Dallas Mavericks Blog – Page 102 – NBA Blog

Phoenix Suns sign Steve Nash to contract extension

The Phoenix Suns today signed two-time NBA MVP point guard Steve Nash to a two-year contract extension through 2011-12, the club announced.

“Steve is still one of the best point guards in the NBA, and his dedication to conditioning will keep him among the league’s elite for several more seasons,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr. “In many ways he embodies what our franchise is all about, and we’re thrilled that he will be the leader of our team for the next three years.”

A 13-year NBA veteran, including seven overall in Phoenix, Nash has spent the last five seasons in the desert and has led the Suns to two Western Conference Finals appearances and two of the club’s three seasons of 60 or more wins in franchise history (2004-05, 2006-07). Since signing to return to Phoenix on July 14, 2004, Nash has led the Suns to an average of 56 wins each season and Phoenix has compiled an impressive 270-115 (.701) mark with him in the lineup.

One of only nine players in NBA history to collect back-to-back NBA MVP awards (2005, 2006), Nash is a six-time NBA All-Star (four appearances as a Sun, 2005-08) and a three-time All-NBA First Team Selection (2005, 2006, 2007). Since 2004-05, Nash has averaged 17.1 points and 10.9 assists in 385 games in a Suns uniform while shooting an unparalleled 51.1 percent from the field (2,401-4,697), 44.9 percent from three-point range (687-1,530) and 91.6 percent from the free-throw line (1,108-1,209).

Among the most prolific passers in NBA history, the 6-3, 178-pound Nash currently ranks ninth on the NBA’s all-time assist list (7,505) and second on the Suns’ franchise list (4,586) behind Suns legend Kevin Johnson. Nash is the only player in Suns history to average 11 or more assists in three different seasons (2004-05, 2006-07, 2007-08) and owns four of the 10 double-digit assist seasons in franchise history.

Widely regarded as one of the NBA’s best shooters, in 2008-09, Nash became the first player in NBA history to shoot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line in three different seasons (2005-06, 2007-08). The 35-year-old Nash concluded the season tied for 16th on the league’s all-time list of three-pointers made (1,360) and just 10 threes shy of surpassing the Suns’ franchise record currently held by assistant coach and Ring of Honor member Dan Majerle (800).

Nash will begin his eighth season in Phoenix in 2009-10 ranked as the second-most accurate free-throw shooter in NBA history behind only Mark Price, and tops among active players. A career 89.7-percent shooter from the line, Nash is one of only six players in league history to shoot 90 percent or better from the free-throw line in at least five career seasons. In 2008-09, Nash shot a career-high 93.3 percent from the charity stripe, breaking his own Phoenix franchise record (.921, 2005-06).

Originally selected by the Suns with the 15th overall pick of the 1996 NBA Draft, Nash played his first two seasons in Phoenix before being traded to Dallas on July 25, 1998 for Pat Garrity, Bubba Wells, Martin Muursepp and a future first-round pick that the Suns would use on Shawn Marion in 1999. After six seasons with the Mavericks, Nash returned to Phoenix as a restricted free agent prior to the 2004-05 season and keyed the then third-largest turnaround in NBA history and a franchise-record tying 62 victories a season after the club won 29 games.

Among the numerous and wide-ranging awards his professional and personal endeavors have garnered, Nash was named to the Order of Canada in Dec. 2007, his home nation’s highest civilian honor, for his success on the court and his humanitarian efforts. Nash was also the recipient of the 2007 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, is a two-time winner of the Lionel Conacher Award as Canada’s top male athlete (2002, 2005), and was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2006.

His well-known Steve Nash Foundation is dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life with efforts focused in British Columbia, Arizona and Paraguay, home nation of Nash’s wife, Alejandra. Winner of the 2008 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy, foundation events have raised over $1 million.

One of the NBA’s “greenest” players, in 2007 Nash opened the Steve Nash Sports Club in Vancouver, the first sports gym to aspire to meet standards for energy conservation and environmentally friendly practices. His Nike “Trash Talk” shoe is made from the wasted manufacturing scraps of other shoes, packaged in a box made entirely of recycled fiber and went on sale to the public on Earth Day 2009. Nash now partners with Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest and longest-serving electric utility, and appears in popular television advertisements to promote the company’s solar and renewable energy initiatives.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa on Feb. 7, 1974, Nash moved to Canada at the age of 18 months.

Mark Cuban and Don Nelson hate each other

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and former Mavs coach Don Nelson aren’t best friends forever. The AP reports:

The feud between Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and former coach Don Nelson stretches back nearly seven years and has some $7 million at stake. But just how ugly and dysfunctional their relationship has been is only now being revealed.

Previously secret testimony and e-mail, now in the public record as part of legal proceedings initiated in the last 10 months, paint the picture of a spat that has turned two of the NBA’s best-known figures into bitter adversaries.

There’s deposition testimony from Cuban in which he acknowledges that he withheld consulting fees from Nelson in 2006 because he believed the former coach had “badmouthed” the team during the NBA Finals and should be made to “beg” for the money.

There’s also testimony from Nelson in which he describes being so disgusted with Cuban that he signed a contract to stay on as coach in 2003 only after friends “got me drunk.”

As great as that sounds, there’s more, again from the AP:

Nelson has also filed a defamation suit against Cuban in California over comments the owner made on a Bay Area radio show in 2007. He claims that Cuban, who was on the show to promote his appearance on “Dancing with the Stars,” defamed him when he said the coach’s demand for money was an attempt “to rip me off.”

This goes deep. The two likely will never be able to hug it out and walk it off.

Judge dismisses SEC lawsuit against Mark Cuban

The AP reports: A federal judge on Friday dismissed a civil insider trading lawsuit against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. While granting Cuban’s motion, U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater gave the Securities and Exchange Commission 30 days to file an amended complaint. The SEC alleged Cuban was involved in insider trading when he sold shares in an Internet search engine company, Mamma.com Inc., after receiving confidential information about a private offering in 2004.

Heat may offer Lamar Odom a deal

The Los Angeles Daily News (Elliot Teaford) reports (via blog): It seems likely that Lamar Odom could sign a five-season deal with the Miami Heat at the mid-level exception ($5.8 million for next season and $34 million or so for the length of the contract) by the end of the week. The Dallas Mavericks also are interested in giving Odom the same deal, but he seems less likely to land in Dallas. Reports out of Miami indicate the Heat are trying to sign Odom and trade for Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz in an attempt to satisfy Dwyane Wade’s demands for a beefed up roster next season.

Orlando Magic match Dallas Mavericks offer and retain Marcin Gortat

The Orlando Magic have exercised its right of first refusal and retained restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat, General Manager Otis Smith officially announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. Several media outlets had reported that the deal was for five years, $34 million.

Orlando had seven days to match an offer sheet made to Gortat by Dallas on July 8.

“Having quality big men is an absolute must in our league, and Marcin (Gortat) has worked very hard to fit into that category,” said Smith. “He provides tremendous depth to our frontcourt and we’re happy to bring him back.”

Gortat (#13, 6’11”, 240, 2/17/84) played in 63 games last season with the Magic, averaging 3.8 ppg. and 4.5 rpg. in 12.6 minpg., while shooting .567 (106-187) from the field. He started in three outings, averaging 10.0 ppg., 11.7 rpg., 1.7 apg. and 3.00 blkpg. in 33.7 minpg. during that span. Gortat led (or tied) the team in rebounding seven times, including a career-high 18 rebounds on Apr. 13 @ Milwaukee. He recorded four double-doubles and scored a career-best 16 points on Dec. 15 @ Golden State. During the playoffs, Gortat appeared in all 24 games, averaging 3.3 ppg. and 3.2 rpg. in 11.3 minpg., while shooting .654 (34-52) from the floor, helping Orlando reach the NBA Finals.

Originally selected by Phoenix during the second round (57th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft then traded to the Magic on draft night, Gortat has played in 69 career NBA regular season games, all with Orlando, averaging 3.7 ppg. and 4.4 rpg. in 12.1 minpg. He has also appeared in 32 career playoff games, averaging 2.8 ppg. and 2.6 rpg. in 10.0 minpg.

Dallas Mavericks re-sign Jason Kidd

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have re-signed point guard Jason Kidd. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Several media outlets reported that the deal was for three years and at least $25 million.

Kidd (6-4, 210) remains a Maverick and will continue his second stint with Dallas after being acquired from New Jersey in a 2008 trade deadline deal. In helping the Mavericks to a 50-32 regular season record, Kidd averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 35.6 minutes in 81 starts last season. He became only the fourth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists when he recorded 15 vs. Toronto (3/1/09). He finished the 2008-09 campaign ranked sixth in assists per game (9.2), third in total assists (10,199), third in triple-doubles (103) and seventh in total steals (2,198) among the league’s all-time leaders.

Kidd, who was originally drafted by the Mavericks in the 1994 NBA Draft with the second overall pick, made Mavericks history in 1995 when he was named NBA Co-Rookie of the Year. During his first stay in Dallas, Kidd averaged 13.7 points, 8.7 assists and 5.9 rebounds in 182 games. The nine-time All-Star has started five midseason classics (1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2008) and in 1996 became the first Maverick to start an All-Star Game.

Kidd, a 15-year pro, has been named All-NBA First Team five times, while making the All-Defensive Team an additional seven times. Kidd holds career averages of 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals in 1,107 games. Kidd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, most recently was a member of Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China after serving as tri-captain at the 2000 summer games in Sydney, Australia.

A former standout at the University of California-Berkeley, Kidd is a native of Alameda, Calif.

Orlando Magic sign Brandon Bass

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent forward Brandon Bass, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. We’ll post contract info later tonight.

“Brandon (Bass) is a physical, athletic frontline player,” said Smith. “He will fit in well with our young core and we are excited to have him join the Magic family.”

Bass (#30, 6’8”, 250, 4/30/85) played in 81 games last season with Dallas, averaging 8.5 ppg. and 4.5 rpg. in 19.4 minpg. He shot .496 (252-508) from the field and .867 (182-210) from the free throw line, which was tied for 19th in the NBA. Bass also appeared in 10 postseason outings, averaging 9.4 ppg. and 4.1 rpg. in 19.2 minpg., shooting .550 (33-60) from the field and .903 (28-31) from the charity stripe. He scored in double figures 31 times, including a season-high 20 points on Feb. 21 vs. Sacramento. Bass also recorded four double-doubles.

Originally selected by New Orleans during the second round (33rd overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft, Bass has played in 210 career NBA regular season games with New Orleans and Dallas, averaging 6.9 ppg. and 3.9 rpg. in 17.0 minpg. He has also appeared in 15 career playoff games, averaging 10.1 ppg. and 5.0 rpg. in 21.7 minpg.

Memphis Grizzlies waive Jerry Stackhouse

The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard/forward Jerry Stackhouse, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

The 6-6, 218 pound swingman was acquired on July 9 as part of a four-team, eight-player trade also involving the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic.

The 13-year NBA veteran averaged 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 16.2 minutes in 10 games (one start) last season, his fifth with the Mavericks. The two-time All-Star (2000, 2001) holds career averages of 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 33.4 minutes in 854 games (563 starts) with the Mavericks, the Washington Wizards, the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports: Stackhouse was due more than $7 million with the Mavericks next season. The Griz received enough money in the deal to buy out the $2 million Stackhouse is guaranteed in 2009-10.

Memphis Grizzlies renounce rights to Chris Mihm, Darius Miles and Mike Wilks

The Memphis Grizzlies have renounced their rights to free agents Chris Mihm, Darius Miles and Mike Wilks, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

Mihm, a 7-0, 265-pound center, averaged 2.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 5.8 minutes in 18 games last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Acquired by the Grizzlies along with cash considerations on Feb. 18 in exchange for a 2013 protected second round draft pick, Mihm did not appear in a game with Memphis and underwent successful right ankle surgery on March 3, ending his season. The eight-year NBA veteran holds career averages of 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 436 games (256 starts) with the Lakers, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Miles, a 6-9, 235-pound forward, averaged 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 8.8 minutes in 34 games last season with Memphis, who originally signed him as a free agent on Dec. 13, 2008. The seven-year NBA veteran owns career averages of 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 446 games (190 starts) with the Grizzlies, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Wilks, a 5-10, 180-pound guard, was acquired by the Grizzlies on Feb. 19 from the Orlando Magic along with Orlando’s 2009 first round draft pick (DeMarre Carroll, 27th overall), Adonal Foyle and cash considerations as a part of a three-team trade (also including the Houston Rockets) that sent Kyle Lowry and Brian Cook to Houston and Rafer Alston to Orlando.

After signing with the Magic as a free agent on Sept. 25, 2008, Wilks tore his ACL in his right knee in a preseason game on Oct. 16, 2008 and missed the entire regular season. The seven-year NBA veteran holds career averages of 2.5 points and 1.2 assists in 229 games (11 starts) with the Atlanta Hawks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, the Cavaliers, the Seattle SuperSonics (twice), the Denver Nuggets and the Washington Wizards.

Per the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, a renounced player no longer counts toward team salary, so teams use renouncement to gain additional cap room. After renouncing a player, the team is still permitted to re-sign such player, but the team must either have enough salary cap room to fit the salary, or sign the player using the Minimum Salary exception. After renouncing a player, a team can still trade the player in a sign-and-trade agreement.

Dallas Mavericks sign Quinton Ross

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed Quinton Ross. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ross (6-6, 193) joins the Mavericks after spending the 2008-09 season with Memphis. He averaged 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 17.1 minutes in 68 games (seven starts) with the Grizzlies. The five-year NBA veteran, who began his career as a rookie free agent with the L.A. Clippers, owns career averages of 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 20.4 minutes in 370 games (158 starts).

“Quinton has been part of the Dallas basketball fabric for many years,” President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson said. “He played his high school ball under Royce Johnson at Kimball before attending Southern Methodist University. We are happy and proud to bring him home. His athleticism, defensive versatility and experience will add depth to our backcourt.”

A native of Dallas, Ross averaged 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 119 games at SMU. He finished his four-year career as the school’s fourth all-time scoring leader (1,763 points).

InsideHoops.com editor says: Perfectly good backup to play limited minutes off the bench as a 9th – 12th man.

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