding Kobe, LeBron, Granger, and the Likes. If he wasn't doing a good job, coach Carlisle would put him back on the bench. I'll get to coach Carlisle in a moment.

Role players finding their places: Jose Juan Berea, Brandon Bass, James Singelton, and Ryan Hollins makes up the core of the Mavericks bench. Lead by sixth-man candidate Jason Terry, have all had their hands in helping to get the Mavericks to the playoffs. They will need to be rock-solid in the post-season.

A new commander and chief: In his first year as head coach of the Mavericks, Rick Carlisle has shown a lot of flexibility. Before the halfway mark of the season, he gave the play calling to point-guard Jason Kidd.

Carlisle has also shown a wilingness to pull players that are not producing. Sending a clear message to his players, make the most of your time out there.

The J-Ho factor: As I already mention Josh missed thirty-one games through out the season. It wasn't until the final two weeks of the season, that we got him back. He is by no way 100 percent, but we'll take anything he can give us.

And that is the J-Ho factor for the Mavericks. Without him the Mavericks have only two scorers, that can be expected to put up 20-plus points. The really good teams got away with double teaming Dirk and Terry to death.

Now that Josh is back, we have that third scoring threat. His presence has spread the defense more evenly.

Fantastic support staff: The Mavericks staff of assistant coaches, trainers, and doctors, are the best owner Mark Cuban money can buy. Kudos to the trainers and team doctors, for the speedy recovery of Jason Terry's broken hand. Double kudos, for keeping Josh together, in the face of needed surgery.

I'm looking back over this season, scratching my head in disbelief, as to how far our Mavs have come this season. The big question to be answered, starting Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. Just how far will the Mavericks go?

Devin Harris, The Dallas Maverick Point Guard Who Got Away

Janet Kessler — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:52:27 -0500

On the one-year anniversary of the trade heard 'round the world, everyone in New Jersey is celebrating. I wish the same could be said in Dallas.

I know this article is going to sound like a crying-in-your-beer read, but bear with me.

Thanks to Alex McVeigh for his background notes. Thanks to Bleacher Report for allowing me to vent my grief. So, excuse me while I lament over the loss of a diamond-gem player.

Last season, somebody in the Mavericks organization thought it was a brain storm of an idea to trade away young and talented Devin Harris, for experienced and much older Jason Kidd.

That someone would be owner Mark Cuban, and then head-coach Avery Johnson.

I remember hearing the Mavericks did the deal because they needed a more experienced point guard for a serious playoff run. Okay.

With his prime years waning, star forward Dirk Nowitzki was also sold to the notion of having, the future Hall of Famer Kidd passing the ball.

Just what were they thinking?

The Mavericks must have felt cornered into doing such a deal, with Gasol going to Los Angeles, Shaq to phoenix, and Garnett to Boston.

How quickly they forgot Harris was part of the reason we made the finals in '06 and the playoffs in '07.

In the '05-'06 season, the Mavericks did not have a true point guard. Harris played alongside Jason Terry, both sharing point duties. Assists were by committee, meaning anyone made them. And it worked.

The Mavericks had the lowest assist per game in the league, but who cares when you're winning the West, right?

Seems I remember Harris' name never came up as the reason the Mavericks failed against the Miami Heat in the NBA finals.

In the '06-'07 season, the point guard position was still platooned between Harris and Terry. We all know the story—the Mavericks slew the league for a franchise-best 67 wins.

They were on their way to a repeat appearance in the finals, until they train wrecked against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

Harris was among the few players on the team to score his average in that series.

At the beginning of the '07-'08 season, then-coach Avery Johnson announced to the world Harris was the starting point guard. Johnson said Harris had the keys to the offense. With a heavy thumb from the former coach Johnson, Harris' potentials were kept in check.

When Kidd first came to Dallas, he was subjected to the same vice-grip treatment from Johnson.

With Johnson gone, coach Carlisle has put the reins of the Mavericks squarely in the hands of Kidd, and so far it's paying off. I will confess, the Mavericks are fun to watch with Kidd passing the ball around.

On Dec. 19 of this season, Harris unleashed the full fury of his talents on his former team. In the 121-97 New Jersey victory, Harris' line was, mildly put, impressive. Going 14-for-25 for 41 points, 8-8 from the line, three boards, 13 assists, three steals, and only four turnovers.

Compared to Kidd's mediocre line of 6-for-11 for 17 points, 2-2 on free throws, 4 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and only one turnover.

I know there are a lot of Jason Kidd fans out there, and I do like Kidd. The facts are plain and simple—the Mavericks panicked and made a BAD deal.

The one player who seems overly happy about the trade is Dirk. With a true passer to feed him the ball, Dirk can go back and play his true shooting game. He no longer has to focus on getting assists for the team.

So the reason the Mavericks traded Harris for Kidd is this—they believed Dirk didn't have enough time left to win a title with Harris. This was an all-or-nothing trade, and I'm afraid the Mavericks might end up with nothing.

We will know for sure at the end of next season.

I keep telling myself the deal is done, Harris is a Net now, Kidd is a Maverick again, so get over it. The point I'm making with all this ranting is this—very, very soon, the Mavericks will be without a star point guard.

What will be the brainstorm idea then?

We did trade our future to the New Jersey Nets.

Will The Dallas Mavericks Gamble On Another Mid-Season Trade?

Janet Kessler — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:08:54 -0500

The NBA's Feb. 19 trade deadline is on the horizon. Everyone in Mavsland is wondering what will the Mavericks do.

The Miami Heat made a big move, trading Shawn Marion to Toronto for Jermaine O'Neal; they are gambling on Jermaine's youth over Marion's chemistry with D-wade.

Then again, any trade is a gamble. Will the loss of the player traded have a significant impact on the team? Will the new guy gel with the team in time, or be a fit with the coach's system?

Those are the questions STILL debated with the Mavericks over the trade of Devon Harris for Jason Kidd. We traded away a very talented, very young, promising All-Star player in Harris. We got a very experienced, possibly one of the best ever point-guards in Jason Kidd; on a hope of making a serious run for the playoffs.

I, for one, was never for this trade.

But Kidd is going to turn 36 years old next month, and everyone questions just how much he has left. Unless you are blind or just haven't caught a Mavericks game, I would say he has done a good job quieting the critics.

With no word of talks between owner Mark Cuban and Kidd's agent, and with an expiring contract, Kidd's future with Dallas is unknown. Will Kidd agree to a lesser amount on a new contract? Dirk is on record saying he would take a pay cut to bring a big name player to Dallas.

Dallas has rid itself of DeSagana Diop and his $30 million contract. One month ago they traded him to Charlotte for guard Matt Carroll and center Ryan Hollins.

I was excited at the beginning of the season about Diop's return to Dallas. I winced when I heard it took the entire mid-cap to sign him. But my excitement turned to disappointment when he failed to produce from the bench and earn his keep.

The acquisition of Carroll and Hollins looks like an up-sell for the Mavs. We did get alot of youth in the trade.

Carroll is in his sixth season out of Notre Dame. He is a promising shooting guard with long range. Although his starts have been slow with the Mavs so far, during the Celtics game he showed sparks indicating he is starting to find his identity on the team.

Hollins is in his third season out of UCLA. He looks a lot like Brandon Bass to me. Same cat-like quickness and body control. In other words, a rim-rocker. The difference is at 6'8", Bass makes you think he is a 7-footer. Hollins IS a 7-footer.

Since I've mentioned Bass, he is among many on the team who are reaping the benefits of being on the receiving end of Jason Kidd. Bass is in his fourth season in the league—his second year with Dallas.

I have been a fan of Bass since I first saw him in '07 when he played in the Mavericks' summer league, comparing him to Pops Mensah-Bonsu, no contest.

Pops did a poor job of selling his skills. Bass looked so...good, such clean body control. When he stretched out to cover, oh my yes, I thought this 6'8" forward was a 7-footer.

Oh, I can't forget those "slam it like you mean it" thunderous dunks.

Now the big question—do you keep this obviously coachable, young, talented, fan-favorite? Or do you make him part of a trade package? I'm glad I'm not rolling the dice.

So just what are the Mavericks looking for?

Let's look at what they need. With Jason Terry out three-to-six weeks with a broken hand and Josh Howard playing hurt, it's obvious they need another shooter—someone who averages 20 points per game.

Jason Terry broke his hand in February against the Bulls. He later had stabilizing surgery on it. No dates have been given from the Mavericks yet on his rehab schedule.

Terry was almost a sure bet for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Let's credit coach Rick Carlisle for taking point guard responsibilities away from Terry. With no ball responsibility, Terry only has to look for his shots. To his credit, he has been red-hot this season. No question he was having a career-best year.

Coach Carlisle had done a great job of keeping Terry coming off the bench. That had been a real juggling act. The Mavericks have been contending with Howard's injuries and instability at the two-guard position.

Just the Mavericks' luck, the first season Jet is consistent in scoring—a legitimate sixth man contender—he gets hurt.

This is Josh Howard's worst year as far as injuries are concerned. He has been plagued with a couple of sprained ankles, as well as repeated injuries to his left-wrist.

If anyone has taken note, Josh started wearing that wrist brace late last season. Seems I remembered him getting blocked into on a 3-pointer (a no-call of course). The team has downplayed it since.

I think it is more than just a simple sprained wrist, more like tendinitis. I have had the injury myself, and it is not a quick-healing ailment. Every bump and quick movement will just jar the entire arm, zapping your body's strength.

If this is what he has, I am amazed he is playing through it. It can be very painful.

The sad part of tendinitis is Josh is re-injuring his wrist every time he plays or goes through practice drills. The only way his wrist will completely heal is for Josh to stop playing. He is showing a lot of heart by playing through the pain.

Josh is also the center of the trade rumor-mill with Vince Carter. If you were the Mavericks, do you trade an injury-riddled Howard for a healthy Carter? Again, I'm glad I'm not rolling the dice.

I don't know what else I can say about little Jose Juan Barea. The little spark plug has made a career out of proving critics wrong. Never has one so little given so much. If only he were just four inches taller...

This season center Eric Dampier showed us he CAN play outside the box. No longer stationary under the basket, the big dog is regularly fed by Jason Kidd, but he is getting old and slow with a high-price contract to boot.

Are the Mavericks shopping Dampier?

The starting two-guard is Antoine Wright. Consistent defense earned Wright the starting job. With Terry out, he needs to show the world he can score, too.

Once again our scoring force is squarely on the shoulders of Dirk Nowitzki. If you look at his game stats from last season, you can tell when the trade talk started about Kidd—before it leaked out to the media. Dirk started shooting lights-out again.

No longer being molded into a point-forward, Dirk can be just Dirk. He has been among the top five shooting average-wise all season long. Talks of his skill waning can be put to rest.

But Dirk can't do it all alone.

The Celtics game was good to reveal the Mavericks' bench shortcomings. Gerald Green, Shawn Williams, Devean George, and James Singleton each have shown some promise, but nothing solid.

Will we trade to tweak up our bench?

Jerry Stackhouse—yes he is still part of the team—asked to be traded early on this season when he learned he wouldn't be the starting two-guard. If he only had the body to go with his iron heart.

Will the Mavericks use his contract to make numbers work in a deal?

What about a trade for Amar'e Stoudemire? I like the thought of the big guy coming to Dallas. Let's face it, he can score on a run-and-shoot offense, but what would he cost us? Josh? Bass? Dirk?

What if the Mavericks learned a lesson last season about mid-season trades? Maybe as tempting as it is to gamble on one, maybe it's better to ride with what you have.

Dallas Mavericks Considering Filing Protest For No-Calls On Dirk Nowitzki

Janet Kessler — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:36:05 -0500

I read in one of the team's sites the Mavs are talking about filing a formal protest with the NBA. It was confirmed by my personal source they are concerned about the no-calls on Dirk Nowitzki.

I know I'm not the only Mavs fan who is fed-up with seeing our star get beat up every game. And seeing him endure a bloody nose for the refs to finally find their whistles.

I've long noticed Dirk seemed to get more no-calls than other star studs. So I did a little research. We know how the NBA stats everything, so the information I needed was easy to find.

As of today Dirk Nowitzki is ranked No. 3 in field goals made. Making 9.7-20.3 fg, and is currently shooting at 26.2 ppg. Last season Dirk shot for 23.6 ppg, a 2.6 ppg increase.

So Dirk is taking over 20 shots a game at 20.3 apg. Last season he took 17.1 shots, an increase of 3.2 apg. Which means he's taking at least three more shots a game this season.

Now, you would logically think Dirk's charity stripe percentage should be up too, right?

It's Not!

Dirk's last season free-throw made/attempts were 6.2-7.1 for .879. As of today, his free-throws made/ attempts are 5.8-6.4 for .900. A decrease 0.7 appearances at the line. Dirk is going to the line this season less than last season, even though he increased his shooting. Why?

Because he's shooting more 3-pointers.

Dirk's actually shooting fewer 3's this season 2.6 att, compared to 2.9 att last season. He's just making more of his shots, currently at .402 avg on 3's, compared to .359 avg for last season.

Everyone else's numbers are down too.

Not so. Go look at the stats for the top five shooters who Dirk is in company with. You will find if the player's season over season stats are up, his is free-throw appearances are up too. And only if his season over season stats are down will you find his free-throw appearances decreased.

Something is not equal in the NBA.

So Dirk is shooting more and going to the foul line less, does not make sense to me. I hope the Mavs follow through with this protest, for what ever good it will do. At least it will be on record about the poor officiating by NBA's referees.

Dallas Mavericks Celebrate Christmas in Portland

Janet Kessler — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:16:38 -0500

Tonight the Dallas Mavericks will play in Portland. Once again they're up against a top tiered team. Can they finally prove to everyone (including themselves), that they are contenders?

All I want for Christmas is a win in Portland!!!

To all the Bleacher Creatures everywhere, have a safe and fun holiday full of memories.

To the Maverick Community, GO MAVS!!! Let's win tonight.

To my round-table buddies (Alex, Blake, and Waleed), best wishes for the holiday. Know this one is super late for you Alex; hope you can stay up.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND A MAVERICKS WIN TONIGHT!!!

Why The Dallas Mavericks Are Not Contenders

Janet Kessler — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:54:17 -0500

As a Mav fanatic, this is a hard write for me. I love my team, the last thing I want to do is rip them up. But the facts are crystal clear, and the truth must be told.

Right now the Mavericks are not contenders.

We just ended a long seven-game home stand, winning 5-7. Good right? Nah, no way.

We played three bottom dwellers, three contenders, and one falling from contention.

Of the five wins we only played one complete game. The game against Phoenix, was the only one the Mavs controlled from start to finish.

The loss to San Antonio was a heart-breaker, we were evenly matched going in. Too many turnovers and no answer for Tim Duncan put another one the "L" column.

Atlanta and Phoenix were the only games that we came out with real energy. We took first quarter leads, with the bench pushing the spread. But with Atlanta, we threw away a 19-point lead. The Mavs barely got away with the win.

The games against Sacramento, Charlotte, and Oklahoma City should have been blow-outs. We struggled on our home floor against three bad teams. Holes in our defense, or just the lack of, gave little opportunity for our transition offense to work.

Playing these teams close forced coach Carlisle to play Dirk, Terry, and Kidd for heavy minutes. As much as I love seeing Dirk go 30+ every night, we have a lot of season left.

Can he keep playing at this pace? Where was the much needed garbage time to develop the young Mavs?

And the Mavs dare to call themselves contenders.

I was hoping against Denver, the Mavs would quiet the critics. Instead they have made me one of them.

The novelty act of the three-guards is only a band-aid on the ills of this team. At least coach Carlisle had enough sense not to put J Kidd on Durant.

Again we worked a team into foul trouble, with 4:25 left Denver was in the penalty. Again no one drove the lanes to the basket. Again no one was stopping the clock by shooting free throws (see my point).

The Mavs can still be contenders.

We have one of the best passing point-guards in the league. J Kidd does make those around him better, just look at Dirk's stats for example. He has shown he can still put up points, just enough to keep the defense honest. That's really all we ask.

The two-guard is still a mystery. Little JJ is giving everything he has, no one can ask more of him (except grow six inches). He has given a glimmer of stability to the position, but lets face it, he's not the cure. A better alternative will be George, once J-ho is up to full speed again.

Grant it, we won 9-12 games without our No. 2 shooter, Josh Howard (he made a cameo appearance vs Denver for seven points). But they were ugly wins. To say the Mavs will take wins any way they can get them shows little pride and a lot of desperation.

Dirk Nowitzki is on pace for a career-best season, if the heavy minutes don't catch up with him first.

The biggest disappointment to me is our centers. I love seeing Damp getting the feed inside for a BIG DUNK. But if he's fouled he can't make free throws. Diop robbed us of the whole mid-cap to get him back here. For what? Bass plays more minutes at center than Diop. The problem is Bass is supposed to be Dirk's backup.

I say trade Damp and Diop and get someone like Chris Kaman. Better yet, go and get Chris Kaman here. He would fit perfectly, he played with Dirk this summer, so there is some chemistry to start with.

Without a secured lead in fourth quarters, coach Carlisle can't give Green and others time to develop and find their game.

Again I hate being so critical of my team. But as a fanatic, I have more right to it than the "far weather fan." I believe they are better than what we have seen. Hopefully will we see it soon because...

I want them to be contenders!

Olé, Barea! Olé!: Jose Juan Excels Against Lakers

Janet Kessler — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:30:05 -0500

Yes, Mavericks fans, the win streak has ended at five. Let's be real, we knew six was a stretch against Kobe and Co.

Let's focus on one of the positives from this game. Jose Juan Barea as a two-guard? That's right, if you watched last night's game, that's what you saw. Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought of that one.

There was Barea with Jason Kidd at point, slicing and dicing through the Lakers' defense. He was carving up their paint like leftover turkey.

What Barea lacks in size he makes up for with heart. The 24-year-old is listed at 6'0" and 175 pounds.

The Mavericks signed Barea in the 2006-07 season as an undrafted point guard from Northeastern University. I was impressed with how this young Puerto Rican fought his way to earn the final spot on the roster.

That rookie season was nothing special. Minutes were few since he didn't make the rotation. By the grace of then-coach Avery Johnson, Barea was sent to the D-League. He played with the now-disbanned Fort Worth Flyers, and pretty well.

That summer, Barea went on to lead the Mavs' summer leaguers as starting point guard. He was one of the few bright spots on that squad.

Now in his third season with the Mavericks, minutes are more regular as backup to Jason Kidd. It has been a real joy to me to watch him grow with the team.

This spunky little pest can wreak havoc on oversized, Lakers-like defenses. He has very quick speed and makes good dribble penetration. He also has good shooting range from almost any spot on the floor.

Imagine yourself an up-and-coming point guard, and you're given the chance of a lifetime. To play with future Hall-of-Fame point guard Jason Kidd and learn from the master. This is no doubt the most important time in Barea's career.