NBA Rumors: Mavericks Must Hope Darrell Armstrong's Charges Will Be Dropped

Dallas Mavericks' assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was released on bail Thursday, and the team should be hopeful that his gambling charges may soon be dropped. 

According to the Associated Press, Armstrong posted a $40,000 bail, which was close to the amount he owed in gambling debts to a Las Vegas Casino. 

Armstrong was arrested during the Mavericks road trip in Los Angeles, and Dallas is definitely hoping it can move on from this. 

Samuel Bateman, who is the chief deputy Clark County district attorney, told the AP that Armstrong can use his bail money toward paying off his debts. 

"Usually the bail set is the same as the amount owed," Bateman said. "He agreed to convert it to restitution in return for dropping the case." 

The Mavericks don't need these types of distractions right now. Sure, Armstrong isn't a player, but he's still a vital part of the team and they need him to be with the team. 

Armstrong has been a coach with Dallas since midway through the 2009-10 season, and he also spent two of his 14 NBA seasons with the Mavericks. 

Dallas is currently 9-7 on they year, and it needs to pick up the pace now. Yes, there is a lot of basketball left to be played, but the Mavericks haven't been overly impressive, which is rare from defending champs.

The roster has been shaken up, so they aren't quite the same team, but they still need to play better against the leagues best teams.

News like Armstrong's arrest does not help the team moving forward. The focus has to be on basketball right now, especially if Dallas wants to repeat as champs.