No one would suggest that the Mavs? bench is better this season simply because of addition due to subtraction. That would be an insult to the departed trio of Howard Eisley, Calvin Booth and Gary Trent.
     But one week into the season, it?s fair to say that in terms of so-far production, Dallas is way ahead of the game for having replaced those three with Timmy Hardaway, Danny Manning and Evan Eschmeyer.
     Look at the numbers:
     Eisley -- In his first four games with the Knicks, Eisley?s status as the third-string point guard is confirmed. He had yet to play one minute while point guards Mark Jackson (28.8 minutes, 6.6 points, 7.2 assists) and Charlie Ward (19.4 minutes, 8 points, 3.8 assists) have been less than stellar.
     Booth -- In his first four games with Seattle, ?The Savior?? has averaged numbers almost as stunningly low as Eisley?s. Booth is a starter, but gets only 18 minutes per (shoot, he played 19.5 minutes per in Dallas last year!) and in the four games has a total of 16 points, 16 rebounds and one blocked shot.