Posted by Rob Mahoney on August 31, 2010 under News | 
The Texas Legends participated in a peculiar one-team, ten-round expansion draft on Monday, in which Nancy Lieberman and her staff had their pick of the L.A. D-Fender litter. The Legends now own the rights to 10 former D-Fenders. Those 10 players are, according to a release from the team:
| Name | Height | Weight | College | Age |
| Keith Clark | 6-8 | 245 | Oklahoma | 23 |
| Joe Crawford | 6-5 | 210 | Kentucky | 24 |
| Michael Fey | 7-0 | 270 | UCLA | 27 |
| Ryan Forehan-Kelly | 6-6 | 195 | California | 30 |
| Gabriel Hughes | 7-0 | 240 | California | 30 |
| James Peters | 6-8 | 215 | UNLV | 29 |
| Frank Robinson | 6-4 | 220 | Cal-State Fullerton | 26 |
| Diamon Simpson | 6-7 | 230 | St. Mary's (CA) | 22 |
| Dar Tucker | 6-4 | 205 | DePaul | 22 |
| James Wright | 6-1 | 185 | Colorado | 29 |
For those keeping track at home, the D-Fenders not selected were: Lawrence McKenzie, Ray Reese, Rodney Webb, and Horace Wormely.
The Legends still do not have a roster. Though they now own the rights to the selected 10, not all of those players will be in the D-League next season, much less in Frisco. As Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside noted last week, Diamon Thompson, Michael Fey, Ryan Foreham-Kelly, and Frank Robinson have already signed contracts to play overseas next season, and thus will likely pass on the opportunity to play for the Mavs’ affiliate. Of the remaining six, some will at least make it to Legends camp, though it’s unknown how many of those players will actually make the final roster.
The Legends have begun to take shape. Even if, for the moment, that shape is something of an amorphous blob.
UPDATE: Here’s Schroeder’s take, again from Ridiculous Upside.
Tags: D-League, Dar Tucker, Diamon Simpson, Frank Robinson, Gabriel Hughes, Horace Wormely, James Peters, James Wright, Joe Crawford, Keith Clark, Lawrence McKenzie, Michael Fey, Ray Reese, Rodney Webb, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Texas Legends
Posted by Rob Mahoney on August 27, 2010 under News |
We knew that the genesis of the Texas Legends’ roster could somehow be connected to that of the now-defunct Los Angeles D-Fenders. We also knew that an expansion draft could be an important formative step for the Legends. What we didn’t know is that those two would methods of acquiring players would actually be one in the same, as the D-League announced on Thursday. There will be a D-League expansion draft for the Legends benefit after all…with a 14-player pool comprised of solely former D-Fenders.
From the team release:
The roster for the inaugural Texas Legends season, which tips off in November, will begin to take shape by way of an Expansion Draft, it was announced today. The 14-player expansion draft pool is made up of solely of the returning players from the 2009-10 Los Angeles D-Fenders, which will be on hiatus for the 2010-11 season. Included in the pool are guard Dar Tucker and center Michael Fey, two of the 30 players invited to the 2010 NBA D-League Elite Mini-Camp, held in June in Chantilly, VA.
…“This is another step towards our inaugural season,” Legends Owner Donnie Nelson commented. “The D-Fenders had a number of very talented players who have a real chance to develop into NBA athletes. The opportunity to draft their rights is the first step towards forming our team.”
Essentially, the Legends will have the right of first refusal on all of the D-Fenders, and there should be plenty of refusing. L.A. had the worst record in the Western Conference last season (and the second-worst record in the D overall), and the overall talent of the roster reflects that. I’m sure some of the D-Fenders will end up with the Legends to start the season, but don’t mistake this for anything more than the most basic of starter kits.
Available for the picking are Dar Tucker (also known as he who did this), Michael Fey, Joe Crawford, Diamon Simpson, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Gabriel Hughes, Lawrence McKenzie, Frank Robinson, Horace Wormely, James Wright, Keith Clark, James Peters, Ray Reese and Rodney Webb. You can view all of their statistical information here, but keep in mind that someone has to produce on every team, even the second worst in the D-League.
UPDATE: Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside ranked the top 10 D-Fenders and described them in greater detail. I’m inclined to defer to him on these matters. Follow along with Schroeder as he briefly explains each of the top 10 options, their relative standing, and why it makes sense to draft the rights of some players that have already signed deals to play overseas.
Tags: D-League, Dar Tucker, Diamon Simpson, Frank Robinson, Gabriel Hughes, Horace Wormely, James Peters, James Wright, Joe Crawford, Keith Clark, Lawrence McKenzie, Michael Fey, Ray Reese, Rodney Webb, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Texas Legends
Posted by Rob Mahoney on August 18, 2010 under News |
No official announcement from the team as of yet, but the NBA Store has two Maverick alternates available for sale, grouped in with the rest of the jerseys for game use. Dallas has a ton of “fashion alternates,” (weird alts/color schemes for sale but not for game use) available through their own store, but NBA.com — with the exception being women’s fitted jerseys — seems to only sell the real deal team unis. So take a look at what looks to be a new road and home alternate for next season (via Angry Trey’s Blog):
The jerseys are dubbed “Revolution 30″ by the store, likely in honor of the Mavs’ 30th anniversary this season.
Not sure how to feel about these, honestly. The first one is so bright that I think we’ll need to see it in action before making a final determination, and the changes in the home alternate are subtle but…odd. Not sure I’ll ever get used to seeing full-sized numbers on the front of the Maverick unis as long as they maintain this general jersey design.
You can take a look at Dominique Jones sporting the new road alternate at Rookie Photo Day here.
For the record, here’s Mark Cuban’s response when asked if new jerseys were in the works. From Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas:
We’ve heard of new duds for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, but this is the first — I think — news of new Mavs uniforms. So, are new uniforms in the offing?
“Maybe,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban coyly wrote in an email.
Delightfully definitive, Mark.
Posted by Rob Mahoney on August 6, 2010 under News |
In the basketball gods’ latest attempt to toy with Mark Cuban’s psyche, they’ve stricken Rodrigue Beaubois down by the foot. Beaubois has broken the fifth metatarsal in his left foot while practicing with the French national team according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, and could possibly require surgery and a recovery period of up to three months. There will be no more point guard trials for Rodrigue this off-season, and now he’ll face his first significant injury since joining the NBA last fall.
Just about the only thing that could have stopped Beaubois’ ridiculous momentum was a busted tire, and he was unfortunate enough to suffer one at a rather critical time. It’s better for Rodrigue to miss time now than during the regular season, but off-seasons like this one are still very important for his development and role establishment.
While Beaubois was refining his playmaking abilities this summer for his eventual takeover as the post-Kidd Creator, this year’s training camp was also a very significant opportunity for Beaubois to cement his immediate status as a starter. Rick Carlisle and his staff have clearly been considering the idea, but without the benefit of a full-speed training camp (not to mention the regular season time Beaubois could potentially miss), Rodrigue’s debut as a full-time starter is delayed at the very least.
If Rodrigue does end up missing the initial games of the regular season, two players stand to benefit: J.J. Barea and Dominique Jones. Barea is the more experienced heir to Beaubois’ role and responsibilities, but the Mavs could plug Jones into the lineup in order to keep the rest of the rotation in place. Coincidentally, a similar situation allowed Beaubois to make a name for himself during Josh Howard’s early-season injury last year, so some good may yet come of this. Even if that pesky fifth metatarsal means a little less Beaubois, wouldn’t it all be worth it if Dominique Jones steals the show and forces his way into some extended playing time?
Posted by Rob Mahoney on July 21, 2010 under Commentary, News |
The Mavs haven’t had a ton of success in free agency this summer, but they had previously done a terrific job of taking care of their own. Dirk Nowitzki was signed to a great value deal, keeping Dallas’ window forced open for a bit longer. They re-signed Brendan Haywood, who was the Mavs’ best option for a legitimate center next season. Yet when it came time to secure a free agent on the other end of the pecking order — undrafted point guard Jeremy Lin — Dallas was beaten out; Lin and the Golden State Warriors are close to an agreement on a multi-year, partially guaranteed deal that will allow Jeremy to reprise his role as a local hero in the Bay Area.
It’s unfortunate, particularly because Donnie Nelson was so pivotal in Lin’s emergence. Though Jeremy wasn’t committed to any one team, the point guard seemed like the Mavs’ to lose. Well, they lost him. It’s not earth-shaking, but it does set the Texas Legends back a bit. The Warriors were ultimately able to offer Lin the contract, role, and potential for playing time he was looking for, and regardless of the franchise’s intentions in signing him, it’s a good fit. The organization may be a mess, but running the point for the Dubs will give Lin a chance to really show off for other NBA suitors, and I’d be surprised if he didn’t parlay this one opportunity into a few more.
The Mavs still have J.J. Barea, who is the better player today, and for the future until Lin proves otherwise. Let’s not forget that J.J. was once where Jeremy is right now, but he carved out a rotation spot on one of the top teams in the Western Conference by force of will alone. He was once the plucky underdog, but has elevated himself into an NBA player worthy of being judged by his limitations, which is something that at this moment, Lin can only aspire to. It would be terrific if the Mavs could have signed Lin to be the face of the Legends next season. Although, let’s not forget that while Lin is an interesting prospect, he’s still just a prospect. Barea, faulted though he may be, is already a legitimate player.
The Mavs missed out on an opportunity to pick up a good, young player for very little, but considering what the Mavs have already done to bolster their depth at almost every position this off-season (let’s not forget that while the Mavs let Lin slip through their fingers, Mark Cuban shelled out the cash to draft Dominique Jones, who was even more impressive in Vegas), it’s nothing more than a pity.
Posted by Rob Mahoney on July 13, 2010 under News, Roster Moves |
UPDATE: The Mavs have confirmed the trade via press release.
Here’s what Donnie Nelson had to say about the deal: “We wish Erick, Eddie and Matt nothing but the very best. They are consummate professionals that represented the Mavericks family with class and integrity. We could not be more excited to add Tyson Chandler. He is one of the most versatile big men in the league today. He gives our front line a defensive, shot-blocking, athletic punch we haven’t had here in awhile. Alexis Ajinca is a fine young center with significant upside.”
———-
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Mavs have traded Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, and Eduardo Najera to the Charlotte Bobcats for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca. The chip has been traded, and while it’s not LeBron James, or Dwyane Wade, or Joe Johnson (or Al Jefferson, or Andre Iguodala, or…), the Mavs did trade Damp to fill a bit of a positional need.
This move isn’t a particularly good one, and it’s not going to thrust the Mavs into the title discussion. However, like the Ian Mahinmi signing, it stabilizes the frontcourt rotation and gives Dallas some depth in the middle. It’s important, but definitely underwhelming. Dampier’s contract was thought to be much more valuable than this.
If the Mavs could have picked up Chandler circa ‘07-’08, when he was one of the game’s elite interior defenders and a Chris Paul sidekick? This would be a definite upgrade. Yet as it stands, it’s actually very debatable whether Chandler is better than Erick Dampier at all. Even gifting Chandler the advantage, it’s entirely possible that Damp’s contract, which was supposed to add a significant, long-term piece for the Mavs, could have no direct roster impact past next season. The Mavs may choose to let Tyson walk next summer, and for all of the hullabaloo, that’s awfully anticlimactic.
Plenty more to come on the Mavs’ “big” off-season move.
Posted by Rob Mahoney on July 12, 2010 under Commentary, News, Roster Moves |
Third-string centers are a bit of a novelty and a luxury, and it’s generally hoped that they aren’t forced to become much more. They are stop-gaps and a safety nets, and an elevation in the responsibilities of the third C typically has less to do with rapid improvement or flawed appraisal than it does a far more disappointing reality at the top of the rotation. Having three players capable of playing the position is practically an NBA necessity, even if the third is only really present to fill in the gaps and prevent a complete disaster.
Ian Mahinmi will slide into that role comfortably for the Mavs next season, as Dallas has reportedly agreed to terms with Ian on a two-year deal for the veteran minimum. (Note: Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.com reported that Mahinmi will receive the full biannual exception, so it’s possible that Ian’s annual salary is closer to $1.9 million).
This is a fantastic move. Mahinmi had trouble earning playing time during his career in San Antonio, but he’s an energy big that can actually help the Mavs off the bench. During the 2007-2008 season, Ian posted a 23.0 PER for the D-League’s Austin Toros, and averaged 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. Mahinmi is not really a physical beast, but he is long and athletic with pretty good instincts. This is exactly the kind of player the Mavs should be using to fill out the rotation, and with the full mid-level exception still intact (and likely the biannual exception as well) , the Mavs have almost their entire roster assembled. It’s obviously preferable that Mahinmi falls as the third center rather than Haywood’s backup, but one more reserve center aside, this team looks quite complete.
Creation on the wing is still a bit of a concern, but adding Mahinmi to an already talented roster is quite helpful. Ian is still, in many ways, more of a prospect than a player, but he does come in as a usable big with a better price tag and future than Eduardo Najera. Dallas could have shot for a big like Brad Miller or Matt Bonner (and reportedly, they did), but in Mahinmi the Mavs have acquired a piece that’s likely already a better NBA rebounder and shot blocker than either of those two vets. Even at 23, Ian is still growing into his game, and while he does have immediately usable skills, it’s conceivable that he’ll only get better and better during his time with the Mavs.
Here’s a tentative depth chart in light of the Mahinmi signing, assuming Rick Carlisle chooses to keep Butler and Marion as starters:
PG - Jason Kidd, Rodrigue Beaubois, J.J. Barea
SG - Caron Butler, Jason Terry, Rodrigue Beaubois, DeShawn Stevenson, Dominique Jones, Matt Carroll
SF - Shawn Marion, Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson
PF - Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Ian Mahinmi, Eduardo Najera
C - Brendan Haywood, Ian Mahinmi, Eduardo Najera
TBD: Returns on Erick Dampier’s contract, the mid-level exception, and possibly the biannual exception
Posted by Rob Mahoney on July 8, 2010 under News |
Per Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, the Mavs have agreed to a six-year, $55 million deal with Brendan Haywood. Dallas held on to a legitimate starting center for a salary befitting successful players at his position. This is a good thing. The Mavs now have an actual center on the roster for next season! Huzzah!
For a bit of reading on just how important it was that the Mavs re-sign Haywood, check out a few of these recent posts:
Posted by Rob Mahoney on July 7, 2010 under Commentary, News |
Although this summer presents the Mavs’ best opportunity to make a notable roster addition, it was almost certain to be marked by a loss in the coaching ranks. Both the Hawks and Clippers had Casey very high on their list of candidates, and with so many openings this off-season and Dwane as good of a choice as any, his departure from Dallas was something of an inevitability.
Not so. According to Kevin Arnovitz of ClipperBlog and ESPN Los Angeles, the Clippers have chosen Vinny Del Negro over Dwane Casey as their next head coach, completing their re-enactment of the Chicago Bulls’ 2008 coaching search. VDN may not be as bad of a head coach as his legend suggests, but this is still a regretful decision by Los Angeles. Casey is a masterful tactician, but unlike most of his contemporaries of similar ilk, Dwane is also something of a statesman. He’s firm without being grating, assertive without being overbearing. In fact, the only coaching asset Casey seems to be lacking is a legitimate shot. He was wrongfully ousted from Minnesota, denied plenty of jobs he would have succeeded in, and now the Mavs will continue to benefit.
As I said earlier in the summer, Dwane Casey will get a head coaching job. The only thing that remains to be determined is who he will coach and how long he’ll have to wait. That’s why I don’t feel too bad about celebrating that Dallas will retain Casey for just a bit longer. Even if Dwane is only with the Mavs for one more season, the coaching staff is stronger with him a part of it. For now, all 30 head coaches are accounted for, and though Casey’s name isn’t listed among them, he’s just as talented, just as schooled, and coaching for the home team.
Posted by Rob Mahoney on under Commentary, News |
Donnie Nelson’s ownership of the Texas Legends is a bit unusual. It’s been obvious for some time that the Legends weren’t going to be an ordinary D-League team due to the nature of the purchase and ownership. At the same time, the Legends aren’t owned by their affiliate NBA team, like the Austin Toros or the Tulsa 66ers are. They’re also not partially owned via the hybrid affiliation model, meaning the win-win relationship the Houston Rockets have with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers isn’t a perfect comparison, either. The Legends are just something else entirely, and while we can’t forecast the success of the model until we see it in action, a bit of news surfaced today that does offer some clarity into the nature of the Mavs-Legends dynamic.
The D-League affiliations for 2010-2011 were made official yesterday, and the Dallas Mavericks will be the sole affiliate for the Texas Legends in their inagural season. No other NBA team is afforded a direct D-League partnership without actual ownership, but due to the unique nature of Nelson’s involvement, it makes sense that Dallas is treated a bit differently. Regardless, this is great news. The point of Donnie owning the Legends in the first place is to make the Mavs’ D-League outfit more beneficial to the mothership, and the benefit of operating the team would be diminished greatly if another NBA affiliate were involved. Such a scenario would basically entitle another franchise to have eyes and ears on the inner workings of the Mavs’ system; the Legends will likely run Dallas’ offense and defensive schemes in order to better prepare their prospects for a call-up to the main roster, but doing so while another team (and assigned, hands-off prospects from that team) can take notes is very counterproductive.
Luckily that’s something the Mavs won’t have to worry about. They’ve put in their personnel to run the organization. They’ll have oversight during every stage of player development. They’ll be able to run Maverick plays with Maverick-selected prospects, in what really amounts to a farm team. Even though all of these things have been assumed from the beginning, only now are they finally starting to materialize. This was a big “if,” and now that it’s out of the way, we’ll get to see just how adept Donnie Nelson is at using the D-League system.