Notebook: Mbenga, Jason Sasser - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

MavsFanFinley · 10-20-2004, 12:51 AM

Notebook: Rookie center Mbenga on the rise
Nowitzki will miss two games to attend grandmother's funeral

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

The plan to sit rookie center D.J. Mbenga on the bench this season has hit a snag – the newcomer is blossoming too fast.

Coach Don Nelson said Tuesday he is reassessing his thoughts on how to handle the 7-footer from the Congo.

"I didn't think I'd play him this year very much, but he's changing my mind," Nelson said. "With his athleticism and shot-blocking, he's got a chance. He doesn't speak real good English, but he learns fast."

Mbenga (prounounced BENG-a) had two points, four rebounds, two blocks and two assists in Tuesday's exhibition. His only basketball experience was three seasons in the Belgian League, and he was expected to spend this season on the injured list while learning the game and the language.

Nowitzki takes leave:

Dirk Nowitzki will be in Germany until Friday to be with his family after his maternal grandmother died at age 82 after a lengthy illness.

Nowitzki will miss two preseason games before rejoining the team for Saturday's game at Milwaukee.

"It's probably good for us and for him," coach Don Nelson said. "He's put in too many hours on the court, and it gives me a chance to look at the other two power forwards. One of them is going to have to back him up."

New face on the way:

The Mavericks will have a new face in camp today, former Texas Tech standout Jason Sasser.

A rash of injuries has forced the Mavericks to bring in another player for practice purposes.

"He's worked out with us before and he knows what our program is all about," said Donnie Nelson, president of basketball operations.

Briefly:

Don Nelson was proud of a one-liner he had Tuesday. Regarding Shawn Bradley's mild concussion, he said: "When Shawn hit the deck, it was like wood hitting wood." Responded Bradley: "Nellie should know." Nelson wasn't finished. "Thank goodness he can take a joke," Nelson said, "because I've seen him take harder falls running sprints." ... The final two preseason games, Tuesday against San Antonio and Oct. 28 against Sacramento, will be televised on HDNet, the Mavericks announced Tuesday. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

bernardos70 · 10-20-2004, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: MavsFanFinley
[b]Don Nelson was proud of a one-liner he had Tuesday. Regarding Shawn Bradley's mild concussion, he said: "When Shawn hit the deck, it was like wood hitting wood." Responded Bradley: "Nellie should know." Nelson wasn't finished. "Thank goodness he can take a joke," Nelson said, "because I've seen him take harder falls running sprints." ... The final two preseason games, Tuesday against San Antonio and Oct. 28 against Sacramento, will be televised on HDNet, the Mavericks announced Tuesday. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

Eh, that was a pretty good one, and actually made me laugh outloud.

digit · 10-20-2004, 01:25 AM

Sasser is a good addition for training camp...
He played on a high level during the last two years with Bamberg in the German Bundesliga.
Eurobasket.com

sike · 10-20-2004, 01:25 AM

Quote:

"He doesn't speak real good English, but he learns fast."

hello kettle, this is pot...man you are black.

EricaLubarsky · 10-20-2004, 01:05 PM

Quote:

The Mavericks will have a new face in camp today, former Texas Tech standout Jason Sasser.

My guess is that at least one of the two latest signees (Hood and Sasser) doesnt make it past November 2nd. Signing Sasser is a good sign that Nellie isnt too happy with Hood and Sasser is a desperation signing while our roster is short.

Quote:

The plan to sit rookie center D.J. Mbenga on the bench this season has hit a snag – the newcomer is blossoming too fast.

thats an incredible thing to hear- probably the best thing one could hear while we are shallow with injuries and Dampier hasn't yet come into form. Here's another good thing to hear. 9pts, 7reb, 3blocks, 2assists (which is Booth's line from last night)

EricaLubarsky · 10-20-2004, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: sike

Quote:

"He doesn't speak real good English, but he learns fast."

hello kettle, this is pot...man you are black.

I believe that was a joke.

sike · 10-20-2004, 01:11 PM

Quote:

I believe that was a joke.

doubtful

giantbenmav · 10-20-2004, 03:23 PM

I dont think it was a joke by Nellie either......he is not the most "book-smart" person I have heard

what sike said though was pretty funny [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

EricaLubarsky · 10-20-2004, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: sike

Quote:

I believe that was a joke.

doubtful

It seems like Nellie's sense of humor exactly.

Misfit Mav · 10-20-2004, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky

Quote:

Originally posted by: sike

Quote:

I believe that was a joke.

doubtful

It seems like Nellie's sense of humor exactly.

I have trouble telling when Nellie's joking. Remember that line last year about the thermos? "How do it know if your drink is hot or cold?"

Murphy3 · 10-20-2004, 07:32 PM

The more and more Nellie takes cheap shots at Bradley, the more and more he looks like a sorry indivicual

Phil Helmuth · 10-20-2004, 07:43 PM

Nelson= Inferiority complex.

#41 · 10-22-2004, 01:45 PM

GHP Bamberg and me, too, will really miss Jason here in Germany. He played excellent last year. Luckily Bamberg got some young guys to fill the gap...

dude1394 · 10-22-2004, 05:11 PM

I agree....crappy comments by nellie. No one wants to be called an idiot by their coach. Crappy... Best thing for shawn would be a trade to get him away from nellie.