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MavsFanFinley · 11-04-2004, 11:16 AM

Was Booth really that bad during the preseason?

Will NBA All-Stars tip off in Arlington?

By Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

NEW ORLEANS - Now that the Cowboys stadium vote has passed in Arlington, could it mean the Mavericks bring an All-Star Game to Arlington in the future?

"Ask me again in five years when the stadium is built," owner Mark Cuban said Wednesday before the Mavs defeated the Hornets 106-91 at New Orleans Arena.

Cuban doesn't support an All-Star Game at American Airlines Center because it would displace the majority of the team's season ticket holders at the expense of NBA cooperate partners.

The new stadium in Arlington, however, could solve that problem because of the increased capacity. The NCAA Final Four, for instance, is played exclusively in domed stadiums, with games routinely attracting more than 40,000 fans. The Arlington facility is expected to have a basketball configuration, making it a possibility for the NBA's midseason spectacle.

The Mavs were working on an All-Star proposal before Cuban purchased the team in 2000. Cuban acknowledged the possibility of revisiting a bid but added the organization would also consider the "hassle factor" of putting on such an event before making a decision.

The Mavericks hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1986 at Reunion Arena.

Nelson cries foul

A hard foul by Sacramento center Brad Miller against rookie point guard Devin Harris at the end of the first half of Tuesday's season opener drew the ire of Mavs coach Don Nelson.

Harris was streaking to the basket as the second quarter ended, only to be met in the air by Miller, who knocked the rookie to the floor.

At the time, the Mavs coach stomped onto the court pleading for a foul. He had cooled down by Wednesday but still wasn't pleased with the non-call.

"I thought it was flagrant," Nelson said. "[The official] thought he got it right. If that had been Danny Fortson, he'd have a three-game suspension."

Those in the Mavs camp feel Harris is getting the "rookie treatment" by officials. The quick whistles played a part in Nelson pulling Harris in favor of veteran Jason Terry at the end of the fourth quarter against Sacramento.

Asked if Harris' situation is just part of paying his rookie dues, second-year forward Josh Howard said: "I didn't pay them that bad."

Briefly

• Mavs radio play-by-play voice Mark Followill makes his national debut tonight calling the Cleveland-Miami game for ESPN radio.

• Don Nelson said the starting lineup of Devin Harris, Michael Finley, Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitzki and Erick Dampier is set for the foreseeable future, barring injury.

• Calvin Booth, who struggled at the end of preseason, won't be part of the regular rotation. He's been relegated to third-team center and power forward.

11-04-2004, 11:16 AM	#5
MavsFanFinley Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: California Posts: 16,670	RE:DMN Notebook Was Booth really that bad during the preseason? Will NBA All-Stars tip off in Arlington? By Art Garcia Star-Telegram Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS - Now that the Cowboys stadium vote has passed in Arlington, could it mean the Mavericks bring an All-Star Game to Arlington in the future? "Ask me again in five years when the stadium is built," owner Mark Cuban said Wednesday before the Mavs defeated the Hornets 106-91 at New Orleans Arena. Cuban doesn't support an All-Star Game at American Airlines Center because it would displace the majority of the team's season ticket holders at the expense of NBA cooperate partners. The new stadium in Arlington, however, could solve that problem because of the increased capacity. The NCAA Final Four, for instance, is played exclusively in domed stadiums, with games routinely attracting more than 40,000 fans. The Arlington facility is expected to have a basketball configuration, making it a possibility for the NBA's midseason spectacle. The Mavs were working on an All-Star proposal before Cuban purchased the team in 2000. Cuban acknowledged the possibility of revisiting a bid but added the organization would also consider the "hassle factor" of putting on such an event before making a decision. The Mavericks hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1986 at Reunion Arena. Nelson cries foul A hard foul by Sacramento center Brad Miller against rookie point guard Devin Harris at the end of the first half of Tuesday's season opener drew the ire of Mavs coach Don Nelson. Harris was streaking to the basket as the second quarter ended, only to be met in the air by Miller, who knocked the rookie to the floor. At the time, the Mavs coach stomped onto the court pleading for a foul. He had cooled down by Wednesday but still wasn't pleased with the non-call. "I thought it was flagrant," Nelson said. "[The official] thought he got it right. If that had been Danny Fortson, he'd have a three-game suspension." Those in the Mavs camp feel Harris is getting the "rookie treatment" by officials. The quick whistles played a part in Nelson pulling Harris in favor of veteran Jason Terry at the end of the fourth quarter against Sacramento. Asked if Harris' situation is just part of paying his rookie dues, second-year forward Josh Howard said: "I didn't pay them that bad." Briefly • Mavs radio play-by-play voice Mark Followill makes his national debut tonight calling the Cleveland-Miami game for ESPN radio. • Don Nelson said the starting lineup of Devin Harris, Michael Finley, Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitzki and Erick Dampier is set for the foreseeable future, barring injury. • Calvin Booth, who struggled at the end of preseason, won't be part of the regular rotation. He's been relegated to third-team center and power forward. __________________