Plan B - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

#1MavsFan · 09-12-2002, 10:43 PM

3 Plan B's
Mavs Plot For Pursuit Of Power Forward

By Mike Fisher -- DallasBasketball.com
The Mavs insist they haven't placed all their eggs in the Rashard Lewis basket, and to prove it, are willing to offer thumbnail sketches of some of the alternative baskets -- including Popeye Jones, Walt Williams and Lee Nailon.

"We have different scenarios,'' Mavs boss Donnie Nelson tells DallasBasketball.com. "for different occasions.''
Nelson says the club's "No. 1 scenario'' is to first handle its own. That means re-signing Eduardo Najera.
“Getting our own guys done is No. 1,’’ Nelson says. “And we’re moving in a good direction on Eddie. With Rashard, we’d be tickled pink if something works out. Again, we feel we’re in a good position there.’’
Hey, Donnie, have you seen the rumors on DallasBasketball.com’s Message Boards about Rashard finding a Dallas realtor?
“That would be fantastic,’’ Nelson says, “if that were the case.’’
Adds Mavs owner Mark Cuban: “There’s nothing going on there, as far as we know.’’
Nelson says the Mavs have “scenarios 1 through 10 at each position.’’ But one role – that of a power forward type who can be a defensive rebounding presence while not clogging things up at the offensive end – seems to be a priority irrespective of the pursuit of Lewis.
And that role could be ticketed for somebody like Jones, Williams or Nailon.

POPEYE JONES
“It’s no secret we’re interested in him for his defensive rebounding and the fact he’s a fabulous person,’’ Nelson says. “He’s been with the Mavs before, he’s plugged into the community, he’s a fan favorite inside and outside the organization. He’s a chemistry guy, but more important, he’s a candidate to help us out in the area where we need some help.’’ But wouldn’t Popeye represent a change in philosophy, a concession that “The Greatest O On Earth’’ concept is flawed? “Not at all,’’ Nelson says. “Popeye is a perfect Nellie player. He’s skilled, he can put the ball on the floor, he’s an excellent passer, and he can hit the 17-foot jumper – extending his range is something he’s worked on every year – well enough to keep you honest.
“Popeye could be in the Danny Manning mold for us, except that he is truly a dominant defensive rebounder, so goof that he’d really address some issues for us.’’
While other NBA teams are also in pursuit of Popeye, he’s obviously a prime Mavs candidate, a fact illustrated by Nelson’s timetable.
We should know more within a week,’’ Nelson says of Jones’ future.
LEE NAILON

“We had interest in Lee in his draft, and being that he’s from TCU, we've gotten to know him. He’s gone through some hard knocks in this league and he’s put himself in good position as far as free agency is concerned.’’
WALT WILLIAMS
"Some people have him as (a player who can play all five positions), but we do not see him as much of a point guard or a center,’’ Nelson says. “But he can play a lot of 2 and 3 and some 4. He’s a fine 3-point shooter. … We’d need some things to play themselves out before we make a move.’’
Nelson, maybe not accidentally, does not include re-signing Wang Zhizhi as part of a primary scenario until prompted.
"We've got a number of teams that have interest,'' Donnie says. "I don't want to speculate as to what teams have the upper hand. And we’ll still look at the possibility of him remaining with us. We won't do anything unless we're satistfied what we'd get in return, or keeping him. But regardless, keep him or sign-and-trade, we have to feel comfortable with our end of the bargain.''
And he dismisses the chances of stealing Michael Olowokandi from the Clippers.
"We're keeping our 4.5 open for Rashard, so we’re not willing to go down that road,’’ he says.
But to Nelson, that doesn’t mean all the eggs are in the Rashard Lewis Basket to the detriment of pursing other free agents.
“We don’t look at it that way,’’ Nelson says. “The reason Rashard makes so much sense to this team is that he’s a long-term fit, a guy who can grow with Dirk and Mike and Steve and the rest of our young group. We don't want to do something just to burn up the 4.5 on some old vet who is going to be gone in a couple years.''

Drbio · 09-12-2002, 10:49 PM

thanks for the article.

#1MavsFan · 09-12-2002, 11:11 PM

Toe doctor, Feds set screens for Mavs
09/13/2002

From the off-season NBA reports, the worst news about the Mavericks is that Michael Finley and Raef LaFrentz were affiliated with the team that got the bum's rush at the World Championships.

Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal will miss at least training camp with his surgically repaired big toe, and Chris Webber is having it out with the G-men.

Just think: A couple of months ago, you were probably wondering what it was going to take to push the Mavs past the second round of the playoffs.

A power forward with a mean streak? A shot-blocking center?

How about a doctor and a tough-talking federal prosecutor?

First, a doctor shaves bone spurs off Shaq's arthritic big toe, which bothered him all last season. The right toe hurt so much that he could barely bend it, and now he should have greater range of motion.

Here's the new rub: Doctors also say he should be ready for "light running" in six weeks.

Frankly, how does a 7-1, 350-pound man do any "light running"?

And what are the chances he's still 350 in six weeks?

Maybe you've noticed how much Shaq has grown over the years. Recently saw a picture of him when he was in Orlando, before Jerry West signed him away with the promise of three square meals a day.

Now, instead of moving him out of the lane, you'd be better off trying to annex him. He's more dominant than ever at this size. But it can't be good for his feet to support all that weight, and what happens while he waits for the surgery to heal?

Better question: Do you think it's a coincidence that he waited until now for surgery, meaning he can sit out the entire training camp?

Prediction: By the time Shaq is ready to return, he'll be so big that, if you painted him gray and dropped him in the Persian Gulf, you could land F-35s on his back.

Doctors aren't even promising the surgery will abate the arthritis problems for long. In fact, some say the surgery might increase problems in the future.

Granted, even a one-legged Shaq is twice as dominant as anything the Mavericks can put down low. But now it doesn't seem like such a bad idea, having Shaq chase LaFrentz out to the perimeter.

As it stands now, the Lakers reportedly are considering replacing Shaq in the interim with Samaki Walker and Slava Medvedenko.

Funny how life evens out, isn't it?

Take the Sacramento Kings. They never looked better taking apart the Mavericks in the playoffs.

But what happens to the Kings' wonderful chemistry with all the legal wranglings around Webber this year?

Maybe you remember allegations that a Michigan booster, Ed Martin, hid proceeds from an illegal lottery at the Ford plant where he worked by giving Webber $280,000 in cash and gifts from 1988-93.

Webber denied it in testimony before a federal grand jury two years ago, which was at least his first mistake.

Nobody subpoenaed him. No one was out to get him at the time, and all he had to do was take the Fifth or ask for immunity. Even if he really did take the quarter-million in gifts, it wasn't a criminal act. Only an NCAA violation, and an old one, too.

But now, federal prosecutors believe he lied to the grand jury. If his testimony is judged to be detrimental to the probe into Martin's numbers racket, they probably won't take it lightly.

Or, as an anonymous federal prosecutor told The Sacramento Bee: "When someone lies to a federal grand jury, you have to pull the trigger ... you have to get prison time. Otherwise, you're sending the wrong message."

Kings officials say they're behind Webber. Way behind him. So far behind him, they'd need binoculars to see the cuffs on his wrists.

Makes Mark Cuban wonder if they signed power forward Keon Clark last month with the idea that Webber might be in trouble.

Not that Cuban thinks it'll make any difference in the playoffs. Webber missed 28 games during the regular season, and Shaq missed 15, and both were still around after the Mavs were gone.

"The West is about making and surviving the playoffs," Cuban said, "more than it is where you finish in the standings."

True. Still, it gives everyone something to think about the next month or so, while Shaq kicks back, and C-Web sweats it out.

MavKikiNYC · 09-13-2002, 09:25 AM

I hate Sherrington's logic here. This is all weak--wait for the rest of the West to atrophy, rather than going out and getting better. To the extent that this accurately reflects CuNellie's approach, I'm disillusioned.

Yeah, they're pursuing Lewis, and that may or may not pan out. It's about putting all their eggs in one basket. High-risk for potentially high return. They may sign Lewis, but he still has to perform. And while I like Popeye, he's going to have about as much effect as Loy Vaught or Mark Bryant or Danny Manning. And PG depth? Zilch.

It's weird that the NETS followed almost EXACTLY the blueprint for upgrades that some contributors to this board had outlined for the Mavs--sign a defensive-oriented, shot-blocking/rebounding center (Mutombo); sign a complementary-type small forward (Rogers); sign defensive-oriented depth at point-guard (Childs), while simultaenously shedding over-priced under-performers with questionable attitudes (Van Horn/~NVE) and high-dollar players with low-celing potential (TMac/~LaF).

CuNellie are taking this off-season pass/fail. Unless and until they sign Lewis, this off-season is a big, fat, freakin' failure. Standing pat means falling back.

David · 09-13-2002, 06:27 PM

I wouldn't point to the Nets as a team that was being proactive. I wouldn't want Mutombo or his contract. Rogers is OK but no world beater. He's just a guy. There are other guys still out there in free agency. I prefer what the Mavs have done so far, to what the Nets have done so far.

MavKikiNYC · 09-13-2002, 06:58 PM

If not proactive, what? They upgraded three positions in a way that increases their chances of representing the East again next year.

I know you don't care for Mutombo, David, but for the two-year window the Nets are looking at, he's pretty much the best option for them.

Rogers, I agree with you on--he's filling a spot, not really a gain or a loss.

I'd give Thorn an A+. CuNellie are headed for F's-ville.

David · 09-13-2002, 07:06 PM

The Nets made changes to make changes. I hate that. If you don't improve your team or just tread water, why do it? Mutombo was noticeabley worse in the playoffs last year. Phillie was DELIGHTED to get rid of Dikembe AND his contract. Phillie got the best of THAT trade. I would rather do NOTHING than trade for Mutombo. He's had it as a player. His backup in NJ will log heavy minutes, just as he did last year.

#1MavsFan · 09-13-2002, 07:17 PM

<< CuNellie are headed for F's-ville >>

That doesnt make sense the mavs are in a very good situation much better than the nets. The mavs are going to have the best offseason possible if they sign Lewis and if they dont they still do what everbody expected them to do and sign Jones and (or) another Fa. That is not a bad offseason for a top 4 team. They didnt need mutombo and they should at least get a b for trying to do get somebody better and not risk signing another Fa.

MavKikiNYC · 09-13-2002, 07:35 PM

Dude, you get a 'D' for deluded if you think signing Popeye and some no-name/no-game PG is not a bad offseason. Lewis makes it, anything else breaks it.

Respectfully disagree, David--those weren't changes for changes' sake; Mutombo is an upgrade over TMac, and a better fit for a more defensive-oriented style of play that they can play with Kidd, Martin, and Jefferson.

FilthyFinMavs · 09-13-2002, 07:46 PM

I agree with u in a way Mav. I think Lewis does make this a good off season but all of these teams u see doing trades and signing free agents didnt do this in the middle of the season. Indiana did and they have not made any trades or no key free agents other than Erick Strickland etc. Phoenix made a key trade and Celtics did which Celtics made another key trade but my point here is that there is no need for Mavs to sign a free agent jsut because they have an exception. If Mavs signed there free agents thats a successfull off season. Now its not a good one but its successful. I think we are gonna be weakened by losing Buck but I have to get over that hump and look at what TAW is gonna do. Alot of u forget that TAW is gonna be healthy hopefully this season which adds another player to the rotation. Mavs sign Lewis its a great off season if they dont nothing to cry about they made there adjusments in the mid season rather than the off.

Drbio · 09-13-2002, 08:04 PM

Hate to bring this up but TAW is NOT healthy. It takes 2 full years to regain leg strength after an injury like that. He will not play every night.

Rhylan · 09-13-2002, 08:14 PM

He wouldn't play every night if he WAS healthy.

It was Dumb Issel that gave him that contract, ya know. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

FilthyFinMavs · 09-13-2002, 08:18 PM

Well I mean no player plays every nba game except about a handful of them I meant that TAW didnt really play any with Mavs with this season he has the chance of playing atleast 5 games.

Dirk77 · 09-14-2002, 11:55 AM

TAW is relatively healthy in that he will be playing some.

pepperfletch · 09-14-2002, 02:16 PM

TAW makes up Bucks minutes and if not Griff does, NO big deal. (EVEN) Eddie made it plain that he did not even talk to any other team and will sign very soon... (PLUS) Raef signed and he could one of the top 3 free agents this summer (HUGE PLUS) We still control Wang and MAVS have made it clear they will either sign him or sign&trade him no matter the CBA situation. Any improvement in Wang is a (PLUS)..even if we just break even in a tradefor him we are..(EVEN) We kept Nick so far as the best back up point in the league which will allow Nash to rest more (PLUS). We clearly have DIRK improving yet again (PLUS). Donnie says (and don't LOL) that Bradley is working very hard this off-season and has high hopes that he will play like he did 2 seasons ago. If this pans out (PLUS) Nellie and Cubes both have stated over and over than defense will be focused on this year. If this proves to be true (HUGE PLUS).

IF we get Lewis (HUGE PLUS). If we get POPEYE or a similar player this would be an upgrade over Manning and Newman (PLUS) Rumors are that we will go with less than 15 players this year,if we can believe Cubes, meaning Don would need to go with a smaller rotation (PLUS)

You know Mavkiki---I do not see where they made too many errors WITH OR without Lewis...I see no minus's with this season...

MavKikiNYC · 09-14-2002, 04:54 PM

LaF--uhm....The troubling part is that you see LaF as a HUGE PLUS. Given how he to' the joint up at the World Championships, I'm not sure I see the basis for your optimism.

TAW--Even AT BEST; more likely a salary dump waiting to happen.

Eddie--Even..maybe he can score now and then.

Wang--Hopeful for improvement. Get the man some minutes.

NVE--Even from last year, but not the defensive upgrade they need.

Dirk--probably some improvement, but realistically how much more can we expect?

Bradley--LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL....

Lewis--huge potential, but he will still have to blend his talents with four other guys. But he's a risk worth taking, and the best reason to be optimistic for improvement.

Popeye--again, I've always respected his hard play, but he's no difference-maker.

Smaller rotation? I prefer tighter. No more small-ball.

But I agree with you on one point--if they sign Lewis, they will have improved (on paper) over the off-season. If not, they will have atrophied. Buckner is gone. The extent of the damage will depend on what happens with Wang and Eddie.

The errors are in terms of lost opportunities to improve, while some key rivals (Sacramento, Portland, Clippers, Minnesota...hell, Houston could even be tough) have closed the talent gap.

Opportunity Cost Bites.

David · 09-14-2002, 05:42 PM

<< The errors are in terms of lost opportunities to improve, while some key rivals (Sacramento, Portland, Clippers, Minnesota...hell, Houston could even be tough) have closed the talent gap. >>

Sacramento? They added Clark but may have subtracted Webber. They should be somewhat better IF they are adding Clark TO Webber but he will take someone's minutes from last year. Time will tell.

Portland? They added a guy with bad knees, who has gotten older and now has more rust on him. They also got SA's backup PG. At best they are back to what they were two years ago. They didn't win the championship that year.

LAC? They got the PG they needed but subtracted Darius Miles. They should be better but I wonder about chemistry, with all the distractions about contracts.

Minnesota? They haven't added ANYBODY who will make a difference, plus they lost a backup PG that played well and logged a lot of minutes. They went backward this offseason.

Houston? They should be better but they still haven't signed Yao. I like the youngsters that they've gathered.

Dallas? They, and Dirk, are a year better with no more moves RIGHT NOW. Those guys that they brought in at mid-season get a chance to have a training camp. They didn't have one last year and lack of practice time hurt the team in the playoffs. If the Mavs lose Wang, it will hurt more than losing Buck. They have alternatives to a 6'4' forward. They could use a 7' forward with Wang's ability.

MavKikiNYC · 09-14-2002, 05:53 PM

Portland signed McInnis, who put a couple of spankings on Stevie last year; and Antonio McDaniels. They were already bigger, deeper and more athletic in the backcourt, and just pulled in two more guys who've caused problems for Dallas before.

Minnesota--okay, Troy Hudson, doesn't really close the gap. I overstated that one.

pepperfletch · 09-14-2002, 06:42 PM

Mavkiki - "Bradley--LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL...."

Hey where is Evilmav2 when I need some support for Bradley? LOL

Mavkiki - "Wang--Hopeful for improvement. Get the man some minutes."

Absolutely ! wang might prove to be the biggest PLUS yet IMO...

Fidel · 09-14-2002, 08:21 PM

Actually I´m all for giving Wang more minutes.
He´d probably score 15 or so but give up 40 on the other end.
That should put an end to the rediculous overvaluing of Wang.
In another thread someone said his rebounding did improve.
Did you all check his 48 mins. rebounding average? It´s no good.

Ah, we won´t resign him him anyways.

David · 09-14-2002, 08:24 PM

<< Portland signed McInnis, who put a couple of spankings on Stevie last year; and Antonio McDaniels. They were already bigger, deeper and more athletic in the backcourt, and just pulled in two more guys who've caused problems for Dallas before. >>

Don't McInnis, Wells, Daniels and Anderson all play the same position? Looks like a minutes crunch to me. They are all about alike ability-wise. Looks like trouble. Do you throw a couple of them in there with Pippen and Qyntel Woods and call them small forwards?

Hoopsmeister · 09-14-2002, 08:29 PM

<< Sacramento? They added Clark but may have subtracted Webber. They should be somewhat better IF they are adding Clark TO Webber but he will take someone's minutes from last year. Time will tell. >>

I expect a worst case for scenario for Webber is he settles out of court with a big fine. But you are absolutely right that their additions, while good, don't change them much in relationship to the Mavs. Clark and the other guy, name is slipping my mind at the moment, mean they have more insurance against an injury and they now have more big bodies so they can play Shaq with more fouls, but that's the only place a 4th and 5th big man are particularly relevant.

<< Portland? They added a guy with bad knees, who has gotten older and now has more rust on him. They also got SA's backup PG. At best they are back to what they were two years ago. They didn't win the championship that year. >>

McInnis was a good pick-up. Sabonis is questionable, Pippen is getting older. The real question for Portland is the same as its always been--chemistry. And that's a question we won't see answered until the season starts.

<< LAC? They got the PG they needed but subtracted Darius Miles. They should be better but I wonder about chemistry, with all the distractions about contracts. >>

If Sterling doesn't settle Olowakandi, then every major Clipper is going to spend next season worrying about their personal stats for their next contract. Not a winning formula, especially not with all the players so young.

<< Minnesota? They haven't added ANYBODY who will make a difference, plus they lost a backup PG that played well and logged a lot of minutes. They went backward this offseason. >>

Essentially traded Billups for Hudson. That's a net loss.

<< Houston? They should be better but they still haven't signed Yao. I like the youngsters that they've gathered. >>

A lot of questions. And I expect Yao to be a liability this year as he learns the game.

MavKikiNYC · 09-14-2002, 10:05 PM

<< Don't McInnis, Wells, Daniels and Anderson all play the same position? Looks like a minutes crunch to me. They are all about alike ability-wise. Looks like trouble. Do you throw a couple of them in there with Pippen and Qyntel Woods and call them small forwards? >>

McInnis is a big point guard with a 3-pt shot. Wells is a 2/3, with both an explosive first step and an explosive personality.

Daniels has 2 size, but some ability to play the point. Same for Anderson.

Stoudamire is likely to be moved, but if he isn't, they can throw a waterbug PG into the mix, assuming he's not in jail.

Bottom line: Portland's backcourt has size, athleticism and versatility. As much as I like Steve and Fin, Mavericks don't go as far or as deep as Portland appears to be able to. And they haven't made a single move to upgrade.

#1MavsFan · 09-14-2002, 11:07 PM

The blazers wont are going to agian underacheive and I think steve and finley are more talented. They are allstars after all and mcinniss,wells.stoudamire,daniels are not. Fin and nash any day over the blazers guards. The mavs have the best starting backcourt in the nba.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]