RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Carlisle Has Studied Past Drafts, Values Experienced Prospects

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:49:24 EDT

Rick Carlisle has studied past NBA drafts and is aware of the talent that figures to fall to the Mavericks on June 27.

“You know, if you look at the history of drafts, which I have in the last couple of weeks, and if you look at the last 10 drafts, there’s a history of being multiple guys 13 and below that turn out to be really good, solid, long-term NBA players,” Carlisle said, while standing on the sideline during day 2 of the NBA draft combine. “So, you know, there’s value in this draft. Our job is to find it.”

The Mavericks will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2004, when they selected Devin Harris with a pick acquired from the Washington Wizards.

Carlisle is confident the Mavericks will add a player capable of stepping in right away.

“Well, you want to get a guy with as much experience as possible,” Carlisle confessed. “One of the reasons that (Jae) Crowder was in our rotation most of the year last year and one of the reasons that Bernard James did a good job for us when he played was because those guys had experience and they were older players. I think there’s been a move towards putting a value on maturity and for good reason.”

Nowitzki Prepared To Take Paycut In 2014, Would Love For Mavs To Sign Howard Or Paul

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:17:31 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks have had two relatively difficult seasons since winning The Finals in 2011.

The Mavericks were eliminated in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs and didn't qualify in 2013.

The Mavericks were unable to sign Deron Williams last offseason and are hoping to have better success this offseason in signing either Dwight Howard or Chris Paul.

"We'd love to get one of those two," said Dirk Nowitzki. "We'd love to get a player in here who can create his own shot and be a superstar-type player. It's still a long way to go until July. Those guys need to clear their minds a little bit and get away and then start thinking what they want to do with their futures. Hopefully, that's where we come in and put a great pitch out there and see what happens."

Nowitzki said he would like to be involved in the free agency pitch.

"I'll definitely be a little involved. But I'll be in the draft 'war room' for the first time ... order some pizza and talk some basketball. I got one year left on this deal and then I'm coming off the books. So if that helps for us to be better I'm going to take a paycut. That's part of the pitch. (Mark) Cuban and Donnie (Nelson) have got to be part of the pitch. I think Dallas and the fans here, the sellout streak, the city to live in is gorgeous and has gotta be in the top five in the league. Hopefully, some of those guys will decide to come, and if not, we've gotta  have a plan B. If none of those top free agents come, we gotta make some moves with sign and trades or something. We want to get back to the playoffs and be a factor. We owe it to these fans who come out every single night to support us."

Mavericks Crowdsourcing Uniform Redesign

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:37:50 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks will have new uniforms for the 15-16 NBA season and are eliciting the help from fans in the redesign.

“The Mavs are going to re-do our uniforms for the 2015-16 season.. if we get a unique and original design," wrote Mark Cuban on his blog. "What’s the best way to come up with creative ideas? You ask for them. So we are going to crowd source the design and colors of our uniforms.

“You know what an NBA uniform looks like. You know what the Mavs colors are for today and the past.  We want some new ideas that stay true to our logo and at least close to our current color schemes. Show us what you got !”

Nowitzki Begins Offseason Training Program, Hoping To Avoid Repeat Of Last Two Seasons

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:21:13 EDT

Dirk Nowitzki has returned from an end of the regular season vacation to the Caribbean and is ready to begin his offseason training.

Nowitzki has started each of the past two seasons slowly due either to being out of shape physically or because of injury.

Nowitzki had a PER of 23.4 during the 10-11 season in which the Dallas Mavericks won The Finals, but it has dropped to 21.7 and 19.8 in the past two seasons.

Kaleb Canales Leaves Blazers To Become Assistant With Mavericks

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:42:42 EDT

Kaleb Canales is leaving the Portland Trail Blazers to take an assistant coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks.

Canales, a finalist for the Blazers' coaching vacancy last offseason that ultimately went to Terry Stotts, served as a defensive coordinator on Portland's staff this season.

Stotts had said he wanted to remove the "coordinator" label and make both ends of the court a team effort from the coaches.

Canales was the Blazers' interim coach in 2012, when the organization fired Nate McMillan.

Mavericks Want To Upgrade At Point Guard, Center Before Next Season

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:50:22 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks would like to add a perimeter player capable of engineering their offense while also creating shots for himself and others.

“Look, we’ve been spoiled with guys like [Steve] Nash and Jason Kidd, and those are certainly big shoes to fill,” Donnie Nelson said. “And I think, you know, the quarterback position is one that we’re going to look very, very hard at. We’ve always liked players that are veteran, players that are smart, and having the ability to raise our collective IQ is also something that’s important to us.”

Nelson also covets a defensive center capable of protecting the rim and controlling the glass.

“We’re always into rim protectors and shot blockers,” Nelson said. “That certainly makes life a lot easier for everyone on the floor. But we’ve got six guys under contract. We’ve got three veterans and three young guys, and we’re in pretty short order going to try to address all of those available positions. … It’s free agency, it’s draft, it’s trade, and so we’ll turn over every rock in attempt to get where we need to be, which is not where we are right now.”

The Mavericks finished the season with nine players on expiring contracts.

O.J. Mayo To Opt Out Of Contract With Mavericks

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:59:30 EDT

O.J. Mayo will opt out of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, making him a free agent this coming offseason.

"Getting something long term, locking something in is what I think is best for me," Mayo said Thursday after his exit interview with Rick Carlisle and Donnie Nelson.

Mayo has yet to seriously consider teams that might be a fit for him.

"I'm sure new teams have popped up on the list," Mayo said. "I need to talk to my agent [Rob Pelinka] and see what we can work out."

O.J. Mayo Would Like To Return To Mavericks

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:39:08 EDT

Dallas Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo says he would like to return to the team next season.

Mayo, who has a player option in his contract for the 2013-14 season, was the recipient of a recent public criticism from coach Rick Carlisle.

"Yeah, I'd like to be back here," Mayo said.

The guard can opt to make a $4.2 million salary from the Mavericks next season, or decide to test the free agent market.

"I haven't really sat down and talked to [Mark] Cuban about it or my agent," Mayo said. "I think I'll probably take a week or so off after this season and get together and meet."

Carlisle Rips Into O.J. Mayo

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:27:36 EDT

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle ripped into guard O.J. Mayo during Monday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Carlisle shot a disgusted stare at Mayo after calling a timeout. Mayo had two sloppy turnovers and a weak foul over a 90-second stretch.

"I called that timeout just to get you out of the game!" Carlisle screamed at Mayo in the huddle, according to one player.

Carlisle then made his criticism loud and clear during his postgame news conference.

"I just want to see him show up," the coach said. "I just want to see him show up and compete. He didn't compete tonight.

"And I tell you, with all the time we've put into helping him develop and bringing him along, in the biggest game of the year -- an opportunity to be a winning team -- for him to show up like he did tonight, I was shocked.

"Look, sometimes guys have bad nights, so make sure to put that in there, too."

Mayo was especially poor all season against the Grizzlies, a team that tried to trade the former No. 3 overall pick repeatedly and showed no interest in re-signing him last summer.

"He just had a bad night," Carlisle said after making a point to mention that the coaches showed Mayo film at halftime "where he was virtually just standing around defensively" and essentially implored him to mentally check into the game. "I guess I'll write it off to that.

"But I tell you what, if I was playing against my former team, I'd come out ready to go. I'd come out ready to go at them. But that's me. You know, that's me."

Mavericks Sign Josh Akognon For Remainder Of Season

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 21:38:08 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks have signed Josh Akognon for the remainder of the season.

Akognon was the Mavericks' final cut in training camp and spent the bulk of the season in China, where he led the Chinese Basketball Association in scoring.

Akognon went undrafted in 2009 out of Cal State Fullerton.

Cuban Hopes Vince Carter Remains With Mavericks

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:21:44 EDT

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban hopes Vince Carter is a guy that will retire with the club.

"I feel worse for Vince than I do for Dirk (Nowitzki). Vince hasn't been there and he's had two great seasons for us," Cuban said. "And he's just a first-class guy who busts his (tail) every game. You never look at Vince and say he's taking a play off. I'm proud that he's on the Mavericks. The guy lays it out every time. I can't put it any other way. He's one of those guys I want to retire here."

Carter is signed through the 2013-14 season.

"I hope so," Cuban said when asked if Carter would play for Dallas after his contract expires. "The current trend is, as guys get older, they lose a little weight and I think Vince is athletic enough and smart enough and genetically gifted enough that if he goes on that same Steve Nash, Dirk, Tim Duncan path, where you lose a little bit of weight every year and keep your spring, he's a genetic freak.

"He can play for more than a year, easily. He'll be cranking those motorcycle handles for a while."

Cuban Accepts Blame For Mavericks' Failure To Make Playoffs, Vows To Rebuild

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:50:43 EDT

Mark Cuban accepted blame for the Dallas Mavericks’ failure to qualify for the playoffs this season.

"We obviously should have had more," Cuban said. "I don't know if we could have, but we should have. And so it's all on me. If that means I let (coach Rick Carlisle) down, I let Rick down.

"People always give me s---. 'Why do you put your email up on the screen? And why are you always out front?' This is why. So if someone's got a shot to take, take it at me. My job is to make sure we put everybody in position to succeed and we obviously didn't."

Cuban promised that he will quickly rebuild the Mavericks through shrewd decision-making.

"I'm not making any predictions," Cuban said. "All I'm saying is we're not going to do a traditional rebuild. That's (why) we got all this cap room, so we wouldn't. We're going to be opportunistic."

Cuban Vows Mavericks 'Will Come Back And Get Better Next Year'

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:17:46 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks will miss the playoffs for the first time during a full season in which Mark Cuban has had ownership of the franchise.

Dallas lost to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, eliminating them from playoff contention with a week left in the season.

"I've always said there is one winner and 29 other teams tied for last," Cuban said. "Our goal is to win championships, so it's disappointing to not win. But we will come back and get better next year."

The only promise Cuban can make about this summer: "We're going to be opportunistic and do the best we can."

Nowitzki Wants To Finish Career With Mavericks, Still Wants To Contend

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:37:30 EDT

Dirk Nowitzki has stated several times that he wants to finish his career with the Dallas Mavericks, but also doesn't want to be fighting for a playoff spot every season.

Dallas has made the playoffs 12 consecutive seasons, but they sit more than two games behind the Utah Jazz for the eight seed in the Western Conference with just a handful of games remaining.

Nowitzki will be a free agent after next season, bringing his future with the Mavericks into question.

"Now that I already reached my goal (of winning it all), I really want to finish my career in Dallas," Nowitzki said. "But saying all that, I don't want another year next year with the same as this year, (with) the frustration and playing for the eight or nine seed. I think we all know that this is a very big summer for us. (Mavericks general manager) Donnie (Nelson) knows. (Mark) Cuban knows. We want to get back to the championship level."

Nowitzki said "I think it's going to be a big summer for us."

After striking out on Deron Williams last summer, the Mavericks signed and acquired a bunch of players on short-term deals as to not compromise their salary situation going forward.

"Of course he doesn't want to fight for an eighth seed in the future; none of us do," Cuban said. "Beyond that, like he has told me and the world, he can't see himself being anywhere else."

Auriemma Blasts Cuban's Suggestion Of Drafting Griner

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:55 EDT

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban suggested that he might consider drafting Brittney Griner, but Connecticut women's coach Geno Auriemma doesn't think much of the notion.

Cuban told reporters that if Griner is the best player available, "I will take her."

"Right now, I'd lean toward yes, just to see if she can do it," he added. "You never know unless you give somebody a chance."

Auriemma said Wednesday that Cuban is a financial genius, but "his genius would take a huge hit if he drafted Brittney Griner."

"I think it would be a sham," he said. "The fact that a woman could actually play right now in the NBA and compete successfully against the level of play that they have is absolutely ludicrous."

Mavericks To Sign Josh Akognon To 10-Day Contract

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:41:43 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks will sign Josh Akognon to a 10-day contract on Thursday, according to sources.

Akognon went to training camp with the Mavericks but ended up playing in China when he did not make Dallas' regular season roster.

Akognon will take the roster spot of Justin Dentmon, who was informed after Tuesday night's loss to the Lakers that he will not receive a second 10-day deal.

Mark Cuban Would Consider Drafting Brittney Griner

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 02:00:33 EDT

Mark Cuban would be willing to give Baylor women's star Brittney Griner the opportunity to prove she could play in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks.

Cuban said he would consider selecting Griner, a 6-foot-8 three-time All-American and Big 12 player of the year, in the second round of the draft. If the Mavs don't draft her, Cuban said he would have "no problem whatsoever" inviting Griner to try out for a spot on Dallas' summer league team. 

"If she is the best on the board, I will take her," Cuban said Tuesday. 

One Win From .500, Mavericks Invite Barber To Pacers Game

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:02:13 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks, who haven't shaved in weeks as they climb back to .500, are a win away from reaching the mark.

Seven players were part of the pact -- O.J. Mayo, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Chris Kaman, Elton Brand, Jae Crowder and Dahntay Jones. Jones has since shaved because he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last month.

The pact was made when they were seven games under .500. They're 35-36 after winning nine of their last 12 games.

Mayo's barber, Omar, has been invited to Thursday night's home game against the Indiana Pacers.

"Man, everyone is going to have their clippers in their locker Thursday and hopefully you guys can watch us shave them off," Mayo said. "The barber will be here. We're going to leave him tickets and give ourselves a chance to shave them off.

"I want to make sure to do it right. I don't want to leave no patches."

Mavericks Sign Justin Dentmon To 10-Day Contract

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:28:17 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks have signed Justin Dentmon to a 10-day contract.

The Mavericks elected to sign another point guard out of their D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.

Chris Wright was not retained by the Mavericks after appearing in three games.

Mavericks Won't Keep Chris Wright, Will Sign Justin Dentmon

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:49:59 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks have decided not to give Chris Wright a second 10-day contract.

The Mavericks will next sign Justin Dentmon to a 10-day from their D-League affiliate, sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.

Wright appeared in three games for the Mavs, playing a total of four minutes. 

"He's been an inspirational figure to a lot of people," Rick Carlisle said. "He's an NBA-caliber player. There's no doubt about that. You do what he's doing -- playing a professional sport with MS -- that's going to be something that a lot of people pay attention to. It shows his motivation, his determination, but it also shows the progress that's been made in that area. 

"It's going to give people hope. That's a great thing."

Jason Terry Wants To Prove Mavericks Should Have Kept Him

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:37:18 EDT

Jason Terry will return to Dallas on Friday when his Boston Celtics face the Mavericks, and he made clear he'll play with an edge to prove the fans and his former team that they should have re-signed him last offseason.

“It’s cool, had to come sooner or later," Terry said. "We’re going to go back there and I’m going to be super-aggressive. We’ll see what happens.”

Terry's former teammates believe the guard will receive a loud ovation on Friday.

Terry played a key role on the Mavericks' championship team in 2011.

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