--Dallas
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Mavs Win 6th Straight with Win Over 1st Place Chicago Bulls
The surging Dallas Mavericks extended their win streak to six games with 113-98 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Mavs Rookies on Display In Win Over Bucks, 112 - 102
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| Drew Hinton/Dallas Mavericks |
The Dallas Mavericks beat the Milwaukee Bucks to open the NBA preseason 112-102. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 25 points. Maxi Kleber led the Mavericks with 13 points.
Should Mavs Fans Really Be Excited?
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| Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic, and Rick Carlisle. Photo credit Jerome Miron |
As a fan first, even I sipped the kool-aid of what adding two young accomplished players with Dennis Smith, Harrison Barnes, and Dirk Nowitzki to the starting five could give the Mavs the fractional chance of having a winning season and getting back to the playoffs. Boston was able to do it young talent. Utah and Philadelphia both were lead by young, rookie talent.
For full disclosure, I was content knowing that Dallas would select the freakish Mo Bamba from Texas, by way of Harlem, New York. I was set that we would do the obvious and select this kid on pure upside alone. If he could become an outside shooter with inside presence, we would have a building block piece with Dennis Smith for a fastbreak offense.
I also relegated that with the pick of Bamba, our best hope was to get back in the NBA lottery next year and add young talent to a young roster. But, it typical Mavs fashion, we tend to think we are only one or two players away from winning. This was clearly a last attempt to use the 40-year old legs of Dirk to carry our hopes in the playoffs. The additions of two young accomplished rookies, one budding star, with a hall-a-fame coach and hall-of-fame player, are just enough to get MFFL's excited. Perhaps, too excited.
Let's let the excite prevail for a minute. If the Mavs want to make a run this upcoming season it will take some obvious gambles in free agency? DeMarcus Cousins, returning from a ruptured Achilles, or DeAndre Jordan or Dwight Howard, may not interest you at all if you have the future of the franchise in mind. It will take a lot of money to woo any free agent to come here, especially any current or past All-Star. Yet, the Mavs front office will not have the same reservations as us fans.
There is no doubt that the Mavs will pay top dollar for any of those three players. The other option is to offer Houston Rockets stand out Clint Capela a huge offer with the hopes that it will not be matched by his current employer. After all, they have to re-sign Chris Paul and woo LeBron, perhaps. Dallas area native Julius Randle has become a name to look for if the Lakers become the landing spot for two max players to join forces.
Either way, Cuban has the cap space to spend so he will spend if it offers him the chance to get back in the playoffs one more year with Dirk.
This "all in" strategy has its own share of consequences. In order to move up in the draft to acquire their next foreign superstar, we gave up next year's first-round pick unless we finish near the bottom of a bottomless league. Tanking in the NBA to get a top-5 pick has become an art form. This is the most heated race of the year, not getting a top 5 playoff seed.
Here lies the proverbial line in the sand for us. Do you want them to win at all costs? A nod to the aggressive nature we have been groomed to accept from a franchise that wouldn't let a championship team have the chance to repeat simply because they wanted to be different.
Or, do you want to truly see the team rebuild? Are you comfortable with 33 win seasons, marketing around the inevitable departure of Nowitzki, and the promise of a process?
The truth is I haven't decided myself. I suspect other Mav's fans feel the same way.
MAVERICKS SIGN CENTER NERLENS NOEL
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| Nerlens Noel will remain in Dallas for one more year. Photo credit: Scout.com |
MAVERICKS SIGN CENTER NERLENS NOEL
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed center Nerlens Noel. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Noel (6-11, 220), who was acquired by the Mavericks from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade-deadline deal on Feb. 23, averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.1 blocks and 21.9 minutes in 22 games (12 starts) with Dallas last year.
For the 2016-17 season, Noel posted averages of 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.3 steals, 1.0 block and 20.5 minutes in 51 games (19 starts) with Philadelphia and Dallas.
The three-year veteran out of Kentucky holds career averages of 10.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.5 blocks and 27.6 minutes in 193 games (152 starts) with the Sixers and the Mavericks. He has shot 51.1 percent from the floor for his career.
A native of Malden, Mass., Noel was originally selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. His rights were later traded to Philadelphia along with a future first-round pick in exchange for Jrue Holiday and Pierre Jackson.
As a rookie in 2014-15, Noel averaged 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.9 blocks and 30.8 minutes per game in 75 games (71 starts) while garnering NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
In his lone season at Kentucky (2012-13), Noel averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.1 steals, 4.4 blocks and 31.9 minutes en route to earning First Team All-SEC, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Rookie of the Year honors. On Jan. 29, 2013, Noel set the UK single-game record with 12 blocked shots in a victory over No. 16 Ole Miss.
Noel suffered a torn ACL in a game against the Florida Gators on Feb. 12, 2013, ending his 2012-13 season. Despite the injury, Noel declared for the 2013 NBA Draft following his freshman year. He missed the entire 2013-14 NBA season recovering from knee surgery.
The 23-year-old was the top-rated player by both ESPNU recruiting and Scout.com coming out of high school and was rated the second-best prospect by Rivals.com
The Mavericks’ 2017-18 training camp roster is now set at 20 players.
© 2017 Dallas Mavericks
The Late Shift Blog - Opening Night! Cavs Roll, Spurs Spank Warriors
The Late Shift Blog is daily recap of all things NBA
by Rodney FisherWe are back!
The 2016-17 NBA Season opened just as the season ended...with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tonight was the city of Cleveland's biggest sports night in history. The Cavs raise a championship banner while the Indians start the World Series a few blocks away.
LeBron James celebrates his third ring with a triple-double performance (19 points, 11 boards, 14 assists) as the Cavs rout the New York Knicks 117-88.
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 29 points.
For the Knicks, the trio of Kristaps Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, and Derrick Rose were the only players in double digits for points. Joakim Noah played 19 minutes with 0 points and 0 blocks. So much for the new and improved...
Nothing is for Certain
So, the Golden State Warriors open the season with a 29 point LOSS to the San Antonio Spurs. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry had 27 and 26, but my sleeper pick for MVP Kawhi Leonard had a career-high 35 points.LaMarcus Aldridge 26 and 14. Jonathon Simmons came off the bench to hit 20, including not missing a shot the first three quarters. He also had a chase-down block on Curry in the third quarter.
There is no doubt the Warriors will be a great team, but having the best starting 4 in the game today does nothing to replace the rebounding and defense you lost with Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes. The seven new players in the Bay will need more time to get it together.
The young Spurs have established themselves as THE team to beat in the West...Early.
Portland beat the Utah 113-104.
The Late Shift Podcast is available fresh every Monday here on NTXGame.com
One For The 'Land
Lebron James makes good on his promise to Northeast Ohio and delivers an NBA Championship to Cleveland. The Cavaliers come back from 3-1 to win Game 7 on the road. James is named MVP.
82 Points: Watch Kyrie Irving and Lebron James Make History
In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Lebron James and Kyrie Irving make history by becoming the first duo to both score 40+ points in the same Finals game. They both went for 41 each to take the series back to Cleveland 3-2.
NBA Finals: Game 4 Adjustments
The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a hill to climb to even the series with the Golden State Warriors.
by Rodney FisherGolden State Warriors
Matching Intensity
The Warriors allowed the Cavaliers to feed off their home crowd in the first quarter of Game 3. It is not that they were caught off guard, they know to expect the Cavs to come out swinging in their first home game of the series, but they normally match the intensity with a deadly three-pointer or block at the rim. In Game 4, the Golden Boys need to bring their own fight early.Lineup Change
This is simple...If Kevin Love starts, so does Andrew Bogut. If Coach Lue keeps Richard Jefferson in the the starting five, then you make the move to start last year's NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.Make Free Throws
We all know the Warriors need to shoot better, but 17-26 from the charity stripe needs to improve. Free throw shooting on the road is all about nerves. It is one of the best indicators to see the mindset of the road team in the playoffs. Klay Thompson was 1-3 from the free throw line. Draymond Green was 2-4.Make the Cavs Run Half-court Sets
This has been cryptonite for the Cavs offense. When they have to run plays the settle for jumpshots, and in Game 3 they made them. That is risk you are willing to take with you have a more superior shooting team overall. The Cavs looked their best on the break in Game 3, but Lebron could not finish at the rim in with the half-court offense.Cleveland Cavaliers
Don't Get Cute Lue
Coach does not need to make the rookie mistake of thinking that not having Kevin Love in the starting lineup is the right move. If Love is cleared to play, you have to let him start regardless of what fans, media, or Lebron has to say. If you lose Game 4 and don't start Love even though he is ready to play, the decision may cost you more than a trophy. Richard Jefferson is available to come in at anytime, he does not have to start.Run, Run, Run
Play like your hair is on fire! Start Game 4 just like Game 3 without slowing down in the second quarter. Running will get the Cavs easy points in the paint or free throw attempts. The Cavs outscored the Warriors 15-8 on fast break points.Lebron Needs 40
James does not need to let his foot off the gas now that Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith have decided to show up to The Finals for only one game. He has way more at stake in this series than any other player on the team. He has to play like a man possessed. Yes Lebron, you have to channel the legends of the game like Jordan, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Olajuwon, Jabar, and others to take over.The Willie P Show Episode 3: Western Conference Finals
The Willie P Show Episode 3: Western Conference Finals
The Willie P Show Episode 2: Cavs and Raptors Series
The Willie P Show Episode 2: Cavs and Raptors Series
Join basketball analyst Willie P as he breaks down the NBA Playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors.
Brought to you by NTXGame.com
The Willie P Show: Conference Finals 5.21.2016
Join basketball analyst Willie P as he dives deep into the NBA Conference Finals.
Breaking News: Dirk Nowitzki Opts-Out of Final Contract Year With Dallas Mavericks
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| Dirk Nowitzki is now a free agent. |
The rebuilding process for the Dallas Mavericks 2016-17 NBA season will start with Dirk Nowitzki not officially on the roster.
by Rodney FisherIn an interview with Dallas radio station 1310 AM/ 96.7 FM The Ticket, Dirk said the following:
"We're going to sit with Mark and Donnie obviously over the next few weeks and figure out how to improve this franchise again. Ever since after the championship, we've been basically a first-round exit. We've been a seven, eight seed. We've only won a few playoff games, and obviously the goal was to compete at the highest level in my last couple of years, so there is some moving to do, some thinking, some putting our heads together the next few weeks heading into free agency, heading into the draft. So this is just one move that hopefully starts a chain reaction for us to get better again, to compete really at a high level. We'll see how it goes."
Dirk took a giant pay cut two years ago to allow the franchise to be a big player in free agency, but they have not been able to secure a marquee player. Many fans have always just assumed that he would always be a Dallas Maverick based on his own words. He also been adamant that he wants to be as competitive as possible in his last two years of his career.
This news comes on the heels of Deron Williams electing to opt-out of his player option year for next season with the Mavs also.
Trading Justin Anderson is Dirk's Best Hope
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| Could trading Justin Anderson be the key to winning another championship? |
Dirk’s Hope For Another Ring Here is Anderson
I will be accused of being a schizophrenic fan; and it will be on good grounds. Not too long ago, before the Mavs were .01 seconds from being swept by the Thunder in the first round, I wrote a blog on how they need to cut Dirk loose in order to accelerate the rebuilding process and allow him to play out his days with a legitimate contender. Reviews were mixed. I also criticized the Mavs for mortgaging the future by shipping away picks and young talent in short-sighted trades. While watching Westbrook and Durant put the final nail in the 2016 coffin a few nights ago, I must say, I saw a glimmer of hope–not as much for the Mavs, but for Dirk.
Rick Carlisle is notorious for waiting too long to develop young talent. He makes guys sit on the bench and watch when everyone thinks they should be taking reps. It’s probably his biggest criticism as a coach. Throughout the season, fans and media alike were clamoring to see more of Justin Anderson, the powerful, athletic wing we drafted in the first round last summer. It wasn’t until Chandler Parsons went down for the season that Anderson got any real attention from his coach. By the time Dallas clinched a playoff spot, he had solidified a role on the team (many argue it should have been larger), and he used this playoff series as a coming-out party to the rest of the NBA. Catching oops, hitting 3’s, earning trips to the line, blocking shots, soaring for boards, doggedly defending offensive stars, diving head-first (elbow-first at times) into scrums for a loose ball, Justin showed everything you want to see from a developing baller.
If they hadn’t already, front office execs and coaches across the league took notice of Anderson and are now curious about what he can become. For Mavs fans, he’s brought excitement and hope for the future of the franchise. So, if you’re one who wants to ride it out with the Big German and try to build a contender around #41, it’s time to take trade calls for Justin. I know…fellow MFFLs…you’re disgusted. “He’s one of the only young, dynamic players we have. He may be the future of the franchise. How can you talk about trading him?!” I don’t think we should trade him. My thoughts on what the Mavs should do are well documented in my last post. But if you’re going to acquire a polished veteran who can help Dirk make another push to the finals, the time is now (before next season starts), and Justin must be a part of the deal. His stock has never been higher.
In the 09-10 season, the Mavs had a promising rookie named Rodrigue Beaubois. He had point guard height, with the wing span of a small forward. He had quicks, hops, and handles–potential in spades. On March 27, 2010, Roddy burst on the scene with a 40 pt game against the Golden State Warriors. Fans and media alike went wild! Despite that performance, Avery Johnson, another rookie-averse coach, kept a tight leash on Roddy B, limiting his minutes and benching him at crucial points in ball games. An underground movement dubbed “Free Roddy B” swelled among the the Mavs faithful lobbying for a larger role for the rook–with impressive t-shirt and merch sales, I must say.
Even the king fanatic, Mark Cuban, fell in love with Beaubois’ upside. So much so that when the Indiana Pacers offered their first round pick in 2010 for Beaubois, Cuban said “thanks but no thanks.” That pick wound up being Paul George, who is now a perennial all-star. Meanwhile, Roddy hasn’t played in the NBA since 2013.
Of course, hind-sight is 20/20, and we now know that was a terrible decision by the front office. So what should the Mavs learn from this mistake? Trust your coach, and don’t overvalue potential. In basketball, there are three roles that are essential to a contender: the star player, the floor general, and the above-average big man. Sometimes these overlap, meaning one player serves multiple roles, but all three must be represented. The star player is self-explanatory. Practically speaking, they’re the best player on their team. LeBron, Steph Curry, Durant, Leonard, Dirk…the value of these players is undeniable. The floor general is a facilitator, with great court vision, making split-second decisions that put his team in the best position to score. He knows where his guys’ “spots” are and gets them the rock where they like it. He runs the offense. Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, Rajon Rondo…these are floor generals on their squads. Steph Curry and Damian Lilliard are examples of players filling both the floor general and star player roles.
Then there’s the above-average big man. I would prefer to say “excellent”, or “superior”, but in this increasingly guard-driven league, above-average bigs are nearly as useful as their elite counterparts. This guy’s job is to protect the rim, grab rebounds, and score from time to time. Andre Drummond, Hassan Whiteside, DeAndre Jordan–great examples of this role. In Boogie Cousins and Anthony Davis you again find the dual role. When all three are represented, a team is ready to do work and chase a ring. If you don’t have these in place, you either need to develop them or trade for them. Back to Justin Anderson. Can he fit into one of these roles? He’s not tall enough to be a big, although he plays “big” for his height. He is a decent ball-handler, and his passing will improve with time, but he doesn’t appear to have the skill-set necessary for a floor general. So, can he be a star player? He is obviously talented, able to finish at the rim with authority or hit from beyond the arc—but can he develop into a Paul George, James Harden, or even Klay Thompson? I’m inclined to say “no.” He could become an exceptional role player, like Jimmy Butler or C.J. McCollum; but I don’t think he has the talent to be anything beyond that. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Players like that are necessary to fill out the roster of a contender; but they’re readily available throughout the league.
If, in fact, Justin doesn’t fill an essential role on the team, and the front office is intent on keeping Dirk and chasing a title, Anderson has to be at the center of trade talks. After high-flying for boards and buckets, frustrating Durant, and fronting Westbrook this last series, his star shines as bright as ever. If he is traded, it needs to be in a deal that brings a floor general, an above-average big, or a potential star. If he isn’t, and Dirk finishes his years in Dallas, get ready for more futility and frustration; just start designing the “Free Justin Anderson” gear now.
Follow Daniel A. Nash on Twitter @DFWSportsHub
Maverick Fans Do Not Want Chandler Parsons
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| Chandler Parsons is not a fan favorite right now, but what injured player is. |
Regardless of what Mark Cuban and Chandler Parsons may say about his status with the team long-term, in a social media poll 73% of fans do not want him to stay with the team.
by Rodney FisherHuman beings tend to live in the moment. MFFLs seem to be no different. In a poll conducting on social media this week 73% of 1,218 Mavs fans surveyed say they do not want to see Chandler Parsons remain with the team after this season for various reasons.
This comes off the heels of Mark Cuban's impromptu pregame press conference saying he wants Parsons to be here a long time if healthy.
"Everything presumes that he's healthy, and that's going to depend on his recovery and what the doctors say. I want him to be a long, long, long, long part of the franchise."
Parsons also joined the broadcast team during their home victory over the New York Knicks to proclaim the same, somewhat.
"I love Dallas...we will see this summer."
Chandler coming to Dallas over the summer of 2014 signified the turning point for the Mavericks franchise with signing free agents. Since winning the championship in 2011, the team had not been able to woe any notable free agents to join Dirk and the roster. Getting Chandler was supposed to open the gates for other young talent to come to Dallas.
Many Mavs fans that took our poll commented on the unwillingness of free agent DeAndre Jordan to join Parsons last summer as a bad omen for keeping him with the team.
"He can't bring anyone to play with him here. Look what happened to DeAndre Jordan changing his mind at the last minute."
Seems to be a stretch to blame Parsons for everything that happened with that deal, but fans have their own recollection of events.
The biggest reason fans give for not wanting Parsons is the money. If he opts-in to his last year of his current deal, the Mavs will have to pay him $19 million for next season. If he opts-out, he wants a max deal at 4 years $96 million which is doable because of the salary cap increase to $92 million net year $102 million the following year. All the while Dirk Nowitzki, still the team's best player, is making a paltry $8 million per season.
"He has to go. He is not worth the money! No player should make $19 million and never been an All-Star"
"Parsons can go. With where this team is (nowhere near contention), he's not worth that kind of over payment. Regardless of the impending salary cap increase, the state of the team and franchise don't warrant having him for that price."
The money is the hardest part to overcome when you talk about Chandler Parsons relative to Dirk Nowitzki. Fans could care less about the impending increase of money that all free agents will be making. They only see Dirk making peanuts and Parsons making steak.
His injury history was cited in the poll also. Parsons has had to end his season early this year due to a knee injury as well as last season after one playoff game. Dallas fans are accustomed to playoff basketball and he has not been apart of it since joining the team.
Wes Matthews has come back from a devastating Achilles injury to led the Mavs in total minutes this season. Fans see that and wonder why Parsons can not stay healthy.
"That doesn't mean he's worth it though this is two years in a row he's been hurt for the playoffs he's not worth it he didn't do anything in Houston"
Even though 73% or fans do not want him, nobody had a good plan if he was not with the team next year.
"For anyone that doesn't want him, the question is who can the Mavs actually get to replace him? No one ever wants to come to Dallas, sadly."
The Mavs have disguised signing hapless veterans to join Dirk for one last push as rebuilding. Other teams with hall-of-famers approaching the end of their careers like Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade are all playing with young talent found in the draft. Their commitment to Dirk to build a championship caliber team gave them the leverage to have money to spend, but the current strategy is not working. With no draft pick in the first round due to the Rondo trade, this does not seem to be the offseason to change course.
If I am 27 year old Chandler Parsons then I definitely opt-out of the deal and get the Mavs to resign me for the max contract. He has already been promised a max deal from his hometown Orlando Magic. You take the guranteed money when you can.
As I mentioned, humans are creatures of the moment. It may hurt to see your team struggling to make the playoffs while Parsons sits on the bench with a designer leg brace on, but you have to continue to look big picture. One more year to evaluate the player and the league is the best option.
Barea Leads Mavs To Win Over Knicks 91-89 To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
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| J.J. Barea to the rescue for the Mavs. |
J.J. Barea's 26 points on 10-18 shooting from the field to pull out a tough win over the New York Knicks.
by Rodney FisherJustin Anderson and Dwight Powell got the start for the second straight game looking to build off of their performance from Sunday's win over Denver. The night belonged to J.J. Barea again coming off the bench to score 26 points, his sixth 20+ game this season.
The Mavs will hit the road again to face the Detroit Pistons on Friday, but their next home game against the Houston Rockets may make or break their playoff hopes.
Mavs Youth Secure Big Win over Denver 97-88
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| Dwight Powell had a career-high 16 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a much needed victory. |
Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson lead the Dallas Mavericks to a critical win over the Denver Nuggets.
by Rodney FisherAfter losing 10 of the their last 12 games, the Mavs needed a big spark from someone. Coach Rick Carlisle has been going deep into his bench looking for someone to step up and provide the needed energy to get this team a win. Tonight, their youngest players on the roster in Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson delivered.
Anderson came alive in the third quarter with key defensive plays and shots on his way to 11 points shooting 5-8 from the floor. Powell put the game away in the fourth quarter going 5-5 on his way to a career-high 16 points. Both young players got the start tonight.
Dwight Powell on his career night:
"You got to always stay ready because opportunity is always around the corner...The guys keep telling me to keep shooting my shots and I did."J.J. Barea led the team in scoring with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams missed another game due to back soreness and David Lee played on 3:52 total.
"Both did a great job. Both grinding on defense and played within themselves. I felt that right now we had to make the point that anything other than your best energy or best effort will not be tolerated" - Rick CarlisleKey State: Dallas tied a franchise record for turnovers with only four.
With the win the Mavericks move into the 8th and final playoff spot tied with the Houston Rockets who play the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow without Lebron James.
The Mavs will come back home to Dallas to face the New York Knicks in another must win game.
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