Quick Shots
By Will Davis | January 28, 2008
Just like the Mavs finished up the Grizz in quick fashion, I’ll be knocking down some Quick Shots of my own:
- Eddie Jones appears to be the definition of ‘fouls in bunches’. He can’t stay on the floor long enough to contribute amassing fouls 2-3 at a time, it seems. Not that the savvy vet needs playing time to stay effective, but b-ball is a team game. He needs to learn game trends and tendencies of the players around him just as much as he needs to know his own game. Let’s hope he can get through this tough patch.
- Those that doubt Dirk’s importance to the club need to shush themselves. The evidence in how important Dirk is to this team lies in how other teams play him. They leave players like Devin, Jason, and Josh open because the one they fear most is the Dirkinator. It’s that respect that allows the other players the room to excel as they have so far this season.
- Devin Harris appears to be alright. It’s a bone bruise and will take time to heal. He’ll still get plenty of playing time before the playoffs and is going to miss between 2 and 5 weeks. I say that because usually what happens is the player fights to come back a week early, which causes an additional week or two to be added to the overall time missed. I can hope that doesn’t happen, but I figure it will.
- How come Trenton can’t get no love? He isn’t getting the playing time that Johnson gave Austin Croshere or Greg Buckner last year, but he’s a better overall asset. He’s quick, hustles, and is capable of offense in spurts. I’d like to see him play more and get a feel for things. Mainly because there isn’t a younger player on the roster that would need the time more (sorry Mo Ager).
- Brandon Bass still shows great potential, an athletic frame, and good offensive skills. He needs every minute of playing time he’s getting so he can improve in time for the playoffs. Remember that his development is absolutely key to the Mavericks playoff chances this season.
- Jason Terry seems comfortable in the 6th Man spot, and I couldn’t be happier. His numbers are down, but that hasn’t seemed to make Coach Johnson feel forced into playing him more than he does (which is a lot for a 6th Man). JT needs to keep up the great attitude and keep pushing tempo… and knocking down shots helps too.
- Where’s the influence of Paul Westphal? I’m not sure I see it. Who is he coaching? Where in the game plan is he contributing? I just don’t know. But I’m very curious.
- Has anybody else noticed that all the Mavericks best players on the team this year are players they drafted? Josh Howard, Devin Harris, and Dirk (draft-and-trade only cause Rick Petino was going to draft Dirk first so the Nelson’s worked out a deal with Nellie’s old team in Milwaukee) are all products of successful drafts. Maybe… just maybe… the Mavericks shouldn’t trade away or squander their draft picks and actually use them on talented young college players. HOW ABOUT THAT CONCEPT?!?! I know it’s off the wall, but I just had to suggest it.
That’s it for now. I’m gettin’ another beer.
Topics: Dallas Mavericks | No Comments »
The Jerry Stackhouse Problem
By Will Davis | January 22, 2008
Over his 13 year career Jerry Stackhouse has proven himself a consistent offensive presence in the NBA tallying over 15,000 points and an 18.8 points per game average. He’s been the Dallas Mavericks 6th Man going on 4 years providing immediate scoring off the bench, and lockerroom leadership. He’s a valuable member of a squad that went to the 2006 NBA Finals and the team that won 67 games last year. He continues his offensive production mainly in isolation plays where he uses his experience and great jump shot against subpar defenders.
It has become apparent that Stackhouse has become such a defensive liability and his offensive limitations in all areas other than scoring that his minutes should be limited especially during cruchtime (last 4 mins of close games). His ball handling has suffered greatly in his old-age (at least in basketball terms, he’s 33), he’s a terrible passer, not effective on the boards, and can’t guard faster players one-on-one effectively. This transition from offensive stalwart to liability has mainly taken place last year and continues today. This season against the Suns, for example, Dallas opened up an impressive lead by playing on both sides of ball and limiting turnovers. Jerry Stackhouse entered the game and immediately was responsible for 2 turnovers — dribbled off his foot on one possesion and a bad pass on another (the Mavs still won the game).
Some may point to Jerry Stackhouse’s performance in last years playoffs as proof that the old wheels may still have some legs. A closer look shows he performed well in one game aided heavily by refs that called fouls on balls he dribbled off his leg. Stackhouse’s points-on-floor rating (overall points +/- the team scored while he’s on the floor) was at -26 for the series.
This all seems obvious to those of us who watch Mavericks games on a consistent basis, but unfortunately Jerry’s biggest fan is head coach Avery Johnson. Johnson’s offensive playbook is simple to say the least, and that fits a one-dimensional player like Jerry Stackhouse very well.
Hopefully the coach will realize the liability status of Stackhouse and limit his minutes. I’d rather see the minutes go to Trenton Hassell (his time is severely limited) and Eddie Jones (having trouble staying healthy). Both players are proven defenders and can shoot well enough to hit open jumpers if given enough game minutes to feel comfortable in the offense. There are enough scorers on the team to make up for their limited offensive production (ala Bruce Bowen with the Spurs) and with the growth of Devin Harris, Brandon Bass, and JJ Barea the more they are all on the floor together the better.
This needs to happen soon. The playoffs will be here before you know it.
Topics: Dallas Mavericks, Team | No Comments »
Nelly Returns to the AAC
By Daniel Dessinger | January 2, 2008
Tuning in to 103.3FM ESPN Radio this afternoon, I got to hear Randy Galloway and Little Ball of Hate shooting the breeze with Don Nelson. Randy loves Nelly with a serious man-crush. Not sure how much of it is actual professional admiration and how much is a love of self (old, white, overweight alcoholics must stick together, you know).
According to ESPN, the Mavs haven’t won at home against Golden State since 2004. Tonight however, the Mavs gave the Warriors a sound thrashing. The final score was 121-99. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs tonight with 29 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds.
It’s good to know that the Mavericks can compete with Golden State, since the embarrassing first round playoff loss to Golden State. Hopefully, all this strangeness mid-season will gel into a winning post-season. Stay tuned.
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WAKE UP CALL
By Joshua David | December 17, 2007
The Dallas Cowboys are playing excellent football right now. This is why nobody is really noticing how bad the Mavericks are doing right now. The Mavericks are 17 - 9 right now. More than half of those losses have came from Eastern Conference teams. I don’t know what is more embarrassing the video of Devon Harris dancing to Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” or losing to an Eastern Conference team. I hope the reason for the inconsistent play of late has to due with us adding a couple of new pieces in Eddie Jones and Brandon Bass. Hopefully we start to get into a rhythm and start rolling like a gravy train with biscuit wheels into the All-Star break.
The Mavericks barely pulled out another win against an average Orlando Magic team. The Magic turned the game into a nail biter at the last few moments with the final score being 111 - 108. One thing that has been a constant knack on the Mavericks is their ability to lose a lead. No matter how much we are on up on the other team they always seem to come back. One good thing I can say about tonight’s game is I think we saw the return of the Dirkanator. The game was close at the end and Dirk Nowitzki hit the big shots that needed to be made finishing with 31 points. This game should help bring his confidence back up and hopefully even out his inconsistent play of late. We are talking about the MVP of the league. This type of play is expected every night. Was I the only person that noticed the announcer’s “hot mic” when Jameer Nelson was shooting his free throws with seven seconds left in the game?
Whoever started the Jason Kidd rumors need to be slapped by Kidd right after he slaps his wife. The price for the albino Ike Turner would be Josh Howard and possibly Devon Harris. Lets think about that for a second, Jason Kidd was drafted by the Mavericks when Josh Howard was 13 years old. Josh Howard has just started into becoming what looks like a great player. I don’t even think this guy has shown a flash of the brilliance he is capable of. I would be open to trading Devon Harris and Jerry Stackhouse for Kidd. That is the only remote scenario that could land Kidd back in Dallas. If Howard goes it could end up being one of the big mistakes like Portland drafting Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. I know what your thinking, who is Sam Bowie? I don’t know either.
Topics: Dallas Mavericks, Team, Trade Talk | No Comments »
Not A Time To Panic
By Will Davis | December 15, 2007
The Dallas Mavericks have started their season in a less than spectacular fashion, but it’s far from worrisome. The team is comprised of All-Star quality performers, and roll players that are devoted to team play. They are capable of explosive offense and shut down defense, and have one of the most intense coaches in NBA history.
The negatives this season have consisted mostly of inconsistent scoring and terrible defense. Inconsistent scoring can come and go. There will be times when teams seem to find themselves in a rut. That obviously didn’t happen much at all last year, until the playoffs. There have been a couple reasons for this particular problem.
1) Relying on the jumper.
2) Constant Change - trying new things, new lineup combinations, and limiting the lineup due to injuries.
The first, relying on the jumper, has been the Mavericks’ Achilles for a couple years now. Ever since Jason Terry clanked 3-pt attempt after attempt in the Finals of ‘06, it’s been the single most glaring problem the team hasn’t fixed. But the fix is pretty simple: find players that take it within 15 feet.
The second, constant change, is a temporary problem. There were plenty of people, players and staff, that needed to learn from the failure of the ‘07 playoffs. None more than Avery Johnson. His laser focus on technical accuracy of his game plan on both sides of the floor broke down the team over the course of the season. Failure to accept change hurt the team when going up against a team and coach, Don Nelson, who thrive on shaking things up.
The reason not to worry so early is that there is plenty of time to work on both negative aspects causing losses. Dallas is attempting to combat the jumper-only mentality by making changes in the lineup and philosophy. Avery Johnson, more than anyone, has learned from his failures last year and adapted his methods accordingly. Moving Jason Terry to 6th man, giving more latitude to Devin Harris, and the commitment to Brandon Bass will pay off in the long run. Although the team’s overall record may not be as good as last year, the team has improved.
Moving Jason Terry to the 6th man position clarifies his role on the team as a spot up shooter. His limited ability on the offensive and defensive ends are minimized and his scoring is maximized. He isn’t a point guard. He isn’t a good passer, and he isn’t as good defensively as others on the roster. Johnson knows he’s a great offensive player, and can adjust his playing time to match his mood (whether he’s hot or cold) without damaging his ego.
Devin Harris is, without question, the best guard on the team. He’s amazing defensively. That ability seems to be dismissed by some, but he’s a top-5 defensive guard in this league. He doesn’t get assists not because he isn’t capable, but because the offense is isolation-based. You can’t get an assist for passing to Dirk who then creates his own shot, whereas someone like Chris Paul is passing to Peja coming off double back door screens for a catch-and-shoot. Devin’s speed is something you just can’t coach. It’s a wonderful asset, and what can be coached is how to use it better. Harris can also be coached to be a better scorer. He’s wonderful and breaking people down and getting into the lane, but doesn’t finish well. If he can develop a lane-floater ala Nick Van Exel and Tony Parker he’ll be damn near unstoppable.
Allowing some of the bench players to develop is another huge bonus for the team. Avery wasn’t willing to give JJ Barea and Pops Mensa-Bonsu enough minutes last year during the season, instead choosing to put in an offensively horrible Austin Croshere and still offensively horrible Devean George. Those minutes would have been better spent developing some of the younger players and maybe getting them ready to contribute against young athletic teams like… oh, let’s say… Golden State. This season JJ Barea and new roster addition Brandon Bass are getting those minutes from a coach who’s learned his lesson. Both players have proved already that the time is worth it. JJ put up 25 pts earlier this season, and I think we all can agree that Brandon Bass, for as ugly as some of his shots are, has the body and athleticism this team so desperately needs.
One thing that is most impressive is the teams morale. Except for one argument between Terry and Dirk a few years ago there has been no bickering to be heard of. The team seems united in it’s goal and believes in each other. They have the roster, and the coach, to win a championship. Let’s not worry ourselves out of contention just yet.
Topics: Dallas Mavericks | 1 Comment »
How Long Will Dallas Love the Big White Hype?
By Daniel Dessinger | December 15, 2007
I’m not a fairweather fan… okay, maybe I am. That’s only because I like watching good football and basketball. I don’t waste my time on a team that can’t mesh well or win a playoff game. And I can’t help how long you devoted Mavs calves will suffer the big German.
Is Dallas cursed? Seriously, I’m starting to wonder. Let’s not put too much stock into that theory until we see the results of this year’s post season. But should Dallas fold prematurely this year, only the old school boys will support Dirk Nowitzki. He is not beyond Mavs hate. Dallas will turn on him the second he drops the ball during the post season.
How long do you put up with Nowitzki? Some of you will say the regular season doesn’t matter, and you could point to Shaq and you’d have a legitimate point. Except for one minor detail: Shaq has championship rings, buddy! Dirk can stink it up all day long if he brings home two championship rings! The season ticket holders won’t appreciate that as much, but they’d get over it once they sit in their winning playoff seat at the American Airlines Center.
But drop out of the race, and we’ll see where your loyalties lie… Kobe’s looking better by the day.
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Unimpressive Win Over Minnesota
By Daniel Dessinger | November 29, 2007
The Mavs managed to pull out a narrow victory Thursday against Minnesota. The final score was 109-103 against a team that should refund season ticket holders due to the pathetic nature of their play.
The Mavs are in a slump of sorts, which has set the radio talk show hosts a jabbering. Dale Hansen reminds us daily that the regular season doesn’t matter. Randy Galloway tells us the same. But Steve Dennis is concerned, and like many others, is wondering if this is a preview of yet another post-season meltdown.
On a high note, Dirk played lights out on offense with 31 points and Devin Harris had another strong night with 22 points and 6 assists. Most of the team were lackluster, but Brandon Bass also played a productive game. So there are still upsides to the Mavericks’ downsides.
The Mavericks face a Greg Oden-less Portland Trailblazers tonight. For more information on game schedules and times, check out the new Schmap widget on the right where you can see all the games and click on schedule/map for more info.
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Mavericks Need a New Look
By Aaron Phillips | November 28, 2007
In my opinion, the Mavericks are fakes ….they just can’t seem to get it right.
Sure, they look good on paper. They have a good mix of veterans and young talent. I don’t know if it’s the way Avery is managing the games (probably is) or what. Maybe they are trying to implement a new strategy - stink it up in the regular season so that maybe they will do better in the playoffs… who knows.
No matter which way you slice it, something has to change. It starts with Donnie Nelson, and then leads to Avery. Avery should stay. Donnie should go. They need to bring a different mindset into the general management position - a legend. Somebody who can guide Avery through this learning process of coaching. The Mavs seem lost, like they are unsure of who they are. Are they mirror images of the Spurs? Not quite. The Spurs have rings and different talent. Are they run and gun like the Suns? Nope. The suns have Nash … The point is, if they are going to try to mix the 2 styles together, they better get a lot more consistent … they better find their own identity.
What’s the solution? I think part of it is chemistry in the team, and part of it is a lack of wisdom in the coaching staff. Avery is all over the place. So you get rid of Donnie, bring in Jeff Van Gundy or Larry Brown (although Larry would probably be temporary) as GM, see if Rick Carlisle is available to be an assistant, and finally trade Jason Terry for Ron Artest. Let the hate begin….
Topics: Dallas Mavericks | 3 Comments »
Looking at Dallas Domain Names
By Daniel Dessinger | November 22, 2007
Here in Dallas, we love our Mavericks. But we love our Cowboys too. We’re currently looking for a domain name that would allow us to include Cowboys and Mavericks coverage in one site. We love MavsUpdate, and we’re not completely sold on the idea of moving to a new domain, so we might just start a Cowboys blog as well. It all depends on what’s available and the result of a vote.
If you have any domain ideas for Dallas Cowboys or Dallas sports coverage, let us know.
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Early Survey: Do the Mavericks Have What it Takes to Win a Championship?
By Daniel Dessinger | November 21, 2007
If you’re a Mavs fan, this is really the only question worth asking. They’ve done everything else. With a visit to the championship two years ago, a 70 win season, and the current league MVP in Dirk Nowitzki, there’s not much left to accomplish until they bring home a championship.
The Mavs are 8-2 early on, which means practically nothing. The media can get all excited predicting a loss-less season for Boston (which was just disrupted) and talk about how disappointing it is that Kobe is still a Laker. But no one has anything to say about the Mavericks. What is there to say? They SHOULD have won a championship against Miami. They got royally stomped by Golden State last year. Two years of harsh disappointment lead us to this point, during a regular season that doesn’t really matter.
I’ll be at the Mavs / Wizards game on Monday. Don’t get me wrong. They’re still worth watching. But the wins and losses don’t mean anything. San Antonio proved that by winning it all after a so-so season.
So while we “watch the damn games” and wait for end of regular season to arrive, I want to know what you think out there. Do the Mavs have what it takes to win a championship? Do they have the right players? Do they have the attitude? Are they scarred by two surprising playoff losses?
Topics: Dallas Mavericks | 1 Comment »
