Dallas Mavericks Blog – Page 46 – NBA Blog

Mario Chalmers suspended for striking Dirk Nowitzki

Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers has been suspended for one game without pay for throwing a forearm and making contact with the head of Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, it was announced today by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

The incident, for which Chalmers was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected, occurred with 5:01 remaining in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 110-104 win over Dallas on Friday, Nov. 15, at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Chalmers will serve his suspension tonight when the Heat visit the Charlotte Bobcats.

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Rick Carlisle discusses how hard it is to repeat as NBA champs

Here’s the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said that a litany of things could go wrong that can prevent a team from repeating. That list includes injuries, trades, players becoming selfish and management not willing to sign critical free agents.

“It’s just that when you’re the defending champs people are gunning for you,” Carlisle said. “And then you have to fight the letdown of being the champions.

“It’s a lot of the human nature stuff that are inherent in sports, but that’s what makes the world go round.”

In addition to missing out on a successful repeat as a coach with the Mavs, Carlisle also missed a chance with the Boston Celtics. In 1986 Carlisle was with the Celtics when they beat the Rockets in six games to win the championship, but then lost in the ’87 Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

DeJuan Blair playing well for Mavericks

Here’s the Fort Worth Star-Telegram blog on the fine addition rugged frontcourt man DeJuan Blair has been to Dallas:

DeJuan Blair calls this his new lease on life.

Saddled at the end of the San Antonio Spurs’ bench last season, Blair has been a key contributor for Dallas after signing a one-year, $884,293 free agent contract with the Mavericks in August. The five-year veteran backup center is averaging 8.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, and is fifth in the NBA in steals with 2.43 per game.

In describing his displeasure at being mired in Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s doghouse to where he is now, Blair said it’s like going from the outhouse to the penthouse.

“Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” Blair said after Tuesday’s shoot around at American Airlines Center.

Vince Carter suspended for elbowing Steven Adams

Dallas Mavericks guard-forward Vince Carter has been suspended one game without pay for throwing an elbow and making contact with the head of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams, it was announced today by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

The incident, for which Carter was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected, occurred with 4:01 remaining in the third quarter of Dallas’ 107-93 loss to the Thunder on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Carter will serve his suspension tonight when the Mavericks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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General Manager Gersson Rosas leaves Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that Gersson Rosas has resigned as the General Manager.

“I made the personal decision to resign as General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks after determining that the position was not the best fit for me at this point in my career,” said Rosas. “The decision was made solely by me, as I firmly believe this change is in my best interest.”

“Mark Cuban asked me to reconsider my decision, but graciously accepted my decision and we part as friends, Rosas continued. “I would like to thank Mark and the Dallas Mavericks for the opportunity.”

“I was disappointed when Gersson told me of his decision, but I understand and all of us wish him the best,” Cuban said.

Rosas was hired as the team’s General Manager on Aug. 1, 2013.

How many years does Dirk Nowitzki have left?

We all hate to see top NBA stars fade away into the sunset. But as for Dirk Nowitzki, maybe he’ll remain effective longer than some people expect. Here’s the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

On paper, forward Dirk Nowitzki might be in the twilight of his career. But owner Mark Cuban is hopeful the 35-year old 11-time All-Star can play until he’s 40 years old.

“Dirk is [serious] about his health — he’s disciplined,” Cuban said. “He won’t eat fried foods during the season, he won’t drink during the season.

“He’s disciplined enough that I think he sees guys like [38-year-old Miami Heat guard] Ray Allen and others who are going later and later and later. So who knows? I won’t put a limit on him.”

Cuban said because Nowitzki is conscious about exercise and watching his caloric intake, his career could extend a few more years.

Dallas Mavericks waive guard Mickey McConnell

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have requested waivers on guard Mickey McConnell.

McConnell (6-0, 190) saw action in five preseason games for the Mavericks and averaged 1.8 points and 1.4 assists in 8.7 minutes per contest.

The Mavericks’ roster now stands at 15.

The Mavericks open the 2013-14 regular season against Atlanta on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

A glance at Mavs forward Shawn Marion

Shawn Marion has been around. You know his game by now, though as he’s gotten older, naturally things change. Here’s Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas:

The 15-year veteran remains the Mavs’ starting small forward and the primary backup to Dirk Nowitzki at power forward. Marion, a four-time All-Star during his time with the Phoenix Suns, has transitioned into a gritty role player during the later years of his career. He’s the Mavs’ best and most versatile defensive player and has led them in rebounding the last two seasons, averaging 7.8 boards per game last season.

Marion doesn’t have many plays designed for him, but he’s an effective cutter who scores often on unconventional floaters and an outstanding finisher. He averaged 12.1 points per game last season, shooting 51.4 percent from the floor. It’s reasonable to project him to produce like that again, particularly with the Mavs’ major upgrade at point guard.

Jae Crowder brings defense to Mavericks

[Coach Rick] Carlisle said Crowder is in a tough spot because his offense suffers while he consistently tries to slow down scoring machines such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James.

“But that’s one of the reasons we like him,” Carlisle said. “He’s one of the best defenders we’ve got.

“He can guard guys that run off screens, he’s a good one-on-one defender, he’s got good size, he can guard different positions, he’s played some [power forward], he’s played some [shooting guard], and he mostly plays [small forward],” Carlisle said. “The flexibility that he gives us is a big plus.”

It’s a big plus that Crowder takes seriously. That’s why he took the initiative over the off-season to try to improve his defensive skills.

Reported by Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Quick glance at Mavs guard Wayne Ellington

Ellington will be a 3-and-D guy off the Mavs’ bench. His job is to space the floor on offense and defend well on the other end of the floor.

At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Ellington doesn’t have the size to guard small forwards who are scoring threats, but he’s an a good on-ball defender against shooting guards. That’s especially important considering that starting guards Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis didn’t arrive in Dallas with decent defensive reputations. Offensively, Ellington isn’t much of a creator, but he’s a catch-and-shoot threat who has hit 38.2 percent of his 3-point attempts in his career.

Reported by Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas