Dallas Mavericks Blog – Page 39 – NBA Blog

Celtics trade Rajon Rondo to Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have acquired four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo and center Dwight Powell from the Boston Celtics in exchange for center Brandan Wright, forward Jae Crowder, guard Jameer Nelson, a 2015 first round pick and a 2016 second round pick.

Rondo (6-1, 186) is an eight-year guard who has spent his entire professional career with the Celtics. In addition to being a four-time NBA All-Star (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Rondo has been named All-NBA Defensive Team four times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), All-NBA Third Team (2012) and was the starting point guard on Boston’s 2008 NBA Championship team. He has played in 527 career games (474 starts) and holds averages of 11.0 points, 8.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 32.9 minutes per game.

The veteran point guard also has extensive postseason experience having competed in two NBA Finals and starting each of his 92 career Playoff games. Rondo holds postseason career averages of 14.5 points, 9.2 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 38.5 minutes per game.

Rondo currently leads the NBA in assists with 10.8 assists per game. He led the league in that category in both 2011-12 (11.7 apg) and 2012-13 (11.1 apg). He also holds several Celtics’ franchise assists records including single-season total with 794 assists (2009-10), assists per game with 11.7 apg (2011-12) and assists in an NBA Playoff game with 20 (2011).

The Louisville, Ky., native was originally the 21st pick of the 2006 NBA Draft after declaring as an early-entry candidate out the University of Kentucky. In just his freshman season as a Wildcat, Rondo set Kentucky’s all-time single-season steals mark with 87 steals in 34 games.

Powell (6-11, 240) is a rookie center who hails from Toronto, Canada and has seen action in five games this season with averages of 1.8 points, 0.2 rebounds and 1.8 minutes per game.

A former Stanford University standout, Powell was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 45th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was originally traded from Charlotte to Cleveland before being acquired by the Celtics in a late-September trade that landed him in Boston, along with John Lucas III, Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy, while Keith Bogans was sent to the Cavaliers.

As a senior at Stanford, Powell was named All-Pac-12 First Team while averaging 14.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He was also named Pac-12 Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Dirk Nowitzki raves about Kobe Bryant

Here’s ESPN Dallas reporting Dirk Nowitzki’s comments on Kobe Bryant. And as you’d expect from one legend discussing another, they’re quite positive:

“He’s probably the greatest player in my generation that I played against,” said Nowitzki, who has 27,239 career points and will likely pass Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone over the next few weeks to move up to seventh on the list. “Obviously Shaq was very dominant, Tim Duncan was great, but I just loved watching Kobe. I don’t think there will ever be another MJ, but he’s definitely as close as it gets that we’ll ever see.”

Mavs may want to add big physical player

Here’s the Dallas Morning News reporting on the Mavericks, who are having a very good season but could get even better with certain roster adjustments:

The Mavericks know they need a little extra bulk in the interior. After Tyson Chandler, they simply don’t have anybody who can hold his ground in the meat-grinder that is the paint.

Greg Smith simply hasn’t proved to be reliable, and while Brandan Wright is an efficient player, playing a physical game just isn’t his style.

Anybody heard from Jermaine O’Neal lately?

That’s one name that is out there. And there are a few others in the mix. No move appears imminent, but rest assured the Mavericks are considering their options.

Dirk Nowitzki making sure to get enough rest

Here’s the Dallas Morning News blog reporting on veteran Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki, who is sitting tonight’s game against the Bucks out in order to rest his body and maintain health:

Nowitzki fought through tightness in his back during most of the double-overtime win at Chicago on Tuesday night.

When he woke up Wednesday in Milwaukee, he said he felt pretty good. But the decision was made with a busy schedule upcoming that a second rest day in three games was appropriate. The Milwaukee game is the second of six games in nine days for the Mavericks.

“We got almost the most games in the Western Conference and we got some tough games (upcoming),” Nowitzki said. “We got a back-to-back next week that obviously I plan on playing. So I guess it’s the best, especially after double-OT last night, to take a night off and rest and get ready for Friday for myself.”

Monta Ellis, not afraid to shoot

Here’s the Dallas Morning News reporting on Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis, who knows very well that he’s on the court to fire the rock:

You may not always like the way Monta Ellis plays or some of the decisions he makes. But there is no denying he’s not afraid in any situation. He knew he was going to be questioned for shooting so much against the Bulls. And yet, he kept shooting. And he made a good enough number of those 35 shots (16) to make this an all-star caliber night. Kobe Bryant would be very proud. And Ellis’ 38 points were his most as a Maverick. He had 37 twice last season. And none of his buckets was as big as the 3-pointer with 39.9 seconds left in the second overtime, which put the Mavericks up by a point. Oh, unless it was the three free throws he made with 1.2 seconds left to get to the first overtime. So, you get the picture. He made a slew of big plays.

Mavs re-assign Ricky Ledo to D-League

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have reassigned guard Ricky Ledo to the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League.

Ledo (6-7, 200) has appeared in two games (both starts) for the Legends this year, averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 33.0 minutes.

Ledo was originally assigned to the D-League on Nov. 20, before being recalled on Nov. 24.

Mavs recall Ricky Ledo from D-League

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have recalled Ricky Ledo from the Texas Legends.

Ledo (6-7, 200) averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 33.0 minutes in two games (two starts) with the Legends.

Ledo will join the Mavericks tonight when they take on the Indiana Pacers at 7:30 p.m.

Mavs assign Ricky Ledo to D-League

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have assigned Ricky Ledo to the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League.

Ledo (6-7, 200) has been inactive in each of the Mavericks’ 12 games this season.

Ledo will join the Legends and be available for tomorrow’s game when they take on the Santa Cruz Warriors at 7:00 pm CT at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco.

Mavericks waive Gal Mekel

Mavericks Waive Gal Mekel To Make Room For Jose Juan Barea

The Dallas Mavericks have requested waivers on guard Gal Mekel, in a move that is likely only taking place because the team expects to bring back guard Jose Juan Barea. It’s been widely reported that the Mavs like Mekel a lot. But Barea is a proven veteran who adds bench depth, and the team is looking to win as immediately as possible.

Mekel (6-3, 202) was in his second year with the Mavericks after signing as a free agent on July 11, 2013. Last season, he averaged 2.4 points, 2.0 assists and 9.4 minutes in 31 games (1 start) for Dallas.

Despite not playing much for the Mavs, Mekel will likely land a job with another NBA team in the near future. He isn’t considered a starter, but certainly belongs on someone’s bench.

Originally from Petah Tikva, Israel, Mekel spent the entire preseason with the Mavericks, and averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 19.4 minutes in 8 preseason games (2 starts).

Mavericks waive Bernard James, Ivan Johnson, Doron Lamb

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that the team has requested waivers on center Bernard James, forward Ivan Johnson and guard Doron Lamb.

With NBA preseason now over and the regular season starting Tuesday, all teams are trimming their rosters.

James (6-10, 235) spent the past two seasons (2012-14) in Dallas and averaged 2.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 7.9 minutes in 76 career regular-season games (11 starts). He appeared in five preseason games for the Mavericks this year and averaged 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 12.2 minutes.

Johnson (6-8, 255) averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 8.9 minutes in four games (one start) for Dallas this exhibition season.

Lamb (6-4, 200) played in five preseason games for Dallas in 2014 and averaged 3.4 points in 9.3 minutes.

The Mavericks’ roster now stands at 15.