New York, New York! Bringing a championship home

[zike_42]

I talk to Emmett again about his feelings about being traded and he was still decided that he wants out. His words were, “if Coach is still here, I don’t want to be”. It’s disappointing but we have to make things work so I through his name out on the block and see what I can reel in. We need a starting centre (which Emmett was supposed to be) so hopefully we can find one for him.

Onto the draft proper, it looks awful. Jason Harriman and Ray Haymon are the two best looking players but they have terrible attitudes so that cancels them out. I won’t be surprised if Kent State’s point guard Jehiel DeSantis goes number one.

2028 NBA Draft

1 – Denver – PG Jehiel DeSantis
Just as I suspected, he is the best of a bad bunch. He has a great attitude and has great defensive instincts.

2 – Milwaukee – SG Jarron Campbell
Nice shooter but pretty streaky. Quite a bit of a reach for the Bucks, like ten spots too high reach.

Time to hit the phones. I’m looking at Charlotte’s Bryce Metcalf, Detroit’s Marlon Haymon, Indiana’s Travis Ross, Portland’s Corey Barnes, San Antonio’s Joey Thunell and even put a call into San Diego about Art Stevenson. I get shut down pretty quickly by the Riders (with good reason) and the Pistons aren’t very interested in my offer even including Curtis Anderson. I tick off Barnes because he is a downgrade so I’m left with Metcalf, Ross and Thunell. Even though Metcalf is an outstanding rebounder (10.7rpg this season) he has never once averaged double figure points and we need some scoring with Emmett going. I hold my trigger finger for a couple more picks.

3 – Indiana – PG Andrew Brown
Not as eyebrow raising as you would think as Brown is similar to DeSantis: good passer, good defender and the best part a good guy. Any other draft #3 would be too high but here it’s fine.

4 – Cleveland – PF Jesse Rucker
He was picked to go higher but he anaemic work ethic dropped him a few spots. If he ever gets a fire lit under him then this will be a great pick.

Just saw that Bryce Metcalf shoots 32% from the field, no thanks. It all comes down to Ross or Thunell.

Dallas trade:
C Emmett Emerson
SG Curtis Anderson
2030 2nd round pick

Indiana trade:
C Travis Ross

Winner – Indiana. The distance between Emerson and Ross isn’t that much and to get a bright young could be star in Anderson is fantastic. There were reports that the Mavericks were after Joey Thunell first but the Spurs asked for too much. Rare blunder by Dallas.

It was, as everyone was wise to my game and tried to milk me for all I had. Losing Anderson hurts so hopefully Ross doesn’t cave under Coach Garnett’s in your face tactics.

5 – Houston – PF Traves Parker
Nice shooter from all over the court but for some reason he is a terrible free throw shooter. He needs to pick up his intensity but for now it’s a good pick.

6 – Brooklyn – C Jason Harriman
Dropped because of his horrible attitude. Think Dustin Harris bad. His talent is there, no-one is denying that, but he needs to pull his head in or he won’t get much of a go.

7 – Phoenix – PF Chris Barnes
Nice pick up here by the Suns as I had him pegged a lot higher. Quite raw at the moment but the Suns should have the necessary patience to get him through. Apparently the experts hate this pick but I disagree.

8 – Minnesota – SG Steve Mapp
Decent enough player and slipped a little but a talent like Mapp’s in the top ten shows how weak this draft is.

9 – Memphis – SG Devan Gross
The combine warrior, his 30ppg at Texas combined with his freakish shooting showcases for the scouts propelled him up the charts. He needs to work on his foot speed or defences will have a field day but his shooting will keep him in the league.

I get a call from LA about the availability of Travis Ross. Bewildered, I ask why, seeing as we just got him. Apparently Jeff Cunningham wants out and were on the edge of trading for Ross before we snapped him up. I don’t like Cunningham’s defence but he is the exact type of scorer that we need next to Jack now Emmett has gone.

Dallas trade:
C Travis Ross

Los Angeles trade:
C Jeff Cunningham

Winner – Both. A simple swap for two of the best elder centres in the league. Both players are 32 years old and while Ross is a decent enough scorer (17ppg last season) his defence is better than Cunningham’s. The opposite is true for Big Jeff who has averaged 20+ppg in all but four seasons in his career.

I don’t mind this trade. Yes we lose some defence but Nashon was All Defence First Team, Kelly could sneak in next season while Julius (who should be starting next season) is already very good so losing at one position isn’t too bad. Incidently, that’s the second time I’ve traded Travis Ross for a Laker centre now, after trading him while I was at Memphis for the underachieving Ernest Jameson all the way back in 2017. I hope Cunningham is better than Jameson when he got traded.

10 – Golden State – SG Ray Haymon
Another player that dropped because of his attitude, Haymon would have been top three if he could stop yelling at everyone. He has a short temper and is quick to fire in any circumstance and probably isn’t worth the hassle.

11 – Boston – PF Courtney Willis
I don’t know much about Willis to be honest but what I know is that he is a strong rebounder and decent defender which is what I like in a big man.

12 – Seattle – C Mark Frazier
Ho-hum centre who needs to play under control. His passing abilities are bad a best while he loses his man way too often going for the flashy play. If he can reel that in and play within himself this is a good pick. Otherwise, he won’t make it past his rookie contract, that’s how serious it is.

13 – Boston – SG Tony Erskin
Will make his living feeding off Chav-chav and Raul Lopez in the corners when those two are double teamed. Other than that he doesn’t bring anything else to the table. He can shoot but desperately needs to work on the other parts of his game.

14 – Atlanta – PG Jesse Smith
The first of the two brothers and being a 6’4” PG is nothing to sneeze at. Decent pick here but nothing to write home about.

15 – Orlando – PG Justin Smith
Talk about cool, two twin brothers drafted back to back. Justin is much lighter than Jesse (167lbs to 204lbs) but they are pretty much of a muchness. Decent pick here but nothing to write home about (other than the brothers thing).

16 – Detroit – PG Russell Haymon
The last quarter of the twin brother quartet, Haymon is very small. For the end of the lottery it’s average but a bit of a reach.

17 – Oklahoma City – PG Dan Wilson
18 – Philadelphia – SG Robert Martin
Steal of the draft right here; should be ten spots higher.

19 – Boston – PF George Moore
20 – New York – C Marquis Bowen
21 – Chicago – SF Darryl Cox
22 – Sacramento – C Corey Anderson
23 – San Antonio – PF Momcilo Mandaric
24 – New Orleans – SG Ron Murphy
25 – Portland – SG Robbie Walker
26 – Toronto – SG Danny Badu
27 – Los Angeles – PG Terrell Sinville
28 – Nevada – SG Joe Mickens
29 – Seattle –PG Donnell Toney
30 – Utah – PF Nathaniel Jackson
If you can’t do anything then actually have a work ethic.


31 – Minnesota – PG John Womack
32 – Miami – PG Joey Crawford

Unlike the draft there were some really impressive trades, including one and a half blockbusters.

Oklahoma City trade:
C Peter Napier
2028 2nd round pick

Charlotte trade:
PF Anthony Davis

Winner – Charlotte. As tough as it is to say this but Davis isn’t the best player in this deal. He will be 36 years at the start of next season and is only very good instead of elite one. Napier gives the Bobcats a fantastic twin tower duo with Bryce Metcalf and should fit right in. This is the half blockbuster because if it was done even two years ago this would be the biggest news ever.

Boston trade:
PF Brian Mason
PG Anthony McKie

Portland trade:
Ryan Smiley
2028 2nd round pick

Winner – Boston. Mason and McKie are scrubs so getting an outstanding passing point guard in Smiley for next to nothing is a huge steal for the Celtics.

Chicago trade:
PF Robert Arnold

Indiana trade:
SF Darrell Hampton

Winner – Chicago. Even though Arnold is a fantastic player, Hampton is in the top ten. He was awarded an All NBA title in four of his seven years in the league and should tip the Bulls into the top end of the playoffs.

Golden State trade:
PF Willis Owens

Portland trade:
C Corey Barnes
2028 2nd round pick

Winner – Both. Very similar levels of talent in these two and they both slot into the starting line-up for their new teams. Good deal by both sides.

[zike_42]

I renounce Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Allen, Quyn Cox and Mike Bailey because, honestly they aren’t very good which puts us only $2.4 million over the cap. We still have $21 million in cut salary but after that we are clear, but Jack’s (most likely) maximum contract will eat into that.

We only have two players competing in the summer league in Kelly Pryor and Julius Hobbs and I’m really looking for big things from them.

In game one Kelly has a great game with 25 points but the rest of the team was very mediocre, losing 84-79 to Boston. Julius shot 3/11 for 9 points and 11 rebounds as the team shot a woeful 37% from the field. First rounder Tony Erskin was the best for the Celtics with 19 points.

Again Kelly was our best with 20 points and again we lose, this time going down to San Antonio 105-100. Julius Hobbs only played 19 minutes because we wanted everyone to get a go but still put up 16 points and 5 rebounds. Jon Jones came off the bench with 23 points to lead the game.

It was summer league invite Matt Jackson who led the way for us, going 9/11 for 20 points in 22 minutes but we still lose, giving up a 29-16 last quarter to Indiana to go down 119-110. Kelly and Julius combined to shoot 10/34 for 31 points as the Pacers had seven players in double figures with Curtis Anderson putting up 15 points and 7 assists.

Where the hell did that come from? We started with a 46-19 first quarter over OKC and kept on the punishment to win massively 146-84. The team shot 65% from the field as ten players had at least six points. Kelly led the way with 18 points and 7 rebounds as Sean Arnold top scored with 20 points off the bench. After the first three games this was practically a different team.

Our last game wasn’t as big but it was still a win, downing the Bobcats 104-90 as Kelly finished off his great summer league with 27 points. Julius Hobbs was also great, putting up the barest of double doubles with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas Perkins led Charlotte with 21 points.

All in all it was a decent summer league. Kelly was great and should be the starting SG for the proper team and Julius showed enough in his limited minutes for me to be excited about.

Onto free agency, it doesn’t look too exciting but that is not to say there isn’t talent here. Just not as mind melting as previous year’s crops. Here are the top ten –

C Eryk Charnowski
SF Raul Lopez
PG Michael Taylor*
SF Lars Ray*
PF Chad Dickenman
PG DeShaun Worley
SF Dan Mixson
C Antonio Henderson*
SF Cederic Mapp
PG Darcel Settles

For once we don’t have a glaring need anywhere so I’m going to use what I can to bolster the bench.

After what seems like an age here is some movement, but it’s not very exciting as Michael Taylor and Lars Ray go back to LA and Brooklyn respectively for pretty much the max.

The next day Raul Lopez, Joe Curry and Robert Jackson go back to their teams as I offer PG Luke Owens our MLE as he can play both guard positions.

Eryk Charnowski goes back to Miami (no shock) and Darcel Settles re-signs with San Antonio (ditto) but the biggest news was that Jamaal Lewis signed an offer sheet with Houston for a very good four year deal. Chicago would be fools not to match it.

More big news as Adarrial Faye signs an offer sheet with San Diego for less than $10 million a year which is an absolute steal. With Faye coming in, does that mean that Earl Oliver will be on the block?

It’s tender offer signing day as most of the young guys unsurprisingly go back to their teams. Chad Dickenman and Robert Arnold re-sign with LA and Indiana and Dan Mixson and DeShaun Worley also re-sign. It hasn’t been that much of a free agency. Luke Owens is still thinking over our deal and it’s a good sign that he hasn’t rejected it yet.

WOW, talk about not being much of a free agency. NOT. Jamaal Lewis is now a Rocket officially, as Chicago are idiots. Michael Graham goes to Phoenix for more playing time.

Earl Oliver is officially on the block now as Adarrial Faye signs with San Diego as Milwaukee doesn’t match the offer which is just plain dumb. In good news Luke Owens signs here for a four year MLE contract while Chris Drexler goes to Nevada.

With only a couple of days left in free agency I fill some remaining holes Marcus Miller, William Jones and bringing back Ryan Robinson and at 15 players I’m done.

I really shouldn’t, we just got him but I’m itching to make another trade. Like really buzzed to make this squad elite and Luke Owens is in the firing line. I don’t want to give up Kelly Pryor but I get a call proving me wrong.

“Hi Yaxley, long time no see.” San Diego’s GM Andre Morris says.

“Hey Andre, it’s been way too long.” I reply.

Andre was my mentor when I first started out in New York all those years ago and finally got his chance to be a real GM three years ago.

“I’ll get right to the chase, I heard you want to make a deal. I might have one for you.”

That raised my eyebrow at world record speed.

“Go on...”

“As you may have assumed, we got Adarrial Faye at a really good price and he doesn’t really work well with Earl Oliver, so I thought I would give you first bite.”

“I knew something was up, but I never thought you would come to me,” I wanted to stay calm unlike my mind, “what are you looking for?”

“I really don’t like below average defenders, no matter how good they are on the other end,” his voice had a hint of bitterness, “and as you got Jeff Cunningham you might be in the market for another ‘defence optional’ kind of scorer.”

You guessed it, I got ‘defence optional’ off Andre.

He continued, “So how about Nashon Smith, Kelly Pryor and change for Earl Oliver?”

I mulled it over but it seemed like way to high a price, they are our two best defenders.

“You must be stockpiling defenders over there but that’s a bit steep, how about this...”

We hammer things out for about ten minutes before landing on an outstanding deal for both teams.

Dallas trade:
PG Luke Owens
SG Kelly Pryor
SF Marcus Miller
SG Matt Wingfield

San Diego trade:
SG Earl Oliver
2029 1st round pick

Winner – Both. Dallas were very reluctant to give up on Pryor so early but they get an amazing replacement in Oliver. His defence would be rated below average at best which is strange for GM MacMillan but his scoring is out of this world and will mesh wonderfully with Jack Dawkins. Another good point is that they didn’t have to give up Nashon Smith who will shoulder the load on the defensive end. For the Riders, nabbing Adarrial Faye for cheap has given them great flexibility, adding Luke Owens and Kelly Pryor to their existing backcourt of Faye and Stefan Nitschke gives them the best guard rotation in the league.

I have always loved Oliver even though he sucks on defence but I was a little wary of him when he was benched in Portland. That seemed to be a blip on the radar after his triumphant return to form in San Diego and with a full training camp to come he should fit right in.

Training camp comes and goes and Jack of course has hit his peak. That’s not a bad thing, it just means that there isn’t anything else he can do in the league. Couple him with scorers like Smith, Oliver and Cunningham and I’m really excited. Julius Hobbs is coming along nicely and won’t have to do much except for rebound and put back dunks. This team is completely different from everything else I have ever done as we aren’t a very good defensive team at all. We will probably average 120 points a game but give up 110 on the other end which is a fresh change but it might back fire. I sign Brian Jenkins, Jerrold Wesby and Kevin Dixon to fill out our roster to fifteen.

Western Conference Pre-Season Standings
1 – Portland Trailblazers
2 – Los Angeles Lakers
3 – Dallas Mavericks
4 – Nevada Neon
5 – Minnesota Timberwolves
Last – Denver Nuggets

We are slotted into third which I think is pretty good as all of those five teams have a high chance of winning 60 games. Even Golden State at #10 have a chance of making some noise when Ledaryl McMillian comes back from injury. On the other hand Denver will definitely sit at the bottom at the end of the season.

Eastern Conference Pre-Season Standings
1 – Miami Heat
2 – Memphis Grizzlies
3 – Brooklyn Nets
4 – Boston Celtics
5 – Washington Wizards
Last – Orlando Magic

Of course the defending champions are on top but the rest of the top five have questions marks. Will Marcus Randle bounce back? Is Lars Ray ready to take the next step? Will Boston’s bench hurt them? And can Washington stay healthy? Those are the questions that will make this season very interesting.

Pre-Season All NBA First Team:
Ledaryl McMillian, Golden State Warriors
Kenneth Long, Miami Heat
Jack Dawkins, Dallas Mavericks
Michael McQuay, Atlanta Hawks
Mark Lewis, Utah Jazz

Pre-Season All NBA Second Team:
Camah Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves
Mike Bickerstaf, Oklahoma City Thunder
Enrique Mendez, Minnesota Timberwolves
Marcus Randle, Memphis Grizzlies
Eryk Charnowski, Miami Heat

Pre-Season All NBA Third Team:
Michael Taylor, Los Angeles Lakers
Chris Canal, Brooklyn Nets
Tiburcio Tommasini, Portland Trailblazers
Brad Largent, Chicago Bulls
Jimmy Forrest, Portland Trailblazers

Here we go, another season. Here is your 2028-2029 Dallas Mavericks –

PG – Nashon Smith
SG – Earl Oliver
SF – Jack Dawkins
PF – Julius Hobbs
C – Jeff Cunningham
6th – William Jones
7th – Joe Duggins
8th – Casey Floyd
9th – Ryan Robinson
10th – Brian Jenkins
11th – Issiah Hemhill
12th – Jerrold Wesby
13th – Isaac Holdan
14th – Jeremy Brown
15th – Kevin Dixon

[jcomey]

Looking forward to the season!

[zike_42]

Looking forward to the season!

I haven't forgotten I've just been really busy but I should start the season tomorrow.

[zike_42]

Living up to his hype, Michael McQuay went ballistic on opening day, going 16/34 from the field and 19/24 from the line for 51 points. Luckily it wasn’t against us and unluckily for McQuay the Hawks still lost, going down 129-123 to the Hornets.

Our first game was a very nice win, outscoring the Heat 108-94 in Florida. Jack Dawkins went 4/20 from the field but still had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists as our two star recruits combined for 42 points which is very exciting. Kenneth Long is now starting at his natural SG position and had 27 points but only hit 10 of 27 shots.

Dallas Mavericks 1-0

This is exactly what I thought would happen with this team as we got down to a hot shooting Wolves outfit by as much as 19 points. We weren’t out of the running though, rattling off a 43-29 last quarter to force overtime as Jeff Cunningham led the way for us with 32 points. The star of the game was Nashon Smith however, who steered us to a 141-135 overtime win with 22 points, 13 assists and a whopping 8 steals before fouling out. Enrique Mendez took Jack to the sword with 39 points and 11 rebounds but he also fouled out with third year man Colin Walker playing back up with 31 points.

Dallas Mavericks 2-0

Holy hell can this team score the ball. We had 78 points and half time and 119 points at three quarter time as we have a huge party in our first home game, downing the Raptors 148-99. The team as a whole shot 60% from the field as all twelve of our guys scored at least seven points. Williams Jones was our leading minutes man with 26 minutes which just goes to show how dominant we were. Earl Oliver led the way with 23 points. Cederic Thomas had 29 points and 10 rebounds but there was no stopping us tonight.

Dallas Mavericks 3-0

It’s a little sad to see Toronto’s Paul Orvis coming off the bench in his 13th season as time is very quickly catching up to him.

Damn this team can light it up, but I guess that is why I collected all of these players. We drill the Thunder 132-109 as it was Jack’s turn to do some shooting, scoring 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 9 turnovers. Julius Hobbs was our second best (scary thought if he can do it consistently) with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Victor Brinker had 21 points in 19 minutes before fouling out.

Dallas Mavericks 4-0

Earl Oliver sprains an abdominal, Jeff Cunningham sprains his wrist and we lose our first game of the season against the 0-5, Ledaryl McMillian-less Warriors 118-108. Jeff still had 28 points and 9 rebounds but Jack went 6/17. It was Cederic Mapp who stole the show with 29 points with Nate Freeman going into frenzy with 23 points (11/14 FG) in only 16 minutes.

Dallas Mavericks 4-1

It’s another loss, going down to the much healthier Spurs 123-102 as Lamont Nelson had 23 points to lead the way. He might not like it in San Antonio but he sure doesn’t let it affect his play. Jack still shot badly (5/15) but went to the line 22 times for 13 makes for 25 points to had a game high. Julius Hobbs nearly had a devil’s triple double with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Dallas Mavericks 4-2

First up is a game against Earl’s old side and he was held to only 12 points but luckily for him he has some stellar teammates as we roll for a 115-105 win over San Diego. Jack was the main superfriend with 29 points as we had six players in double figures. Stefan Nitschke filled in wonderfully for Earl with 30 points as Kelly Pryor had 8 points and 8 rebounds while Luke Owens added 10 points off the bench.

Dallas Mavericks 5-2

Next is a battle against Jeff’s old squad as we shoot 36% from the field compared to the Lakers’ 57% and obviously we got smashed 109-87. Jack was our best with 21 points but he is shooting 38% from the field on the season, way down from his usual self. Michael Taylor showed why everyone loves him in LA with 31 points as we were well and truly demolished.

Dallas Mavericks 5-3

It’s a home and home against the Rockets and it’s our turn first to play host, but Jack didn’t like the way Houston talked about their garden and decided to go off for 30 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in our 109-99 win. Julius Hobbs and Nashon Smith doubled up as Earl and Jeff are nearly over their injuries. Williams Jones put up 16 points in 20 minutes off the bench which was cool. New recruit Jamaal Lewis top scored for the Rockets with 20 points as Andy Kante had 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Dallas Mavericks 6-3

We go next door to see the Rockets and we are terrible house guests, scoring 111 points while holding the home owners to only 99 points as Jack was again so close to a triple double with 27 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers. Earl Oliver is now fully healthy and it showed with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Jamaal Lewis needed 20 shots to get a team high 19 points for Houston.

Dallas Mavericks 7-3

Hmm, the team just isn’t gelling quite yet as we drop a very winnable 115-108 game to Phoenix. Kwame Cravens was great with 25 points and 8 rebounds as our old PG Tim Westbrooks put up 19 points and 7 rebounds and he looks very much at home in Arizona. We had three players with 20+ points but we shot 43% compared to the Suns’ 50%. Like I said, sometimes our offence will win it for us, while sometimes (like tonight) our defence will lose it.

Dallas Mavericks 7-4

Our last game of the month was one of those offensive nights, shooting a scorching 55% from the field to torch the Blazers 127-105. Earl Oliver had 24 points but it was Julius Hobbs who was the best with 21 points and 9 rebounds and he is really coming along. Jimmy Forrest had 20 points but Tiburcio Tommasini was held to only 16 points on 6/17 shooting which doomed Portland.

Dallas Mavericks 8-4

With so much turnover on the roster I’m happy with an 8-4 record in the first month as it puts us fourth in the West, behind the 11-2 Jazz and 6-2 Thunder. With the Buzzsaw, Golden State are nothing and are sitting 3-16 on the season so far. He still has two months to go to get back from his torn ACL. The Jazz aren’t anything special they are just really well built around Mark Lewis with Bret Davis and Sean Gilmore backing him up.

In the East the Heat are leading the way with a 13-2 record, followed closely by the 10-3 Knicks and 15-5 Hornets. For some reason the Cavs are down the bottom at 3-14 and without any serious injuries it’s a case of laziness it seems.

Dallas Top Points
Jack Dawkins – 22.7
Earl Oliver – 18.7
Jeff Cunningham – 16.4

Dallas Top Assists
Nashon Smith – 7.3
Jack Dawkins – 5.2
Earl Oliver – 2.8

Dallas Top Rebounds
Julius Hobbs – 8.7
Jack Dawkins – 7.4
Jeff Cunningham – 6.5

League Leaders
Points – Mike Bickerstaf (OKC) – 30.9
Assists – Reggie Dobbins (ORL) – 11.7
Rebounds – Terry McKenzie (NYK) – 10.5
Blocks – Anthony Davis (OKC) – 3.6
Steals – Jay Warren (HOU) – 2.8
Efficiency – Mike Bickerstaf (OKC) – 30.6

Rookie Leaders
Points – Andrew Brown (IND) – 13.5
Assists – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 6.4
Rebounds – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 7.6
Blocks – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 2.1
Steals – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 1.3
Efficiency – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 15.3

[zike_42]

November Player of the Month – Mike Bickerstaf, Oklahoma City Thunder – 30.9 points, 5.6 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 0.0 blocks per game.

November Rookie of the Month – Jehiel DeSantis, Denver Nuggets – 12.9 points, 6.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.1 blocks per game.

We start the season like we weren’t really there, getting smashed by the Neon 107-84. Matt Brown is loving playing at SG with 18 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds as we were well and truly embarrassed, shooting 32% from the field. Urgh, moving on.

Dallas Mavericks 8-5

Mike Bickerstaf has been on an absolute tear recently, averaging 32 points a game so far. He had 30 points tonight but we came away with the 114-104 win behind Jack’s 23 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Jeff Cunningham had 27 points on 8/12 shooting while Earl Oliver led the way in the boards count with 12. Anthony Davis was the second best for the Thunder with 13 points and 10 rebounds but he is definitely on his way out.

Dallas Mavericks 9-5

**TRADE**

New York trade:
C Brian Caldwell

Houston trade:
2029 1st round pick

Winner – New York. Talent wise Caldwell is worth much more than an 11-13 team pick but he is a terribly human being and will be traded by at most next season.

While we have only played 14 games the Magic have run through 29 already, which means that we will have a killer month coming up. They are 8-21 so they weren’t much of a problem as we breeze past Orlando 113-95. Nashon Smith led us with 20 points and 8 assists as Earl Oliver and Jack also got over 20 points. I’m still worried about Jack’s shooting percentages as tonight he went 5/20 and is 38% on the season. Hopefully it’s just a slow start.

Dallas Mavericks 10-5

Just as I say that Jack explodes for 44 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (still on 14/29 shooting) as we rout the Thunder 135-106. We shoot 55% from the field as Julius Hobbs and Jeff Cunningham combine to shoot 14/18 for 35 points and 13 rebounds. It was Mike Bickerstaf’s turn to shoot badly, going 8/20 for 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Dallas Mavericks 11-5

It’s a farily easy 124-108 win over the Sonics in Seattle as our big three combined for 84 points, with Earl leading the way with 40 points on 25 shots. We really didn’t need anyone else as those three were simply connected all night long. Travis Grigsby and Carl Farmer did their best to match our three with 53 points but didn’t have that third player to get them the win.

Dallas Mavericks 12-5

It was a completely different game but we still got the easy win, having nine players in double figures as we took care of the Thunder 140-108. Jeff led the way with 33 points but Jack was also great with 11 points and 15 assists as we had four bench players in double figures. Mike Bickerstaf had 37 points in the loss but again didn’t have any support.

Dallas Mavericks 13-5

That’s six wins in a row as another one of our players takes the lead, as Nashon Smith put up 25 points and 12 assists in our 127-113 beating of Indiana. It’s good to see that the opposition doesn’t know where our points are coming from. Jack Dawkins had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists but went 6/23 from the field and it’s becoming a real worry. Robert Arnold was the best for the Pacers with 19 points and 13 rebounds as Emmett Emerson had 18 points and 8 rebounds in our first game as adversaries.

Dallas Mavericks 14-5

We’re on a roll now as we shut down the Riders 112-91 as our cylinders are firing. Jack shot better at 9/19 for 25 points as Earl and Nashon combined for 43 points, 16 assists and 8 rebounds. Adarrial Faye didn’t let Earl take all the credit with 26 points in the loss. Art Stevenson has been a big surprise this season and had 13 points and 9 rebounds before fouling out.

Dallas Mavericks 15-5

The Rockets had no chance against us as Jack has really stepped up his scoring percentages, going 9/18 for 28 points as we win every quarter to take the game 122-92. The biggest surprise I have had this season has been William Jones, who was signed at the end of the free agency period to give us some more depth but has really played well and had 10 points tonight. Jamaal Lewis and Dionsio Mason led the way for the Rockets with 17 points.

Dallas Mavericks 16-5

The Lakers have won four more games than us but have also lost three more so it should be a fairly close game. “Should” is the key word as we rattle off a 35-21 third term to coast to a 125-105 home win against LA. Earl and Jeff combined for 58 points as Jack went back to his poor shooting form of 4/12 for 11 points. The reason why we won so easily is that we limited Michael Taylor to only 19 points and 6 turnovers as he could never take over the game like he so often does.

Dallas Mavericks 17-5

Jeff Cunningham had 28 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks, Earl Oliver had 24 points while Issiah Hemhill piped up for 12 points in 18 minutes as we continue to make everyone else in the league quake, beating the very good Knicks 115-90. We won every quarter as Terry McKenzie was another opponent to play below his best with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Yes, that is below his best of 23 points and 10 rebounds a game so far this season.

Dallas Mavericks 18-5

Our run comes to an abrupt stop as the Lakers suffocate us, causing the whole Dallas team to shoot a woeful 32% from the field as we only scored eight points in the first quarter. Eight! Michael Taylor had 20 points and 9 assists as we went down 89-86. To be honest, losing to a very good team in LA by only three points after scoring eight points in the first term and shooting 32% from the field for the game is a pretty good loss. Our big three combined to shoot 9/32 for only 30 points.

Dallas Mavericks 18-6

**TRADE**

Sacramento trade:
PG Tate McKenzie

Brooklyn trade:
SF Tyler Gainous
2029 2nd round pick

Winner – Brooklyn. McKenzie is the better player so it’s a win already but pairing him with Lars ray and Chris Canal makes a very good backcourt for the future. Let’s hope for their sake Jason Harriman sticks around as he fits in really well with the rest of the team.

Our last game of the month and eleventh in thirteen days is a 133-113 win over Seattle as Issiah Hemhill of all people tears up the court, going 10/14 from the field and a whopping 16/20 from the line for 36 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 34 minutes off the bench. Jeff Cunningham had 24 points in 19 minutes before fouling out as our big men were phenomenal. It was Issiah’s highest ever score which is great news for him. Marlo Graham, Carl Farmer and Alfons Dietz scored 20 points apiece in the loss.

Dallas Mavericks 19-6

After so many games in such a short time (11 in 13 days) I’m over the moon that we went 11-2 on the month to take the lead in the West, but it’s not all easy as Utah, Los Angeles and Minnesota are all within striking distance. It would be close to calling it for the Warriors as they haven’t won an away game yet (0-15) and are sitting at 4-27 on the season with Ledaryl McMillian still having a month to go until he is healthy. Will they sit him for the rest of the season to get a high draft pick? Who knows?

Miami are leading the way in the East at 21-6 and have a little gap opening as the Hornets are 25-8 while the Wizards in third place are four games back. Orlando, Cleveland and Indiana are all on nine wins and at the bottom of the conference with different amounts of losses.

Dallas Top Points
Jack Dawkins – 21.3
Earl Oliver – 19.4
Jeff Cunningham – 17.6

Dallas Top Assists
Nashon Smith – 7.2
Jack Dawkins – 5.6
Earl Oliver – 3.0

Dallas Top Rebounds
Julius Hobbs – 8.1
Jack Dawkins – 7.0
Jeff Cunningham – 5.8

League Leaders
Points – Mike Bickerstaf (OKC) – 32.1
Assists – Matias Perez (TOR) – 10.2
Rebounds – Mark Lewis (UTA) – 10.3
Blocks – Brian Caldwell (HOU) – 2.9
Steals – Jaymes Kincaid (SAC) – 2.7
Efficiency – Mike Bickerstaf (OKC) – 30.8

Rookie Leaders
Points – Andrew Brown (IND) – 14.1
Assists – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 6.7
Rebounds – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 7.5
Blocks – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 1.9
Steals – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 1.6
Efficiency – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 12.5

First Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. C Josiah Williams (West Virginia), Junior, 6’11”, 278lbs
2. SF Patrick Blizzard (Florida), Sophomore, 6’8”, 210lbs
3. SG Chris Horvath (New Mexico State), Sophomore, 6’2”, 209lbs
4. PF Matt Reid (Xavier), Junior, 6’11”, 236lbs
5. C Brandon Morris (Samford), Freshman, 6’9”, 259lbs

Thoughts – That’s right, Blizzard is a 210lb SF. He really needs to get bigger. It’s pretty cool that there is only two freshman in the top ten which is highly unusual, and those two freshman are extremely reaw. I like Horvath the most even though he is too small at the SG position while #7 Ryan Obrien from Kansas also looks decent.

[zike_42]

December Player of the Month – Mike Bickerstaf, Oklahoma City Thunder – 32.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.0 blocks per game.

December Rookie of the Month – Jehiel DeSantis, Denver Nuggets – 13.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.

The Spurs have been a bit of a bogey team for us recently so it was so nice to steal one on their home court, taking a 31-20 last quarter to squeak out the 123-112 win. Earl Oliver put up 27 points but it was Julius Hobbs who led from the front with 19 points and 12 rebounds on 6/7 shooting. Lamont Nelson and Darcel Settles combined for 43 points but had no other real help from their teammates.

Dallas Mavericks 20-6

Finally! Finally Jack has a great game and I hope this gets him out of his funk with 29 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and more importantly shot 10/19 from the field as we extinguish the Suns 126-108. Jeff helped out with 24 points as Isaac Holdan went back to last season’s form with 12 points in 12 minutes. Kwame Cravens is too big at SG (6’9”) with 28 points but we outshot them 59% to 45%.

Dallas Mavericks 21-6

The Spurs get their revenge on their home court, knocking out a 41-31 last quarter to do nearly the same thing we did to them, beating us 120-109. Jon Mitchell was simply unconscious, going 14/16 for 30 points in only 23 minutes as he was like a bull in a china store. Earl led the way for us with 28 points in 40 minutes.

Dallas Mavericks 21-7

The Warriors still don’t have Ledaryl so it means a 130-105 easy win for us. Jack was spectacular, going 16/24 and hitting eight threes for a whopping 47 points in the win, ably assisted by Jeff’s 22 points. The Warriors had some guysdo well but when someone hits 47 points no-one else matters.

Dallas Mavericks 22-7

Schuyler “Shoo” Vanderwerken has been really coming into his own this season, averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds a game to make the five teams that didn’t pick him shake their heads. He only had 10 points against us as Jack once again put on a dazzling display with 38 points as we win 124-100 over Denver. Jeff went 9/14 for 22 points and Julius Hobbs had 12 points and 14 rebounds. In a couple of years Julius will be in the top five in rebounding in the league, book it. #1 pick Jehiel DeSantis had 18 points, 8 assists and 7 turnovers to lead the Nuggets.

Dallas Mavericks 23-7

Ledaryl McMillian is back for Golden State but is still two weeks away from being 100% healthy so we took full advantage, winning comfortable (eventually) 122-110. Jack had another great game with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists as Jeff and Julius combined for 22 points and 27 rebounds. The Buzzsaw still had 24 points and 8 assists but you can see that he is still hurting.

Dallas Mavericks 24-7

Earl Oliver and William Jones sprain their ankles and will be out for just over a week but we still get the win, riding Jack to a 131-105 victory over Orlando. Jack was amazing (as usual lately) with 42 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists while Jeff added 20 points. Brian Simmons led the way for the Magic with 25 points off the bench as Reggie Dobbins handed out 19 assists. Isaac Holdan will start for Earl for the next few games.

Dallas Mavericks 25-7

How about that, we had four days off and Earl was healthy enough to at least start but did get limited to only 30 minutes or less by team doctors. It didn’t matter as we got out to a 33-19 first quarter lead and never looked back, beating the Kings 133-121. Jack had 38 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and I’m over the moon that he is back to his best while Jeff Cunningham backed him up with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Earl only had 8 points in the win but Isaac Holdan poured in 9 points of his own off the bench. Tyler Gainous had 23 points but Jaymes Kincaid was held to 7/19 shooting for 18 points and 10 assists.

Dallas Mavericks 26-7

**TRADE**

Brooklyn trade:
SG John Kelly

Philadelphia trade:
PG Dave Coulter
2029 2nd round pick

Winner – Philadelphia. Coulter is a good player but as the Nets traded for Tate McKenzie he will never be anything more than a bench player there. Kelly on the other hand is an outstanding talent who is one of the best wing defenders in the league right now. Kelly is very similar to Iman Shumpert about 10 years ago who was a top three defender, great passer for a SG and a good enough scorer, which means that the Sixers won this deal very easily.

I don’t know how the Hornets are still awesome with Anthony Davis leaving and Kyrie Irving being 36 years old but so far this season they are 33-11 and looking omonous. Jack didn’t want to cave under the pressure and notched his first ever triple double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists as we stomp out New Orleans 121-100. Julius was also excellent with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Jeff poured in 24 points. Chad Carney is loving being away from Ledaryl McMillian here in New Orleans with 32 points but they shot 44% from the field.

Dallas Mavericks 27-7

That’s seven wins in a row as we dump on the Pistons 131-106 as Jeff Cunningham was a man among boys, putting up 35 points, 13 rebounds and 4 steals as Jack ‘only’ had 27 points and 8 assists. These two are really gelling well and I’m excited when Earl gets properly introduced to the system. He has just been living on being the third guy (which he doesn’t mind as long as he gets minutes) and talent. John Johnson may be 35 years old but he can still fill it up, scoring 21 points on the night.

Dallas Mavericks 28-7

Our last game of the month is a 108-97 stroll in the park over the disappointing Grizzlies as Jack was again special, scoring 30 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Our other two stars combined for 43 points and 11 rebounds as even though we shot a woeful 41% from the field (to Memphis’ 46%) we went to the line 40 times for 33 makes compared to their 14/19. Cort Majishun is a special player now, adding 25 points and 17 assists as he really deserves a better team. I’m so disappointed in Marcus Randle since he left here.

Dallas Mavericks 29-7

Another great month as we go 10-1 and now have a seven game lead at the top of the West, as Los Angeles are our closest competitor at 27-14 and Minnesota are behind them at 27-16. Golden State will get better now Ledaryl McMillian is back but they are still at the bottom at 7-40.

Of course Miami are leading the East but they aren’t doing as well as I had thought at 32-10 but that doesn’t take into account that the Heat have played six more games than us so it might even out. New Orleans (35-12) and Washington (32-11) are right behind them at the moment. Cleveland, Memphis and Indiana are neck and neck at the end of the ladder with either 12 or 13 wins and various 30+ losses.

Dallas Top Points
Jack Dawkins – 24.5
Earl Oliver – 18.7
Jeff Cunningham – 18.6

Dallas Top Assists
Nashon Smith – 7.4
Jack Dawkins – 5.8
Earl Oliver – 3.3

Dallas Top Rebounds
Julius Hobbs – 8.4
Jack Dawkins – 7.3
Jeff Cunningham – 6.3

League Leaders
Points – Enrique Mendez (MIN) – 30.4
Assists – Reggie Dobbins (ORL) – 10.5
Rebounds – Brian Benton (WAS) – 10.0
Blocks – Anthony Davis (OKC) – 2.9
Steals – Jaymes Kincaid (SAC) – 2.8
Efficiency – Enrique Mendez (MIN) – 30.0

Rookie Leaders
Points – Andrew Brown (IND) – 13.9
Assists – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 6.3
Rebounds – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 7.7
Blocks – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 1.7
Steals – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 1.6
Efficiency – Andrew Brown (IND) – 14.7

Second Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. (1) C Josiah Williams (West Virginia), Junior, 6’11”, 278lbs
2. (NR) C Erik Morris (Kentucky), Freshman, 6’9”, 277lbs
3. (2) SF Patrick Blizzard (Florida), Sophomore, 6’8”, 210lbs
4. (5) C Brandon Morris (Samford), Freshman, 6’9”, 259lbs
5. (3) SG Chris Horvath (New Mexico State), Sophomore, 6’2”, 209lbs

Thoughts – If the others don’t watch out, Williams will run away with this draft. He is looking really good with his big size, great hands and instinctive rebounding skills. Morris and Morris (no relation) are still raw but there is enough there to get people excited.

[zike_42]

January Player of the Month – Enrique Mendez, Minnesota Timberwolves – 32.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.8 steals andn 1.8 blocks per game.

January Rookie of the Month – Andrew Brown, Indiana Pacers – 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.

Our first game of February is a snoozer as we got out to a 20+ lead against Charlotte and cruised from there, winning on their home court 108-87. Earl Oliver beat up Charles Gaines for 35 points and 8 rebounds as Issiah Hemhill had 8 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in only 16 minutes. Austin Young led the way for the Bobcats with 19 points.

Dallas Mavericks 30-7

It’s another Hell Week as we are way behind in games compared to some other teams so we are going to have to make up some time in a short, short span. First up is Denver who surprises us but not only sticking with us for most of the game but destroying us 32-22 in the last term to take the 100-93 win. Rookie sensation Jehiel DeSantis laughed in the face of the All Defence first teamer in Nashon Smith with 16 points, 8 assists and 5 steals as the Nuggets hit 10 three pointers in the win. Earl Oliver was our best with 23 points as Julius Hobbs continued his fine season with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Dallas Mavericks 30-8

It’s not a losing streak as we take care of the disappointing Celtics 119-107 as Jack steps up to the plate and blasts it out of the park with 36 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Earl Oliver was close to a triple double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists but it was Issiah Hemhill who was the King of all Mavericks with 26 points and 3 blocks on 13/14 shooting as Jeff Cunningham fouled out in a blink and you’ll miss it nine minutes. Raul Lopez had 29 points for the losers but Varlam Chavchavadze only put up 15 points, well below his season average.

Dallas Mavericks 31-8

It was a battle of probably the best two scoring SFs in the league, as we went up against Enrique Mendez and the Wolves. Mendez fouled out in 19 minutes after going 2/10 for 7 points while Jack shot 4/16 for 12 points and 8 assists so it wasn’t the best showing by either SF. Luckily for us Nashon Smith took Camah Williams to school, going 10/14 for 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals as we punish Minnesota 121-77. Joe Duggins had some extended game time with 12 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Marcello Locatelli was the best for the T’Wolves with 20 points off the bench.

Dallas Mavericks 32-8

The Celtics get their revenge in a huge way, smashing us 118-83 as our only lead of the game was a 2-0 first basket make. Gabriel Estevez had 22 points and 11 rebounds while Raul Lopez and Chav-chav combined for 33 points, 21 rebounds and 8 assists. Jack was our best with 20 points but Earl and Nashon combined to shoot 5/34 as there must have been some wrap on the ring on our end.

Dallas Mavericks 32-9

Both Ryan Robinson and Joe Duggins have a go at Coach Garnett about playing time and I tell them (privately) to shut their mouths, because this team is onto something good and they have a good chance at another championship ring.

Our rest day comes and goes as the team gets a break from basketball as the coaching staff decides that training isn’t a wise move after we are in the middle of a Hell Week. Maybe we should have trained as the Neon take one on our floor 120-112. Mike Joseph is back from his terrible leg injury with 30 points as Matt Brown is back in his natural PG position and put up 14 points and 15 assists. Jack and Julius combined for 45 points but when an opposition shoots 52% from the field it’s hard to get a win.

Dallas Mavericks 32-10

That’s three losses in a row as this extended Hell Week (11 games in 14 days) is taking its toll on us. Jamil Fleming, who I said was not worthy of being the number one pick three years ago shuts me up quickly with 40 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, taking his season averages to 17ppg, 9apg, 6rpg and 2.5 spg as I was definitely wrong about him. Jack had 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists but we shot 39% from the field as the Sixers torched us 115-94.

Dallas Mavericks 32-11

We get back on the winning train with one of the most brutal scoring displays ever. Our lowest scoring quarter was 29 points with the other three above forty points as we obliterate the Bucks 152-119. The team shot 58% from the field as Jack led the way with 37 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while everyone had a field day with the scraps of Milwaukee. Six other Maverick players were in double figures as everyone scored at least four points. Christopher de Castro tried his hardest with 34 points but they just weren’t in a game where a team scored 150+ in regulation. Wow.

Dallas Mavericks 33-11

Aaaand it’s back to losing again as we are begging for the All Star weekend to come around. In our third last game before that break we go down very easily to Toronto 108-96 as we held an eleven point first quarter lead before we ran out of steam. Marcus Sanders was great with 23 points and 9 rebounds while my old draftee Matias Perez had 21 points and 14 assists and is looking very good. Earl Oliver must have leather poisoning after shooting the ball 26 times while only hitting nine for 21 points as this team is spent.

Dallas Mavericks 33-12

**TRADE**

Milwaukee trade:
PF Brandon Anderer
2029 2nd round pick

New York trade:
C Paul Duke
SG Dwayne Perry

Winner – New York. Perry was released so it’s a Anderer for Duke deal and the Knicks got a steal. He might not like coming off the bench but Anderer makes their big man stocks so much better and will work well with spot minutes at the SF position.

Jack nabs 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists as all five of our starters (plus Isaac Holdan) are in double figures as we rout the Neon to get some revenge 118-89. We held Nevada to 40% shooting in a great showing that even though we are tired, we are still dangerous. Greg Lavin was the best for the vanquished with 18 points.

Dallas Mavericks 34-12

Our last game before a merciful All Star break is an away trip to Minnesota which is alway hard. Camah Williams had a strange night, going 2/8 for 6 points, 15 assists and 11 turnovers while Enrique Mendez put up 20 points. As you can see, below average performances from their stars mean a win for us, taking the game 122-106. Jack scored 24 points but our best was Nashon Smith with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists as he bullied Williams all night, shown by those 11 turnovers.

Dallas Mavericks 35-12

Phew, we can have a few days off!

My streak continues with no participants in either the Slam Dunk Contest or the Long Distance Shootout. Toronto’s Xavier Mitchell led from the front and never let go to take out the dunk contest, beating Brooklyn’s Lars Ray very, very easily in the final. John Johnson was again competing in the shootout, even making the final but was beaten by only two points by Boston’s Raul Lopez which was a little disappointing. Marcello Locatelli from Minnesota was the other finalist but was way behind the other two.

In a result that everyone say coming, the Sophomores spanked the Rookies 131-98 after a 46-33 second quarter blitz. Michael McQuay was a surprise contestant because many people think he will be in the All Star game and showed why, scoring 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Tobe Slaughter was the game high scorer with 31 points as our own Julius Hobbs played 13 minutes for 6 points. Jason Harriman was outstanding for the first years with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks but didn’t get any help.

The All Star game was a little tighter but the best team won out as the West ran out victors 152-136. Our side of the country shot 57% from the field compared to the East’s 46%, but they did hit 24 three pointers. Michael Taylor was awarded the All Star MVP crown with 29 points and 9 assists but with only a hint of bias I thought it should have gone to Jack Dawkins with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists. Maybe if he got that last assist he would have won. Tiburcio Tommasini had 31 points off the bench while Mark Lewis shot 8/17 from the foul line for 20 points. Jamil Fleming is really rubbing my nose in his success, actually starting for the East with 26 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds as Chav-chav put up 23 points in 14 minutes before sitting out with leg soreness. Nothing to worry about it was just a precaution.

Eastern Conference All Star Starters
Jamil Fleming, Philadelphia 76ers
Varlam Chavchavadze, Boston Celtics
Raul Lopez, Boston Celtics
Michael McQuay, Atlanta Hawks
Rowan Taylor, Washington Wizards

Teams with most representatives – Boston (Raul Lopez, Varlam Chavchavadze), Atlanta (Michael McQuay, James McDaniel), Washington (Rowan Taylor, Detric Jones) and Philadelphia (Jamil Fleming, Lisandro Perez) with two.
Teams represented – Eight (Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Indiana and New York).

Western Conference All Star Starters
Michael Taylor, Los Angeles Lakers
Mike Bickerstaf, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jack Dawkins, Dallas Mavericks
John Nemitz, Nevada Neon
Mark Lewis, Utah Jazz

Teams with most representatives – Nevada (John Nemitz, Matt Brown) and Minnesota (Camah Williams, Robert Williams) with two.
Teams represented – Ten (Nevada, Minnesota, Dallas, Utah, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Portland and Denver).

No rest for the wicked as we are right back into the season with a home game against Brooklyn. Neither team gets out to a double digit lead as we hold onto our’s to take the game in a heartstopper 123-120. Earl Oliver and Jack both score 28 points as Jeremy Brown and Issiah Hemhill add some very precious points, both scoring nine. Lars Ray and Chris Canal add 23 points each as Dylan Hahn adds 20 points and 10 rebounds off the bench as Jason Harriman fouls out early.

Dallas Mavericks 36-12

No-one was stopping Jack who had 39 points as we run out of our court with a 124-109 win over Philadelphia. We didn’t shoot the best but we did enough to get the win. Jamil Fleming was furious that his 12 point, 11 assist and 10 rebound triple double was wasted and even smashed a hole in the changing room after the game. It’s good to see some fire in him but he will learn to control his emotions in a few years.

Dallas Mavericks 37-12

The trade deadline is upon us and there have been some nice deals, just nothing earth shattering.

Chicago trade:
SF Wesley Fields
2029 2nd round pick

Milwaukee trade:
PG Raoul Dumas

Winner – Chicago. If this was five years ago it would have been a blockbuster but now it’s just a good deal. Dumas is still a very capable ball handler and slots into the Bulls’ starting PG position while Fields has lost about three steps and is just a bench player now.

Miami trade:
SG Peter Willis
C Demond Lewis

Golden State trade:
SF Cederic Mapp
2029 2nd round pick

Winner – Miami. The defending champions get better as Mapp is a stellar scorer and fits in as a massive starting SG. This team is scary good now, and if you thought a team that won a title last season was good, this team is better. Willis is an average SG while Lewis is just an $8.7 million expiring at this stage.

Denver trade:
PG Brandon Oliver

Chicago trade:
SG Jason London

Winner - Denver. Massive head scratcher by the Bulls as not only is London averaging 20.5 points a game they just traded for a PG in Raoul Dumas. Terrible deal by Chicago and a massive steal by the Nuggets.

Another defence optional game where both teams were over 120 points it was lucky that we got the 132-121 win. Jack was again spectacular with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists as our starters scored 106 points. Lars Ray and Chris Canal both produced 29 points but we shot 56% from the field to overrun the Nets.

Dallas Mavericks 38-12

Another high scoring game as we rattle off a lazy 40-15 last quarter to take the win from the underachieving Sonics 128-102. Nashon had 20 points and 12 assists, Jack added 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists as Issiah Hemhill is making it a custom that when Jeff Cunningham is in foul trouble he comes to the rescue with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Varlam Cherkezov led the Sonics with 26 points but I’m not quite sure why Seattle is only 18-32.

Dallas Mavericks 39-12

It seems that we are playing the Timberwolves every second day this month as we beat them once again, 120-107. Jeff Cunningham was a little miffed about my comment last game and had 26 points (only three rebounds though) while Jack added 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Enrique Mendez and Robert Williams both had 24 points but Camah Williams was held to only 14 points by our defensive star in Nashon Smith.

Dallas Mavericks 40-12

Jack had 32 points, Jeff added 22 points and 10 rebounds and we were on our way to a comfortable win over Atlanta. That was until Michael McQuay put on his afterburners and torched us in the last quarter with the Hawks dominating us 44-31 to steal the win from right under our nose 123-120. McQuay finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds while his All Star teammate James McDaniel had 25 points and Chris Jones added 16 points and 13 assists as this was a game we should have won.

Dallas Mavericks 40-13

Our last game of a very busy month was a 138-107 cruising past Cleveland. Jack put up 27 points while Julius Hobbs helped him out with 18 points and 13 rebounds as Joe Duggins scored 13 points in only nine minutes off the bench. Ron Winston led the Cavs with 25 points but when their starting centre and power forward combine to shoot 1/7 it doesn’t help.

Dallas Mavericks 41-13

We played 18 games in 28 days and that includes four days for the All Star weekend so the team is pretty pooped at the moment. Luckily none of the other West teams did that well as we still hold an eight game lead over second placed Oklahoma City, with LA in third place. Golden State are getting better now the Buzzsaw is back at full power but are still last at 11-49.

Miami are breathing down our necks at 40-14 while Washington are breathing down their’s with a 41-15 record as these final two months are going to be slog to see who gets home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Cleveland have fallen back from the pack and are now all alone in last place with a 16-46 record.

Dallas Top Points
Jack Dawkins – 24.7
Earl Oliver – 18.7
Jeff Cunningham – 17.3

Dallas Top Assists
Nashon Smith – 7.2
Jack Dawkins – 5.5
Earl Oliver – 3.4

Dallas Top Rebounds
Julius Hobbs – 8.5
Jack Dawkins – 6.9
Jeff Cunningham – 6.2

League Leaders
Points – Enrique Mendez (MIN) – 29.4
Assists – Reggie Dobbins (ORL) – 10.3
Rebounds – John Nemitz (NEV) – 9.8
Blocks – Anthony Davis (OKC) – 3.0
Steals – Jay Warren (HOU) – 2.6
Efficiency – Enrique Mendez (MIN) – 28.0

Rookie Leaders
Points – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 13.8
Assists – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 7.0
Rebounds – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 7.6
Blocks – Jason Harriman (BKL) – 1.6
Steals – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 1.7
Efficiency – Jehiel DeSantis (DEN) – 15.2

Third Round of NBA Draft Prospects
1. (1) C Josiah Williams (West Virginia), Junior, 6’11”, 278lbs
2. (3) SF Patrick Blizzard (Florida), Sophomore, 6’8”, 210lbs
3. (2) C Erik Morris (Kentucky), Freshman, 6’9”, 277lbs
4. (5) SG Chris Horvath (New Mexico State), Sophomore, 6’2”, 209lbs
5. (NR) PF Matt Reid (Xavier), Junior, 6’11”, 236lbs

Thoughts – It looks more and more likely that Josiah will go number one with Blizzard and Horvath around the top three. I really like the looks of #11 C Damon Ashburn from Elon. Even though he is a senior he averages over 15 rebounds a game which will get him a game in the pros as rebounding numbers have dropped significantly over the past 15 years and right now there isn’t a player in the league in double figures. Hopefully Ashburn can rectify that.

[zike_42]

Mid Season Review of the Rookie Six – Year Four

#13 SG Kenneth Long, Miami Heat – 17.1 points, 10.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.5 blocks

Those stats say it, don’t they? Absolutely beasting at the moment and his quarrels with the coaching staff are long gone. He made it to the All Star game this season as a reserve and is gearing up for title defence in April. He still has some growing to do which is extremely scary for the rest of the league.

1x Rookie/Sophomore Game Starter (2026)
2x All Star Game Reserve (2027, 2028)
1x All Star Game MVP (2027)
1x All League Second Team (2027)
1x NBA Championship (2027)
1x Finals MVP (2027)

#35 PF Terry McKenzie, New York Knicks – 22.4 points, 1.2 assists, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.2 blocks

Another All Star participant, it’s strange to think that McKenzie was thought to be a below average scorer and would rely on his rebounding. How those people were wrong as he has already had a 43 point outburst in his career and is highly likely to repeat his All NBA First Team appearance again this season.

2x Rookie/Sophomore Game Starter (2025, 2026)
1x All Rookie First Team (2025)
1x All Star Game Reserve (2028)
1x All NBA First Team (2027)

#41 SF Jack Dawkins, Dallas Mavericks – 24.7 points, 5.5 assists, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 steal, 0.5 blocks

He is leading his team from the front after being named captain last off season and hasn’t disappointed. He got his first ever triple double a couple of months ago and is looking to notch some more by the post season. The Mavericks are currently sitting first in the league and he would love to get a championship to draw level with fellow Rookie Six member Kenneth Long.

2x Rookie/Sophomore Game Starter (2025, 2026)
2x All Star Game Reserve (2026, 2027)
1x All Star Game Starter (2028)
1x All NBA Second Team (2027)

#43 C Art Stevenson, San Diego Riders – 16.4 points, 1.2 assists, 9.6 rebounds, 0.6 steals, 1.8 blocks

What a year it has been for this guy. Many people raised their eyebrows when Stevenson was added to this list but he has come along in spades. This will probably be his limit for output as he only has a small amount of growing to do but if he does stop here then he might get into an All Star game in a few years. The Riders have been over the moon about The Artisan and won’t let go of him without a fight.

1x All Rookie Second Team (2025)

#17 PG Cort Majishun, Memphis Grizzlies – 17.4 points, 9.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks

His numbers have been down because opposition guards have been locking down on him as the rest of the Memphis squad have been terribly underperforming. Majishun still looks to be a Ledaryl McMillian close but not as good (who is?) and if things don’t get better he might bolt in free agency which is coming up this off season for all of the Rookie Six.

2x Rookie/Sophomore Game Starter (2025, 2026)
1x All Rookie First Team (2025)

#4 SG Chris Jones, Atlanta Hawks – 15.2 points, 7.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 0.0 blocks

The one person on this list that is the most likely to move to another team, The Wizard is a little miffed about being overtaken by Michael McQuay and James McDaniel on the pecking order. He still has the talent to be an All Star in this league but being forced to be a supporting player at Atlanta will strangle his potential. He will be a restricted free agent (like the rest) but if a team overpays they might be able to pry him away. His numbers are in no way terrible, it’s just he can be so much more than just a passer to the two ‘Macs’.

2x Rookie/Sophomore Game Reserve (2025, 2026)
1x All Rookie Second Team (2025)

[jcomey]

We're doing all right, though there is some reason for concern. I can't put my finger on it...just doesn't seem to be consistency. I'm not sure.