According to dallasbasketball.com, the Mavs FO is trying to save the MLE for someone else (Maggette, Posey, etc.) and will instead try to obtain Diop through a sign-and-trade for assets such as expiring contracts (Eddie Jones).  See, Donnie's trying to be creative. 

Supposedly, the Mavs have a great deal of interest in Posey, who played a huge supporting role for the Miami and Boston championship squads.

The Mavs' summer dealings may not be done yet.

The best player the Mavs have ever had, and the first European player to ever get the MVP award, turned 30 today.  I know what his first wish is -- helping get Germany into the Olympics -- and I hope that dream comes true in a month in Athens.   Next, I know he wants to win a championship in Dallas for all of us.  He's still got many, many years left on the court (especially considering how disciplined he is, and his fitness regime with Holger in Germany) so he (we) still have time.  After seeing the Celtics' quick turnaround (worst record in conference to NBA champs) you never know.  He's also got a coach now in Rick Carlisle who I think will make Dirk even more successful.

Here's wishing continued good health, (more) wealth and success to No.  41!

 

    

 

 

 

 

The expectations were set so low this post-season so it's certainly a lot easier to swallow this defeat than the last two exits in 2006 and 2007.

At least they didn't go out with a whimper and made it slightly exciting there at the end.  Brandon Bass made a memorable impression in game 5 to cap a fine season.

I don't want to give up on Josh Howard, but his erratic play is frustrating to watch.   Avery's a good guy, but I just don't think he's the coach to lead them to their first title.  I'd like to see Antoine Wright (free agent) back.  Reyshawn Terry from last year's draft would also be a good addition.

Free agent players I'm pretty sure won't be back:
  - Jamaal Magloire (ugh)
  - Juwan Howard (his second time here didn't go so great)
  - Devean George (although I'd like him back)
  - J.J. Barea (has a future in the league, but not as a Mav)
  - Tyronn Lue

Malik Allen's a free agent as well, but I'm not sure what the Mavs intend to do with him.  I like his attitude, and he's a pretty good all-around player. 

Corey Maggette can opt out this summer, and the Mavs should really pursue him (as they did last summer in a proposed trade involving JET).  He's only 28 and knows how to attack the rim.

We're going to see at least 1/2 the roster change over the off-season.  Maybe we pick up Diop....  Anyway, they'll be plenty of time to speculate since the Mavs couldn't even extend the playoffs into May.

I first saw this video on Hardwood Paroxysm.

I really like these new NBA ads.  They must have taped one guy first and made the other copy his movements.

It'd be great to see two of the greatest PGs ever (each with his own Mavs background) go at each other in the playoffs.  

Brandon Bass - what a find; finally a legitimate backup for Dirk and he's only 22

Antoine Wright - the guy is very smooth and always under control.  Definitely an upgrade over Moe Ager.

Damp's renewed energy playing with Kidd

Josh Howard -- Since Dirk's injury, I've got to say I'm impressed with how he's stepped up.  He's proven that he's a legitimate no. 2.

Dirk - it goes w/o saying; the guy deserves better.  I hope it doesn't get to the point in a few years where I'm hoping we trade him so he gets a chance at a ring (like Ro and Derek).

We already know about the disappointments, but feel free to add any positives I missed.

The last postive I can wish for is that the Mavs sneak into the playoffs and actually make some noise.  Stranger things have happened.

From Eddie Sefko's game preview:

Injuries

Celtics: Ray Allen (left ankle) is day to day.

Mavericks: Team (bruised ego) is day to day.

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Nice to have a sense of humor with the turmoil currently surrounding this team.

Eddie Sefko writes:

The Mavericks have reached an agreement in principle on a three-year contract with sixth man Jerry Stackhouse, two sources said Thursday afternoon.

While details remain to be finalized, the two sides have agreed on a deal that will make Stackhouse's salary for next season more than the mid-level exception, which is expected to be around $6 million. If the deal starts at $6.5 million, it would be worth more than $21 million for three seasons.

See the full article here.

The number one off-season objective is now complete.  What's next?