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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 |
