Reminder: Hoop Troop Tryout

What: Mavs Dr Pepper Hoop Troop and Best Western Party Patrol Tryouts

When: Saturday, September 13th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: American Airlines Center Practice Court

More Info: The Dr Pepper Hoop Troop is looking for individuals with some type of cheerleading, tumbling, stunting, or other acrobatic experience, and the Best Western Party Patrol is in search of crazy Mavs fanatics to help keep the arena rowdy on game nights. Men and women who are enthusiastic, want to show their Mavs spirit, and are at least 18 years of age are encouraged to come and tryout.

Ike postpones Bass-Pacman Beach Battle

The Celebrity Beach Battle, hosted by Brandon Bass and Adam "Pacman" Jones, set for Saturday, Sept. 13th, has been postponed due to the upcoming weather conditions expected from Hurricane Ike.

The new date is Friday, Sept. 26, from 6-10 pm at the Yucatan Beach Club in Coppell. Click on the flyer for more details.

Mavs & Carter host Blood Drive

What: Mavs and Carter BloodCare to Host Blood Drive

When: Saturday, September 13, 2008, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Where: Irving Mall (Southeast side adjacent to Fuddruckers)
3880 Irving Mall, Irving, TX 75062, 972-255-0571

More Info: The Dallas Mavericks and Carter BloodCare are joining together to host a community blood drive event on Saturday, September 13th at Irving Mall. The blood drive, which is the first held in partnership with Carter BloodCare and the Dallas Mavericks, will feature an appearance by the Mavs Street Team.

Everyone in attendance will receive Mavs goodies, and everyone that donates blood will be entered into a drawing to win two pairs of tickets to a 2008-09 Dallas Mavericks regular season game.

Potential donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. People who wish to give blood should eat a nourishing meal before donating and must bring a photo ID.

For more information about donor eligibility, call Carter BloodCare at 1-800-DONATE-4 or visit http://www.carterbloodcare.org/

NBA TV announces Fan Night

To help celebrate its 10th year, NBA TV is offering up a free preview week and a new interactive feature called Fan Night. For the first time ever, fans will have the chance to vote for games they want to see televised nationally on NBA TV each Tuesday night.

“We’re proud to launch the new NBA season on NBA TV and NBA.com with the introduction of Fan Night, a landmark multi-platform experience that takes fan interactivity to an unprecedented level,” said Bryan Perez, SVP and GM of NBA Digital. “This is a great example of our commitment to increase fan involvement and take full advantage of all our platforms in an integrated manner. Fans voting online to consistently program a major, national sports network pushes the boundaries of sports digital media.”

Fans can let their voice be heard by logging onto NBA.com and selecting which of the available matchups taking place around the league should be aired nationally on NBA TV. The top vote getter will air on the network the following Tuesday night. Voting will begin Oct. 28 for the first Fan Night matchup on Nov. 4.

The 2008-09 season marks the inaugural year of the NBA’s partnership with Turner Sports to manage the NBA Digital portfolio which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com. The NBA TV schedule includes a lineup of 96 live games – the most of any network beginning Nov. 1 with Washington at Detroit. The free preview week is Oct. 28 - Nov. 4.

Community Tickets available for kids

Do you know of group of deserving kids who would like to come to a Mavs game? Well, there's a program designed to do just that.

The Dallas Mavericks Community Ticket Block Program provides the opportunity for well-deserving philanthropic organizations to attend Mavs games through donated tickets. Mavs players generously purchase and donate these tickets in order to allow underprivileged youth a chance to enjoy a Mavs game.

Non-profit organizations benefiting at-risk youth that are interested in being considered for these tickets can find more information here.

New Fan Shop Opening in Plano

What: Grand Opening weekend of the Dallas Mavericks Ultimate Fan Shop at The Shops at Willow Bend

When: Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th

Where: The Shops at Willow Bend
6121 West Park Blvd, Suite C121A (near the food court)
Plano, TX 75093

Details: To celebrate the grand opening of the club's newest apparel store, the Mavs Mascots will appear from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 6th while the Mavs Dancers and ManiAACs will be appearing at the store from 1-3 p.m.

There will also be various merchandise specials all weekend long. The Dallas Mavericks Ultimate Fan Shop at The Shops at Willow Bend will carry all the latest Mavs apparel and other Mavs items, as well as a variety of Cowboys, Rangers, Stars and collegiate apparel.

Individual game tickets on sale soon

The Dallas Mavericks have announced the on-sale dates for single-game tickets for the preseason and regular season:

• Preseason Single-Game Tickets will go on sale Monday, September 8 at 10 a.m. There will be four home preseason games with the first one tipping off on Tuesday, October 7 vs. Washington (7:30 p.m.). Tickets will be available at the American Airlines Center North Box Office, online at mavs.com and via phone by calling 214.747.MAVS.

• Regular Season Single-Game Tickets will go on sale Saturday, October 4 at 10 a.m. The 2008-09 season will include 41 regular season home games. The Mavs will open up regular season play on Thursday, October 30 vs. Houston (7 p.m.) while the regular season home finale is set for Wednesday, April 15 vs. Houston (7 p.m.).

$2 Tickets: For the second season in a row, the Mavs will be offering over 500 $2 tickets for most home games this season. "We want everyone to be able to enjoy a Mavs game live," said Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

RPL Nights: RPL Nights return again for the third year and will feature special discounted tickets for 10 pre-selected games. Tickets normally priced $9 will be $2, $19 will be $10, $35 will be $20 and $50 will be $32.

Following is the list of games that are included in the RPL nights:

Tues., Oct. 7 vs. Washington (preseason)
Sat., Oct. 18 vs. Sacramento (preseason)
Tues., Oct. 21 vs. Chicago (preseason)
Thurs., Oct. 23 vs. Indiana (preseason)
Fri., Nov. 21 vs. Memphis
Tues., Nov. 25 vs. Indiana
Thurs., Dec. 11 vs. Charlotte
Mon., Dec. 15 vs. Denver
Tues., Dec. 23 vs. Memphis
Tues., Jan. 6 vs. L.A. Clippers

On Saturday, there will be a four ticket per person limit for all regular season games, RPL nights and $2 tickets. Tickets will be available at the American Airlines Center North Box Office, online at mavs.com and via phoneby calling 214.747.MAVS.

A lottery system will be in place for those fans that choose to purchase their tickets at American Airlines Center. Beginning at 7 a.m., a lottery number will be given to each fan that arrives early. At approximately 9:30 a.m. or when all the lottery numbers have been given out (whichever comes first), there will be a drawing to determine the first person in line. All numbers sequentially following the drawn number will be the second, third,fourth, etc. in line.

Tickets will be available through all channels simultaneously and lottery numbers (at American Airlines Center) do not guarantee anyone the right to purchase game tickets. Tickets will be sold upon availability. American Airlines Center policy prohibits camping out on the premises.

A complete list of preseason and regular season home games can be found at mavs.com.

Carlisle rounds out staff

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that Dwane Casey, Terry Stotts, Mario Elie and Tom Sterner will complete Head Coach Rick Carlisle’s coaching staff. Popeye Jones and Brad Davis remain with the franchise as player development coaches, Robert Hackett returns as an assistant coach in strength and conditioning, Monte Mathis is back as the team’s head video coordinator and Gary Boren continues as the team’s free throw coach.

“This rounds out what I believe is a very strong staff,” said Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “We have an excellent mixture of playing experience, head coaching experience, on-court teachers and technical knowledge. It has been a busy and productive summer for us connecting with our players individually and during the summer league environment. We now look forward to a productive remainder of the summer and the beginning of training camp.”

Read the rest of the official release at mavs.com.

Jet hosts Autobahn Celebrity Golf Classic

Just weeks before hitting the court for the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Terry will hit the links with other local celebrities as he hosts the 2008 Autobahn Celebrity Golf Classic. This is the first time Terry will host his Mavericks teammates and other professional athletes in this event benefiting children through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Jason Terry Foundation. Sports celebrities and athletes will pair with participants for 18 holes of golf at the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas on September 15.

"I believe it's important to utilize our gifts as professional athletes, and all that goes along with that, to provide children opportunities they may not otherwise have," said Terry. "If hosting teammates and other athletes in the Dallas area for golf will help change the lives of children involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Jason Terry Foundation, I say tee-it-up."

Celebrities already confirmed for the event include Terry, Jerry Stackhouse, Gary Payton, Kurt Thomas, Rocket Ismail, Corey Dillon, Desmond Howard, Nick Van Exel, Michael Irvin, DeSagana Diop, Fred Brown, Spud Webb, Kenyon Martin, Raja Bell, Rashard Lewis, Antoine Walker and many more.

The redesigned TPC Four Seasons course in Las Colinas will feature caddies and an exclusive tournament format limited to only 18 teams. Jason Terry's celebrity friends will be paired with each foursome participating. For more information about the 2008 Autobahn Celebrity Golf Tournament or the Cantina Laredo "Party Under the Stars" contact Skyler Harper at 817.905.GOLF.

Terry has established his own foundation, The Jason Terry Foundation, supporting both community athletic and academic programs in his hometown. He also supports cancer causes and regularly participates in the NBA Read To Achieve and NBA All Star Reading Teams.

Big Brothers Big Sisters places caring adults in the lives of children in one-to-one mentoring relationships. Through the positive impact of those friendships, children with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to begin using drugs, begin using alcohol or become teenage parents. Contact us at 888.887.BIGS or http://www.bbbstx.org/

Southwest Division: Outlooks

The Southwest Division is arguably the toughest in the NBA, but is it tough enough to wrestle the trophy away from Boston? I bet the folks in Big D, Big Easy, Bayou City and Alamo City seem to think so.

The last of a three-part series by site writers from the Southwest discusses each team’s outlook for the upcoming season. As for the rest of the series, Part I: Major Moves Part II: Summer League.

Hoop Troop Tryout

The Mavs Dr Pepper Hoop Troop and Best Western Party Patrol will be holding tryouts for its 2008-09 squads on Saturday, September 13th on the Mavs practice court at American Airlines Center. Registration begins at 10:00 AM, and tryouts will take place from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

The Dr Pepper Hoop Troop is looking for individuals with some type of cheerleading, tumbling, stunting, or other acrobatic experience, and the Best Western Party Patrol is in search of crazy Mavs fanatics to help keep the arena rowdy on game nights. Men and women who are enthusiastic, want to show their Mavs spirit, and are at least 18 years of age are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals can visit mavs.com for an application, which should be submitted to Mavs Hoop Troop/Party Patrol Auditions, 2909 Taylor Street, Dallas, TX 75226. To be eligible, all applications must be received byWednesday, September 10th.

Southwest Division: Summer League

Gerald Green and O.J. Mayo were able to light up the guys in summer league, but are they ready for prime time in the rugged Southwest Division? What about the new faces in Houston, San Antone and the Big Easy?

The team writers from Southwest take you through all that happened this summer in the second of a three-part series titled Summer League Synopsis. The first installment was Major Moves and it'll finish with the Outlooks for the upcoming season.

Check out the second installment at mavs.com.

Casey's Journal: The End

(Mavs trainer Casey Smith also performed those duties for Team USA. He kept a journal on life at the Olympics in Beijing. This is the last entry.)

So I am on a plane from Minneapolis to Dallas. It has been 21 hours since we left the hotel in Beijing, and it will be another 2 or 3 before I get home. I’m tired, hung-over, happy, need a shower, and officially tired of hotel food, shampoo in tiny bottles and 2 inch bars of soap. I can’t remember what it is like to drive a car, use a real key, or use a remote that I don’t have to wonder which button controls what.

But I can say that this has honestly been the best professional and to some extent personal experience I have had. The World Championships in 2006 that entailed the trips to China, Korea, and Japan seem like a lifetime ago. I know more about the geography of Las Vegas (where we have had 3 years of training camps) than I do Dallas … almost.

In our sports world there truly are few comparisons to what the team has experienced. The pressure to win and the performance that was turned in by the players is unimaginable. In the regular NBA season, you can always qualify the wins/losses as good/bad, great season, we overachieved, etc. But in this situation, you simply could not lose 1 game. Think about that. Not a single game.

For example, think about the Lakers this season. They had a better season than almost everyone expected, Kobe won the MVP, they have high hopes for next season, but they lost 4 of their last 6 games. But everyone says “Yeah, but they had a great season.” There isn’t any such luxury for these guys.

We flew from Beijing to Anchorage this morning to clear customs and refuel. Then we flew to Minneapolis where we all caught flights to take us to our final destinations. So at the airport in Anchorage, I was reading some of the media coverage of the game yesterday, and I read the Associated Press article that ESPN had up first. It is probably the most widely read account of the game that will be printed in newspapers worldwide.

So it’s obvious how I feel about the team, and of course the guy from the AP simply qualified the victory as lucky. Luck? Are you kidding me? Luck like hitting 45% of our 3-point shots, luck like hitting almost all of our free throws in the second half, luck like not caving under extreme pressure, luck like weathering horrendous officiating, luck like taking the best game that Spain (who starts 5 players drafted by the NBA and one that will be when he is old enough) could hope to offer and still beating them by 11 points.

So 2 games played a combined 48 point differential and we are lucky. Anyway, the people that were there, the people that watched it know that it wasn’t luck, it was the exact position that these guys are faced with every time they take the floor against international competition. They have to play as well as they can or try every time. But it was just luck. Anyway, vent officially over.

Quite a few people have asked me what the locker room was like after the game, and the locker room was actually a little surreal and subdued. The on-court scene immediately after the final buzzer and the sensation with 25 seconds left was just an overwhelming sense of relief and pride. To see that these guys really had taken the task at hand seriously literally almost day-in and day-out was impressive. In the locker room, everyone was just a little dazed. Some of my favorite moments from the day were:

• The raising of the American Flag after the medal presentation. This really is an easy one, but it is more emotional than you think.
• The look on Coach K’s face with 25 seconds to go and he realizes that this is really happening.
• The look on the face of the people that work day-in and day-out for USA Basketball. They have lived this for 8 years since the last gold. For the rest of us it has been a summer job. For them it has been their lives.
• Watching Argentina and Spain, the other Medal winners, watching our guys celebrate in the hallway prior to walking out for the Medal Ceremony.
• The bus ride back to the hotel when the guys let loose the champagne sprays. We didn’t do it in the locker room at the USOC’s request, so to do that in such a small space was crazy.
• The way that all 12 of the players stepped up to the podium in unison.
• All 12 of the players going to the postgame press conference, instead of only a selected few.

Anyway, I’ve rambled on enough. I have attached 3 pics. The first is the guys at center court immediately after the final horn sounded, and the other 2 are self explanatory (first and second). I will see you all down the road.

All the best,
Casey

Gold medalist Kidd in select company

The following was released today by the NBA office:

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team defeated Spain in Sunday’s gold medal game in Beijing, bringing the total to 24 current or former NBA players who earned medals at the 2008 Olympic Games. Argentina defeated Lithuania for the bronze medal.

The NBA was well represented on the rosters for the men’s basketball competition at the 2008 Olympic Games. A total of 42 current and former NBA players were on the 12 Olympic rosters, the highest number since NBA players began participating in the Olympics in 1992. Ten Olympic teams had at least one current or former player on their roster.

The United States, dating back to the 1936 Olympic Games, has captured 13 of the 16 Olympic gold medals which it competed for. With the victory, Jason Kidd extended his international record to 56-0 in Olympics, Olympic qualifying and exhibition games. Kidd joins a distinguished list of NBA players, including Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan and David Robinson, among others, that have won multiple Olympic gold medals.

First-time Olympians and gold-medalists for the United States include Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz), Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons), Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz).

The silver medal-winning Spanish Olympic Team featured seven current or former NBA players, led by Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers), Jose-Manuel Calderon (Toronto Raptors), Rudy Fernandez (Portland Trail Blazers), Jorge Garbajosa (Toronto Raptors, 2007-08), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), Raul Lopez (Utah Jazz, 2002-05) and Juan Carlos Navarro (Memphis Grizzlies, 2007-08)

Argentina received the Bronze and was led by Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs), Carlos Delfino (Toronto Raptors, 2007-08, Detroit Pistons 2004-07), Andres Nocioni (Chicago Bulls), Fabricio Oberto (San Antonio Spurs), and Luis Scola (Houston Rockets).

NBA 101: Basketball for Women

Attention all ladies! Here's your chance to go behind the scenes and learn basic basketball fundamentals from Mavs players, coaches, and staff. Get all the inside scoop on the Mavs at NBA 101! Click here for the application.

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 17th, 6-10PM
WHERE: American Airlines Center
• Park in Lot F (north side on All-Star Way)
• Enter American Airlines Center through the north entrance
COST: $65 per attendee
• Enrollment is limited to the first 200 applicants

WHAT IS INCLUDED:
• Dinner and refreshments provided (Cash bar)
• Voucher for two tickets to a preseason game
• NBA 101 T-Shirt
• NBA 101 Workbook

CONTENT/FORMAT (subject to change):
• Groups of 20-25 rotate among various stations
• Raffle tickets sold for various prizes
• Dinner and Drinks in the Old #7
• Mavs ManiAACs Performance
• Group photos taken and available for order

ROTATIONS (subject to change):
• Rotations 1, 2, 3 on practice court:
• 1-Offense
• 2-Officiating/Rules
• 3-Defense
• 4-therapy room: injuries/rehab
• 5-weight room: strength and conditioning regimen
• 6-locker room: Q&A with select players and group photo
• 7-Old #7 Club: Broadcasters

Devean George re-signed

DALLAS— The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have re-signed forward Devean George. Per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed.

George, a nine-year veteran, played his first seven seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers before the Mavericks originally signed him on August 2, 2006. In 53 games last season with four starts, George averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game. Over his NBA career, he holds averages of 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 542 games.

The Minneapolis native attended Augsburg College before being drafted by the Lakers with the 23rd pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. He is the seventh player in NBA history to win an NBA championship in each of his first three seasons and also is the first player from a Division III university to appear in the NBA Finals.

“Getting Devean back in a Mavs uniform has been a goal of ours all summer,” said Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “His experience and ability to run the floor and play and defend multiple positions will be a great asset for us this season.”

Casey's Journal: Wow

(Mavs trainer Casey Smith also performed those duties for Team USA. He kept a journal on life at the Olympics in Beijing. This one sums it all up.)

It is 5:15 am and I am getting ready to check out of the hotel and head to the airport. What a game. It is hard to describe the sense of accomplishment and genuine joy that the guys seem to display by this.

I crawled into bed about an hour ago, but I have plenty of time to sleep on the plane. I got some great pictures tonight, but I think this one sums it up the best.

Wow.

Thanks for all of the emails and good wishes. I look to catching up with each of you in time and sharing more of what a great, but exhausting experience this has been.

Casey

Beach volleyball: Brandon and Pacman

Brandon Bass and Adam "Pacman" Jones are teaming up to host the First Annual Celebrity Volleyball Beach Battle on Sept. 13 at the Yucatan Beach Club in Coppell.

Josh Howard, Jason Terry, J.J. Barea and several Dallas Cowboys will also participate in the charity tournament.

Each celebrity will play on a team with four fans. The cost is $2,500 per team, with proceeds going to the Brandon Bass Reach Back Foundation.

Tickets will be sold for $10 (adults) and $5 (children).

For more info: (310) 774-1999 or email linda@lunachicpr.com. Also click on the flyer image (left) for an expanded view with plenty of details.

Win an autographed Dirk shirt

The good folks over at 41-world.com, Dirk's official site, have devised a 41-question quiz. There's still time to enter and the winner gets Dirk's autographed t-shirt from the Nike Human Race that he'll run in Munich on August 31st.

The questions run the gamut from layups to half-court heaves, but those serious Dirk fans (with the help of Google and Wiki) should be able to figure it out. So head on over to 41-world.com and start the quiz here under the blog section.

It's truly ri-Dirk-culous.

Casey's Journal: Gold

(Mavs trainer Casey Smith is also performing those duties for Team USA. He's keeping a journal on life at the Olympics in Beijing.)

Well it really is 4:41am here in Beijing when I start this letter, and I really think that at this point I might not go to sleep. In some ways I feel like I have kind of a lot invested in this whole thing, and in a lot of ways, I am very realistic about how so many more people have much more invested in it than me, but it is exciting to be a part of it nonetheless. Just to have been around so many meetings, practices, games, events all geared towards Sunday at 2:30 and to really be here and only have 40 minutes of basketball left to determine whether or not we were successful. It's just here. Finally.

The game tonight vs. Argentina, really went like the last 3 years of games that we have played vs. them. That being we won big. It’s funny how relative the reality that you are presented can be. The media presents Argentina as this big powerhouse, but in reality, we have played them 3 times since the '04 Olympics (when we lost to them) and beat them easily each time, and tonight was no different. We got out to a big lead, and then had some little let downs, but all in all the guys played very hard and they are just too much when they do that.

(I am now picking up at 7:00 pm local time. I actually did sleep for about 4 hours). The whole thing is now closing and we have all the excitement and anticipation of playing the game mixed with all of the work involved in packing up our supplies, our personal stuff and just overall being ready to go home. I have thoroughly enjoyed Beijing and would seriously consider coming back for vacation.

We just had a light walk through today and a long film session and meeting preparing for Spain. Given that we really beat them in pool play, the thing you have to guard against is a false sense of security, but we are ready to win this thing and get our program back on top where it belongs.

I know I keep saying that I have a lot of stories and what not to tell you guys, but I really am short on time. I attached a picture of Jason and me at practice today, and an ad that I saw in a Nike store here in Beijing. Hey! I know that guy! Hopefully the next dispatch from me is a happy one.

GO USA!!
Casey

Casey's Journal: The Surreal Life

(Mavs trainer Casey Smith is also performing those duties for Team USA. He's keeping a journal on life at the Olympics in Beijing.)

Three years, over 30 games played together, well over 16 weeks on the road together and it comes down to the next 48 hours. Eighty minutes of basketball will decide if all the effort, time, money, media work, time away from families, etc., all of it worked or not.

It is really strange to be in a position that not winning is complete, abject failure. If we win, everyone says, ‘Well, you guys should win. You have the best players in the world.’ If we lose, everyone says that the players don’t care, we’re too cocky, the rest of the world has caught up … blah, blah, blah. I will say that the team as a whole has a good grasp on the significance of winning this thing.

Yesterday in practice was the most focused I have seen a team. Talk about defensive strategy and really working through scenarios for the game tonight. I was actually impressed. The guys like Kobe, Jason, LeBron have really thought about what we need to do in certain situations, what these players’ strengths are, etc. and they were really dialed in.

Now, what that means for the game tonight, I have no idea, but the general perception that we just roll the ball out and play couldn’t be farther from the truth. Our last game vs. Australia started a little rough for us and we really weren’t doing the things offensively that make us good as a team. Thanks to Coach K, we responded. There really is a lot riding on these next 2 games, more than is probably perceived outside of this group. Anyway, my point is it has been a long haul and it is finally here.

Outside of basketball, the rest of the trip has been interesting, and China is a remarkable country, but I would be lying if I didn’t get the sense that everyone is ready to get home. Today is the 35th day on the road this trip … so yeah, I would say that is definitely long enough.

Lots of other interesting stuff for me, too. I got to go to the Gold Medal women’s beach volleyball yesterday and I got some emails. Apparently they showed Jason on NBC and I was standing next to him. I am sure that event was a ratings win for NBC. Athletic girls + white bikinis + rain = International Happiness. I ran into a couple from Ohio who know where Wellston is. She works for Ohio State and he works for the Ohio Farm Bureau. So I’m in China talking Ohio farming, and I’m such an expert … not. We were at an outdoor cafe and they did like to drink beer, and that is a much stronger topic for me anyway.

One of the women on the women’s basketball team (Katie Smith) is from Logan, Ohio, and I met her parents. I have been to a couple more temples, etc. The traffic here is really mounting here as the Games get ready to come to a close. They have had specific travel restrictions for citizens and automobiles, and I think gradually that has loosened, because the traffic is overwhelming. So the subway has really been the way to go, but the crowds there have been massive as well. Well, off to shootaround, then ready for the big game.

I have attached a couple of random pictures. One is from the dining hall in the Athletes Village. The crowd that you see is the players trying to eat, and the mob scene that they cause just by being there. The best part is you can see where JKidd is sitting. He and I just sat outside of the rest and no one really noticed. I told him he just isn’t that big in China. Too old.

The other is one of me at Temple of Heaven, which is a series of temples built for the emperors to pray for good crops. The best part is adjacent to the temple they have a “Hall of Abstinence” which the emperors had to go for a specified period of time to “purify” themselves prior to praying.

Later,
Casey

Southwest Division: Major Moves

Ron Artest is in H-town, the youthful Grizz decided to go Greene ... and found Love, those old Spurs are trying to get young, the Hornets brought in a two-time champ and your Mavs swapped out skippers.

It’s been a summer of change in the Southwest Division and the writers from each team’s site are sharing their thoughts about these offseason activities. This three-part series begins with the Major Moves made by the Mavs, Grizzlies, Rockets, Hornets and Spurs.

The next two pieces will focus on Summer League performances and outlooks for the upcoming season. Check out the first installment at mavs.com.

Casey's Journal: Hangin' with Phelps

(Mavs trainer Casey Smith is also performing those duties for Team USA. He's keeping a journal on life at the Olympics in Beijing.)

Well, it is Wednesday morning here in China, and the big push to the finish starts tonight. We play Australia tonight, and for these next 3 games it is all or none. I can’t believe that after 3 years, all the travel, all the games and practices that this is finally here, and we seem to be in a good position to accomplish our goal.

Our game against Germany the other night was a total walk over. Talk about overwhelmed. It’s a hell of a way for Dirk to go out after playing on his national team for 13 years, but they never had a chance in the game. Those games are big for him, because it is his true set of peers. He has a lot of respect from the guys on our team.

They know that they are the best in the USA, but they also know that he would be on this team were he a US citizen. He is staying for a few more days here in Beijing, and it sounds like he is enjoying himself. He deserves it. I got a picture of him and Boeheim after the game.

We also had a surprise guest come to the locker room after the game, Michael Phelps. It was funny to see all of our guys get a little giddy about the fact that Michael Phelps was there. I got a pic with him. Not a bad week for him, right?

Well, I have got so many things to write about, and I have been really busy but we are leaving for shootaround so I wanted to get this out briefly. I got out to track and field last night and had great seats, 12th row and saw about 3 hours of events. Hot as hell, but a lot of fun.

I got to see the medal presentation for the men's 400m which the US swept, so it was really cool to have the national anthem play and see all 3 US athletes on the stand. It may sound corny, but it really is moving.

I have been using the subway most of the time, but the mass of humanity is unbelievable. I have been to some more temples and parks, done my share of haggling in the market, and met a lot of people, including quite a few folks from Ohio.

Anyway, lots to catch up on, but I gotta run.

Olympics end for Dirk

The summer of 2008 is one Dirk Nowitzki will always remember. If qualifying for the Olympics wasn't emotional enough, the Big German hoisted his country's flag at the Opening Ceremonies.

It didn't matter that Germany won only one game and finished its run with today's rout at the hands of the Redeem Team. You can't keep score on a dream and Dirk fulfilled his.

Here are the details of Team USA's win over Germany that completed a undefeated run through pool play for the Americans:

The 2008 U.S. Men's Olympic Team (5-0) compiled 40 minutes of total domination in its final preliminary round game against Germany (1-4), recording its largest margin of victory yet with a 106-57 win Monday night at Wukesong Arena in Beijing, China.

Less than seven minutes into the first quarter, the USA had taken a 20-3 lead, which only continued to grow with each quarter. The USA improved a 19-point advantage at the end of the first quarter to a 24-point lead at halftime, a 37-point lead after three periods and was up by 49 points as the final buzzer sounded.

Everybody scored for the USA, led by 22 points from Dwight Howard, 18 points from LeBron James, 13 points from Kobe Bryant and 10 points from Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.

China outlasts Germany

Dirk Nowitzki's first and possibly only Olympic experience is coming to an end. The Germans are 1-3 in pool play with Team USA the last foe on the docket.

Here's the AP account of China's win over Germany:

BEIJING (AP) - An emotional Yao Ming scored 25 points to lead China to a dramatic 59-55 win against Dirk Nowitzki and Germany as the Olympic hosts earned a berth in the medal round in men's basketball.

The Houston Rockets center posted the game's first four points and was the emotional leader in the he pivotal contest, constantly chest bumping teammates and encouraging teammates with high-fives. Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets added nine points and pulled down 11 rebounds for China (2-2).

The players celebrated the victory at midcourt as if they had won a medal.

"I'm very happy for the players. It was a difficult game psychologically. We played at home and had to win," China's Lithuainian-born coach Jonas Kazlauskas said.

Team USA routs Greece

In its first real test of the 2008 Olympics, the U.S. Men's Olympic Team (3-0) passed with flying colors and soaring dunks to top Greece (1-2) 92-69 Thursday night at Wukesong Arena in Beijing, China.

Having earned three wins in as many outings in preliminary group play, the USA also secured its berth into the Olympic medal round quarterfinals, regardless of the outcome of its preliminary round games against Spain (3-0) on Saturday and Germany (1-2) on Monday.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) and Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors) led the way with 18 points each; followed by 17 points, six steals and five assists from Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat); and 13 points, six rebounds and six assists from LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers).

Jason Kidd started and had three rebounds and one assist in seven minutes. Read more at the USA Basketball site.

Preseason schedule released

The Dallas Mavericks announced their 2008 preseason schedule today which opens against the Washington Wizards on October 7.

Following the Washington game, Dallas plays four straight games on the road and concludes the eight-game schedule with three games at home.

The Mavericks’ road schedule includes games against the Chicago Bulls (Oct. 9), the Milwaukee Bucks in La Crosse, Wis. (Oct. 10), the Indiana Pacers (Oct. 15) and the Detroit Pistons (Oct. 16).

The remaining three homes games are against Sacramento (Oct. 18), Chicago (Oct. 21) and Indiana (Oct. 23). Following preseason action, Dallas tips off the 2008-09 regular season on Oct. 30 vs. Houston.

The preseason schedule is as follows:

DATE, OPPONENT, TIME (CT), ARENA
Oct. 7, Washington, 7:30 p.m., American Airlines Center
Oct. 9, at Chicago, 7:30 p.m., United Center
Oct. 10, at Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m.,La Crosse Center
Oct. 15, at Indiana, 6 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse
Oct. 16, at Detroit, 6:30 p.m., Palace of Auburn Hills
Oct. 18, Sacramento, 8 p.m., American Airlines Center
Oct. 21, Chicago, 7:30 p.m., American Airlines Center
Oct. 23, Indiana, 7:30 p.m., American Airlines Center

Germany falls to Spain

The German National Team met up with unbeaten Spain on Thursday, but couldn't keep up in a 72-59 loss. Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.

Up next for Germany is host China. Both teams are 1-2 in pool play.

"It's a must-win situation for us if we're to make it to the quarterfinals," Nowitzki said. "They all shoot extremely well. [China] should have beaten Spain.

"It will be a tough game with the home crowd but it will be fun."

Jason Kidd will lead the U.S. against Greece at 7 a.m. CDT.

Josh Howard Celebrity Softball Game

The first Josh Howard Foundation Celebrity Softball Showdown will be this Saturday (Aug. 16th) at Grimes Park in DeSoto. The J-HO All-Stars will take on the K-104 Ballers to benefit the Josh Howard Foundation.

Confirmed Celebrities: Tracy McGrady (Houston Rockets), Kenyon Martin (Denver Nuggets), Rocsi (106 & Park), DMC (Run DMC), Michael Blackson (Comedian), Desagana Diop (Mavs), Jason Terry (Mavs), Greg Buckner (Memphis Grizzlies), Pastor Frederick Haynes (Friendship West Baptist Church), Everson Walls (Former Cowboy), Giovonne Samuels (Disney Channel), Reginald Ballard (From “Martin”), Derek Harper (Former Mav), and Marcus Paulk (Roll Bounce).

Admission is only $10. Pay at the stadium. Only accepting cash. Giveaways include Mavs tickets and $1,000 cash.

Who: Josh Howard and Celebrity Friends
What: Celebrity Softball Game
When: Saturday, Aug 16.
Schedule: Autograph Session (3-4 pm), Celebrity Home Run Derby (4-5 pm) and Celebrity Softball Showdown (5-7 pm)
Where: Grimes Park, 501 East Wintergreen, DeSoto, TX

AFTER PARTY INFO:
The Empire Room (48th Floor at 1401 Elm in Downtown Dallas)
At 9pm and featuring celebrities from Softball Showdown

USA outlasts China in historic meeting

BEIJING (Olympics) – Yao Ming and China provided plenty of thrills but they were powerless to stop a US onslaught on Sunday.

Dwyane Wade poured in 19 points and LeBron James 18 as the United States, one of the leading contenders for the gold medal at the Beijing Games, won 101-70.

“It was a difficult game against them,” China coach Jonas Kazlauskas said to FIBA.com. “The conditioning level is not the same. There is a very big difference individually.”

With President George W Bush and his father, former President George Bush, looking on from the stands, an electric Chinese crowd cheered for China but was also very enthusiastic about the USA’s NBA superstars as well.

For more, click here.

Nowitzki powers Germany past Angola

BEIJING (Olympics) - Germany needed three overtimes and 47 points to beat Angola at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, but that was before Dirk Bauermann’s team had Chris Kaman.

The Los Angeles Clippers center, who obtained his Germany passport in July and helped the country win the final spot on offer for Beijing at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, poured in 24 points while superstar Dirk Nowitzki added 23 as the Mannshaft rolled to a 95-66 triumph.

Both players had 17 points in the first half.

“We have a great opportunity here,” Kaman said. “I think we have a great basketball team and I think we’re better than we think we are but we will see when we play against Spain.”

Read the rest here.

Foster signs in Italy

Shan Foster is headed to Europe for the upcoming season. The second-round pick out of Vanderbilt signed a one-year deal with a team in Italy.

Going overseas allows Foster a chance to work on his game, while the Mavs retain his NBA rights. Reyshawn Terry and Ronnie Seibutis, second rounders in 2007, followed the same path a year ago.

The move looks like it paid off for Terry, who came back to the States stronger and more polished. He’s expected to be in training camp in October. Seibutis is returning to Europe again this season.

Foster had a solid showing in summer league, but his chances of sticking this fall were slim on a roster loaded with swingmen. Instead of wasting away on the bench or spending his rookie year in the D-League, Foster can lace up against the best basketball competition outside the NBA.

Casey Smith: Olympic Journal Entry 1

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd aren't the only Mavs in Beijing right now. Yes, many of you know about Donnie Nelson, who's an assistant on the Chinese national team, but there's also a fourth logging Olympic duty.

Head trainer Casey Smith is once again helping take care of those million-dollar bodies on Team USA. Smith, an all-around good dude, also did an Olympic tour in Athens. If that's not enough, he's kind enough to grace us with a first-hand account of his life for the next couple of weeks.

After 10 days of practice in other parts of China – Shanghai and Macau – Team USA descended on Beijing. Here's Casey's report:

Our first full day in Beijing and I wake up at 6:00 am August 7, 2008. It has been a packed first day-and-a-half. Last night when we got in we had our first team meeting that wasn't revolving around scouting an opponent. Basically it was just very directed points about what the team needs to do to be successful.

We are staying at the Intercontinental in the financial district of Beijing and sharing quarters with the Women's team as well. The hotel is really nice, as is to be expected, but it is not really close to anything. From what I understand the subway stop is only about a 10-minute walk, so we are planning on getting out a bit after we get through these first couple of days.

Last night after our team meeting, the entire team took a trip to the Olympic Village. My only experience with Olympic-style housing was Athens in 2004 and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2003. Let's just say that whatever problems that are associated with a communist government, construction and manpower aren't one of them. The Village is beautiful. It is a series of apartment buildings 10 stories tall and it houses approximately 10,000 athletes and the associated services like the hospital, laundry, dining hall, etc.

The theme of the Olympics so far is security and the IOC has been very strict with the credentials and what they allow people to do and where it allows them to go. I am lucky, as I am part of the official USOC medical staff so my credential is all encompassing and allows me to go anywhere at any time. Our first full day here we had 2 practices, which was yesterday, and today the guys had the official IOC media day with one hour of press conferences, then straight to practice, then team lifting after.

Now we are back at the hotel, it is 4:45 pm here and the team is getting ready for opening ceremonies. Bummer for me, I am not able to attend. The IOC limits the number of support staff that can go, so out of the 40 medical personnel that represent the USA here, only 7 people get to go and I was not one of the ones selected. I can't really complain though, since I did get to go in 2004 in Athens.

The good news is that I still get to keep the sweet white slacks that are part of the parade outfit and the blue sport coat with the Olympic rings on it. All in all, though, it is a long day since the staging for the ceremonies, the parade and return to the village then the hotel will take 8+ hours. The good side of this is that the guys will be gone for the whole night and we can actually relax a bit and do whatever we want. So it's not all bad.

We practice at a place called Beijing Normal University which is a university that the USOC has rented out for our teams to have access to training facilities outside of the normal venues. Once the games start, practice time is extremely structured and you can't vary at all. This gives us some flexibility and also gives us our own medical facility, weight room, training room, etc.

Again, I have still been very busy, but all in all it's exciting and the guys are definitely ready to play some games. The past 3 weeks have been a lot like the NBA pre-season in that it's hard to get pumped up for all the games when in the back of your mind you know they really don't matter.

I am also the budding photographer. Check out the photo credits on this linked page. I took this when we were at the athletes village the other night. I attached a couple other pictures. One of me and Keith working pre-game, and another of me on some dragon thing in front of a bank in Shanghai. The best part about that one is the security guard coming up behind me. He wasn't pleased in the slightest.

Anyway, I am going to kick back and watch the opening ceremonies tonight and enjoy the show. It's just over 48 hours 'til the first game, which is at 10:15 am EST on the 10th on NBC. It is us against China and they expect it to be the most watched basketball game in history.

That's it for now.

adidas Nations hits Big D

adidas Nations, the global grassroots basketball program which first launched in 2007, is set to kick off its final camp, adidas Basketball Experience in Dallas at the Integrated Athletic Development (IAD) facility August 7 – 12.

The camp will feature eight international teams – Africa, Asia Red, Asia Blue, Canada, Europe, Latin America, US 2009 and US 2010 – along with sixteen NBA players and coaches acting as adidas Nations Head Coaches and NBA Mentors.

NBA players Antawn Jamison, TJ Ford, Josh Smith, Kyle Lowry, Desmond Mason, Raymond Felton and Antonio Daniels will be on-site to assist the young players and mentor them throughout the camp.

Paul Silas, Detlef Schrempf, Terry Stotts, Larry Krystowiak, Lionel Hollins, Frank Johnson, Ed Schilling and Dwane Casey will act as regional Head Coaches. The addition of NBA staffing will offer players first rate guidance from highly esteemed league veterans and current coaches and players.

adidas Nations is designed to emphasize and focus on adidas’ core belief that real success in the game of basketball comes from playing as a team. The training and educational activities are designed to provide insight on what it takes to elevate their basketball careers to collegiate and NBA-levels.

All eight participating teams will take part in daily practices, workout rotations and games at the IAD facility located at 2800 North Interstate 35E, Carrollton, Texas.

There's also a community outreach program built around adidas’ long-term relationship with Peace Players International – a global not-for-profit organization and 2007 ESPN Arthur Ashe Courage Award ESPY recipient – that will grant players a first hand experience with community outreach and social responsibility.

Here's the info:
WHAT: Free youth basketball clinic for local youth
WHO: adidas Nations players
WHEN: August 11 from 9:30am-11am
WHERE: Prestonwood Baptist Church (6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, TX).
MORE: The clinic is open and free of charge to boys and girls ages 9-14.

Basketball carries the Flag

Five NBA players are flag bearers at these Games:

Yao Ming: China
Dirk Nowitzki: Germany
Manu Ginobili: Argentina
Andrei Kirilenko: Russia
Sarunas Jasikevicius: Lithuania

Nowitzki thinks the fact that there are so many flag-bearers from the sport of Basketball underlines the sport's popularity.

"It shows that Basketball is getting bigger all over the world," he says. "It used to be a smaller sport, but now everybody plays it. The NBA has fans all over the world. It's becoming a global game."

Read more about this in "How many Basketball players does it take to carry a flag?" on the FIBA website.

NBA.com also has a page up dedicated to the Olympics called Beijing 2008.

Official release: Mavs announce schedule

DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks announced their 2008-09 season schedule today, which includes nine games on ESPN, seven on TNT and five on ABC.

Dallas begins its 29th season on Thursday, Oct. 30 at home as they take on the Houston Rockets. It also marks the eighth season at American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks’ nine ESPN telecasts include Nov. 7 at Denver, Nov. 19 at Houston, Nov. 28 at L.A. Lakers, Jan. 9 at Phoenix, Jan. 23 at Detroit, Jan. 28 vs. Golden State, March 4 vs. San Antonio, April 8 vs. Utah and April 15 vs. Houston.

TNT features the Mavericks seven times. Those games are the season opener Oct. 30 vs. Houston, Nov. 13 at Chicago, Dec. 4 vs. Phoenix, Dec. 25 at Portland, Feb. 5 at Utah, Feb. 12 vs. Boston and March 5 at New Orleans.

Dallas also has five nationally televised games on ABC. They are Jan. 25 at Boston, Mar. 15 at L.A. Lakers, March 29 at Cleveland, April 5 vs. Phoenix and April 10 vs. New Orleans.

The remaining portion of the Mavericks local television schedule for games on TXA21 and Fox Sports Net will be released shortly. All games can be heard on ESPN 103.3 FM and on KFLC (1270 AM) in Spanish.

Contrary to last season, Dallas spends most of November and March on the road. The team plays a season-high 10 games on the road each of those months. November features two three-game road stints, while March has one of the team’s two four-game jaunts. The other one falls in January.

December is kind to the Mavericks as they play nine of their 15 games at home, including a stretch of seven straight at American Airlines Center from Dec. 2-15. It also marks the first time since the 2003-04 season that the team plays on Christmas Day. This season Dallas will travel to Portland for the holiday.

Dallas plays six of its eight games in April at American Airlines Center to conclude the 2008-09 regular season.

In total, the Mavericks have 16 back-to-backs this season. Six of them begin on the road and conclude at home, five are home-away and five are on the road.

For information on full season, half and mini packages, call 214-747-MAVS for the best available seating and ticket plans in American Airlines Center.

Mavs get dates with Houston & X-mas

The Mavs are part of the Tip-Off 08 festivities, as the NBA released its broadcast schedule today. Dallas makes its national TV debut and opens the season on Oct. 30 as TNT presents a doubleheader featuring four of the Western Conference’s premier teams.

Start planning, because the complete Mavs schedule is available at mavs.com.

The Houston Rockets, led by Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and Ron Artest, visit American Airlines Center for a 7 p.m. CT tipoff. The second game features All-Stars Chris Paul and David West and the New Orleans Hornets heading to Phoenix to match up against two-time MVP Steve Nash and the Suns.

Dallas is also in action on Christmas Day. The second game of another TNT doubleheader features Portland, with former Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy and possibly the next one in Greg Oden, hosting the Mavs at 9:30 p.m. CT.

For the first time ever, the NBA’s three national television partners – ABC, ESPN and TNT – will each televise games on Christmas.

Dirk and Kidd: Carlisle's rooting interest

The five-ringed spotlight falls on Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd later this week, for different reasons, as the Olympics open in Beijing. Kidd has been there and done that with Team USA. This is all new for Nowitzki, freshly chosen as the German flag bearer.

“I’ll be watching it very closely just because I have a rooting interest for both guys,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. “I’m viewing the Olympic experience as very positive for our team because I think that kind of experience will help your growth as a player.”

You can bet Carlisle has Aug. 18 circled, as the Americans and Germans finish off pool play against each other. (Olympic schedule.) Nowitzki and Kidd last faced off against one another in the All-Star Game.

“The Olympics will be of great interest to all Mavs fans because of these two guys and it’s two great stories,” Carlisle continued. “Jason Kidd is the elder statesman and captain of the US team, and Dirk is the captain and inspirational leader of Germany’s team. It’s a huge deal.”

Carlisle spent some time with Nowitzki in Germany earlier this summer and came away with a better understanding of why the Olympic dream meant so much.

“I was able to get a feel for how important this is to him, his teammates and his country,” Carlisle said. “To qualify again for the Olympics … it’s been so long. This establishes a lasting legacy in his country.”

Dirk bearing the Colors & Rings

Dirk Nowitzki will be Germany’s flag bearer at the opening ceremonies in Beijing this week. It looks like that petition paid off. Think he’s excited? Check out the hair. It’s got a nice ring to it.

What a summer for Dirk. Not only is he participating in the Olympics, but he’ll be front-and-center when the German contingent enters the Olympic stadium. He is the first German basketball player so honored.

Here is the release from our good friends at the German Basketball Federation:

Dirk Nowitzki of the German Basketball Team is named the German flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) chose Nowitzki due to his perfect interpretation of the Olympic idea. The German Olympic delegation will enter the Olympic Arena "Bird's nest" as 198th of 205 nations. Nowitzki is then leading the 438 German participants at the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing.

"It's a great honor and I'm very excited for the Opening ceremony on Friday. It has always been our dream to participate at the Olympic games and now we finally made it!" Nowitzki said in a first statement.

Ingo Weiss, President of the German Basketball Federation explained: "We are all very proud of Dirk. He has worked on his Olympic dream with huge dedication and commitment."

"Dirk absolutely deserves it. It is tough to think of another exemplary athlete. Dirk always works hard for the team in order to be successful," said the German head coach Dirk Bauermann.

More Dancer Photos from Vegas

Check out more photos like this one at the Friends.mavs.com and the Dancer page on mavs.com.

Diary of the Dancer Calendar Shoot

The Mavs Dancers are in Las Vegas shooting their latest and greatest swimsuit calendar. Check out exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot and a daily recap of all the fun in the Vegas sun at the Dancers’ page at mavs.com.

You can also preorder the calendar for just $10.99 before the price goes up.

Step Brothers: Nasty and BoomDizzle

This isn't Mavs related, but it's too good to pass up. Check out Steve Nash and Baron Davis hanging in Santa Monica. It's absolute greatness. Thanks to Matt for the heads up.

Trade winds still ... for now

The competition for open roster spots should be fierce this fall, but the Mavs aren’t necessarily done tinkering with the team. Just don’t expect any changes in the immediate future with president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson in China preparing for the Olympics as an assistant on the Chinese national team.

“As we say in TV, ‘Stay tuned,’” Rick Carlisle said. “Anything is possible. There can be no activity, there can be a huge trade or there can be a minor trade. There are a host of possibilities, but right now it’s quiet.”

Rhodes weighing European offers

Charles Rhodes isn’t a training camp lock. The rugged forward is mulling over various European offers and hasn’t committed to a tryout with the Mavs yet.

But the Mississippi State product has impressed everyone so far.

“We see Rhodes as an athletic, tenacious 4-5 type that can shoot the mid-range shot and is a very good rebounder,” Rick Carlisle said.

Rhodes (6-8, 245) averaged nearly 10 points and 5 boards during summer league, and shot 62 percent. Rhodes has been compared favorably to Brandon Bass, last year’s summer league find.

Reyshawn Terry better at power foward

After a year spent overseas, Reyshawn Terry (6-8, 232) benefited from added size and a shift in position. His chances to make the big club in training camp after a solid summer (10 ppg, 6 rpg) have improved.

“Terry played much better this year than last year,” Rick Carlisle said today. “One of the reasons was probably that we changed his position. We put him at the power forward instead of the small forward, and he did a very good job there.”

Moving Terry mirrors the changes in the NBA and basketball in general.

“The game is becoming more sized-down and more quickness-oriented,” Carlisle continued. “He got more done as a power forward. There are situations now with the way the game is played where quickness trumps size. His effectiveness at the power forward position as opposed to small forward is evidence of that.”

Dirk: The Dream is just beginning

The feelings all came rushing in and Dirk Nowitzki couldn’t help it. All the long hours in the gym, all the breathtaking highs, all the heart-wrenching defeats, all the uncertainty and everything else along the way hit like an avalanche.

The former MVP broke down after a victory that didn’t come with a trophy and won’t be followed with a ring ceremony. The game was merely for third place, but its meaning was second to none.

“It was a very emotional moment for me after we won the deciding game against Puerto Rico,” Nowitzki explained. “I never thought I would cry because of basketball, but I could not stop the tears. I had to be alone for a little bit right after the game and could not even do the post-game interview.

“All the hard work I had put into realizing my dream finally became worth it. We have great team spirit and have been playing together for a very long time. It was awesome to achieve our goal together.”

Read the entire Q&A with Nowitzki at mavs.com.

Quick summer league recap

Though training camp invitations haven’t officially been extended yet, based on the performances out in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, expect a handful of guys fighting it out for a couple of open roster spots. Gerald Green was the runaway summer league stud, but he wasn’t the only one opening eyes during the 11-game run.

Reyshawn Terry and Shan Foster – second-round picks the last two years – should be in camp, but that’s no surprise. Charles Rhodes headlines the list of free agents looking to hook on come October.

The rugged 6-8, 245-pound rookie forward out of Mississippi State averaged nearly 10 points and five rebounds, while shooting a robust 62 percent. Rhodes does his damage inside, much as last year’s summer league find Brandon Bass. As we all know, Bass has been designated Dirk Nowitzki’s backup, so making the team is no easy task for Rhodes. But coaches tend to have a hard time parting with frontcourt bangers with potential.

Aaron Miles handled the point guard duties admirably in Keith McLeod’s absence during the six-game stay in Utah. The veteran of 19 NBA games also led the Mavs in assists in Vegas, but his playing time (24.7 mpg) and production (8.3 ppg & 5.2 apg) jumped considerably during the Rocky Mountain Revue.

JaJuan Smith is an undersized shooting guard at 6-2, but the rookie showed some definite grit. He averaged a tad more than 6 points, though his 3-point stroke tailed off in Salt Lake.

Terry displayed the consistency the coaching staff wanted during his second summer league season, averaging nearly 10 and 6, and tallied a double-double in the last game. Foster spent the two weeks getting adjusted to the pro game and didn’t shoot it nearly as well after leaving Vegas.
James Singleton, like Green, also has a guaranteed contract for next season. Singleton, a former Clipper, was solid in Vegas before playing sparingly in Utah. McLeod also heads to training camp with a make-good contract.

For a complete look at the summer league team, including stats from Vegas and Salt Lake, visit Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com.

Green makes All-RMR Team

2008 ALL REVUE TEAM

RMR MVP: Anthony Morrow

ALL-REVUE TEAM: Anthony Morrow, Morris Almond, Gerald Green, Anthony Randolph, Acie Law IV

Others receiving votes: Hamed Ehadadi (IRA), George Hill (SA), Anthony Tolliver (SA), Jaycee Carroll (NJ), Reyshawn Terry (DAL), Glen McGowan (NBADL), Othello Hunter (ATL), Jeremy Richardson (ATL), Julius Hodge (NJ), Ryan Anderson (NJ), Aaron Miles (DAL), DeMarcus Nelson (GS)

Green misses scoring title in RMR finale

Gerald Green just missed claiming the Rocky Mountain Revue scoring title as the Mavs wrapped up their Salt Lake City stay with an 82-70 win over Utah. Dallas closed out the Revue with a 4-2 mark, leaving the team 7-4 for the summer.

Utah’s Morris Almond apparently led all RMR scorers with 112 points, including 15 in the finale. Green, according to the game story on the RMR website, had 97 going into the last game and added another 11.

(It should be noted that the stats in the game accounts don’t often match up with the box, so these numbers shouldn’t be seen as gospel. Looking up the totals on the stats page, Almond had 111 and Green 106.)

Charles Rhodes continued to make his case for a shot in training camp with a game-high 15 points. The rookie free agent out of Mississippi State added four rebounds, a steal and block in 24 minutes.

Aaron Miles scored 10, and Shan Foster and Reyshawn Terry each netted nine points. Foster also grabbed eight boards. For the complete box and more info on the summer league team, visit Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com.

Mavs Dancer Calendar Presale

The 2008-09 Dallas Mavericks Dancer Calendar, to be shot next month in Las Vegas, Nevada, is supposed to be the hottest calendar yet. That's how they're billing it and would they lie? I don't think so.

So for those of you who want to know what day it is while gazing at a dancing queen, pre-order the 14-month swimsuit calendar featuring all the new dancers by clicking here. It's going for $10.99, but that price won't last long.

You can also go to mavs.com for more info on the dancers.

Rhodes nets 21 to beat New Jersey

A strong summer continues for Charles Rhodes, who shot lights out in today’s 81-66 win over New Jersey at the Rocky Mountain Revue. The Mavs are 3-2 during Salt Lake City play (6-4 overall) with one game left before shutting it down until training camp.

Rhodes, a rookie free-agent forward, scored 21 on 8-of-10 shooting from the floor and grabbed five rebounds. He also made 5 of 6 free throws in 21 minutes. Reyshawn Terry had a strong double-double with 12 points and 12 boards, and Gerald Green scored 16.

Rhodes’ work this summer could pay off come fall. For more info on the summer league team, visit Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com.

Dirk carrying the German flag

I’ve heard from a very good source within the German Basketball Federation that Dirk Nowitzki is likely to be the German flag bearer for the opening ceremonies at the Olympics next month. The deal isn’t sealed, but those in the know promise to keep me posted.

In the meantime, you can possibly help flag-toting Dirk’s cause by signing this petition. It’s in German, but the important part is in English: “Click here to Sign Petition.”

You can view the signatures, so I went glancing down the list. I can’t vouch for its accuracy, but I did see these names: Jason Terry, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Devin Harris and Avery Johnson among the 2,000-plus. If any or all of these are legit, nice going guys.

Warriors top Mavs at RMR

Three Warriors scored in double figures as Golden State upended the Mavs 90-73 today at the Rocky Mountain Revue. Dallas was down just one point after the third quarter, but the Warriors outscored the boys in blue by 16 in the fourth.

Gerald Green followed up yesterday's 27-point outing with a team-high 17 in 22 minutes. Reyshawn Terry added 14 and free-agent rookie Reggie Williams scored 11.

Mario Elie is coaching the Mavs in Salt Lake and you can listen to audio of his postgame interview. Free-agent rookie point guard Derrick Low was also interviewed.

The Mavs are 2-2 at the RMR and 5-4 overall in summer league play. Dallas returns to action Thursday against New Jersey.

For more info on the summer league team, visit Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com. Also, check out more video highlights at Mavs.friends.com.

Nowitzki in tears after Olympic berth

If you don't think it meant something profound, just take a good look at this photo. Dirk Nowitzki, overcome with emotion, broke down when it became obvious Germany was headed back to the Olympics.

Nowitzki has been close before, only to suffer heartbreak. This time he kicked the door down with 32 points in the clinching win over Puerto Rico. Germany is in a strong Group B, along with Team USA, Spain, Greece, China and Angola.

The above photo came courtesy of our friends at the German Basketball Federation. Additional photos from that historic day in Dirk's life are up on Friends.mavs.com.

Mavs take down Spurs at RMR

Gerald Green exploded for 27 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Mavs pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat San Antonio 84-77 today at the Rocky Mountain Revue. Dallas improved to 2-1 out in Utah and 5-3 overall during summer action.

The 27 points by Green were the most scored by a Maverick in the eight games. Reyshawn Terry added 14 points and James Singleton scored 10 off the bench.

You can find the box and more info on the summer league team at Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com.

Jason Kidd Q&A: Going for Gold

The summer hasn’t been half bad. A trip to Disney World with the kids. Plenty of golf, including a turn in that celebrity tourney at Lake Tahoe. (He couldn’t help but admire the links prowess of the other Dallas quarterback, Tony Romo, and finished 56th out of 85.) He’s done his share of traveling, while making time to relax along the way.

But the offseason for Jason Kidd never steers completely clear of basketball. This one just happens to be bigger than most. The All-Star left Sunday for Las Vegas to resume preparation with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the rest of USA Basketball men’s national team for the upcoming Olympics in Beijing.

Kidd is the starting point guard for Team USA, a once proud international dynasty that hasn’t won a gold medal since 2000. The Americans haven’t finished first in the last three major competitions – the 2002 and ’06 World Championships, and the ’04 Olympics.

Kidd represents a link to the team’s glorious past. He’s 44-0 with USA across his chest, and helped captain the last gold medalist in Sydney eight years ago. Kidd, 35, isn’t interested in smudging his legacy now.

“I’m taking this very seriously,” he said recently. “We all are.”

Read all of this exclusive Q&A with Kidd at mavs.com.

Congrats: Dirk is Olympic bound

A dream of a lifetime came true for Dirk Nowitzki as he led Germany back to Olympics with today's win over Puerto Rico. The good news comes with some bad, as the loss means Mavs teammate J.J. Barea won't be headed to Beijing.

The account courtesy of FIBA's site doesn't have any quotes from Dirk, but freshly-minted German teammate Chris Kaman said: "This is 12 days for me and it's 12 years for Dirk. I can't even imagine the emotions he is feeling right now."

There is postgame video of Dirk on finally earning a spot in the Summer Games.

Here's the AP dispatch:

ATHENS, Greece -- Germany won the final spot in the 12-team Olympic basketball tournament, getting 32 points from Dirk Nowitzki on Sunday in a 96-82 victory over Puerto Rico.

Croatia and Greece earned the other two men's berths at stake in this qualifier a day earlier.

Jose Barea, who plays with Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks, led Puerto Rico with 18 points.

Germany drew on its outside shooting to take a 48-39 halftime lead. Three consecutive 3-pointers within 46 seconds -- two by Robert Garrett, one by Demond Greene -- stretched the lead to 70-54 with 1:48 left in the third period. The Puerto Ricans came no closer than nine points the rest of the way.

RMR record squared with W over Iran

Gerald Green scored a team-high 15 as the Mavs evened their Rocky Mountain Revue record at 1-1 with Saturday's easy 79-62 victory over the Iranian National Team. Counting their work in Las Vegas, the Mavs are 4-3 with four summer league games to go.

Aaron Miles added 12 points and six assists, with Reyshawn Terry scoring 11 points and pulling down five boards. Richie Frahm nailed two of Dallas' three 3-pointers. The Mavs led over-matched Iran by 28 after three quarters.

If you're looking for a boxscore or any other info on the summer league team, visit Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com.

Dirk vs. J.J. with Beijing on the line

Despite a valiant effort from Dirk Nowitzki, Germany lost today to Croatia 76-70 in the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. That doesn't mean the end of the Olympic road for Dirk.

But it does mean that only one of the Mavs playing in Athens right now will be in Beijing next month. Germany will face Puerto Rico in the third-place game, with the winner claiming the last available spot in the Summer Games.

Puerto Rico lost to host Greece 88-63. It wasn't much of game -- you can bet Greece wasn't about to lose on its soil -- but J.J. Barea did lead the PR with 16 points.

So it'll be NBA teammates Dirk vs. J.J. with the Olympics on the line tomorrow. Nowitzki almost punched his ticket today, which would have fulfilled a lifelong dream, with 30 points and 13 boards.

McLeod and Seibutis not part of RMR

The Rocky Mountain Revue entry had a few defections before debuting yesterday. Keith McLeod, Ronnie Seibutis and Pape Sow are no longer on the team. To help fill out the roster, the Mavs added Darryl Watkins, a 6-11 center who played nine games with Sacramento last season and another 40 in the D-League.

McLeod hasn’t been cut. His absence in Salt Lake City is a courtesy that’s been extended to the veteran point guard. He remains under contract, though it’s a make-good deal that’s not presently guaranteed. He’s not currently free to sign with another team.

It became obvious that Seibutis wouldn’t stick with the big club this fall, so the promising guard is headed back to Europe for more seasoning. He could also stand to pack on a few more pounds of muscle. The Mavs continue to hold his NBA rights.

As for Sow, the forward did show flashes in Vegas. His chances of making the roster were slim, so leaving the Mavs allows him to hook on somewhere else.

Darius Miles works out for Mavs

Former phenom Darius Miles worked out recently for the Mavs in Vegas in an attempt to restart his career. His story in chronicled on SI.com. (I'm not a regular on the site, but the boys over at DallasBasketball.com picked up on it.)

For what it's worth, it's another low-risk move with payoff potential. Miles was once the third pick in the Draft and seen as an heir apparent to Kevin Garnett. Heady company, for sure.

Some team is likely going to sign him for the minimum if his knee checks out. He's not in basketball shape and his explosiveness isn't the same, but he still has considerable skills. Though another backup forward isn't a priority for the Mavs right now, Miles is worth a look.

This kid had all the talent in the world. Maybe now he's ready to use it.

Win streak snapped at RMR

Gerald Green scored 20, but it wasn't enough as the Mavs dropped their opening game of the Rocky Mountain Revue 89-74 Friday to Atlanta. The loss snapped Dallas' three-game summer league winning streak, going back to Vegas.

Green and rookie Shan Foster (11 points) were the only Mavs in double figures. James Singleton and Charles Rhodes each had six rebounds. Dallas (3-3) has five games left in summer league play.

For a closer look at everything going on with the Mavs at the RMR and a recap of their week in Vegas, visit Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com.

Dirk and J.J. advance to the semis

Dirk Nowitzki is one victory away from realizing his lifelong Olympic dream, and he’s got up to two games to get it done. Germany knocked off Brazil 78-65 today behind 20 points from Nowitzki to reach the semifinals of the FIBA Qualifying Tournament.

The top three teams in Greece earn spots in next month’s Summer Games. Should the Germans upend Croatia, they’re off to Beijing. If Germany loses, Nowitzki and his countrymen need to win the third-place game.

Nowitzki isn’t the only one still living the dream. Puerto Rico also advanced to the semis by beating Slovenia 81-70 today. J.J. Barea scored eight points for Puerto Rico, which faces a sizable challenge by facing host Greece in Athens.

For a complete look at the tourney, visit FIBA’s official site.

Bucks stop there: Lue & Allen to Milwaukee

Tyronn Lue and Malik Allen, a pair of vets added last season, will tag-team it with Milwaukee this upcoming season. The veteran free agents didn’t fit in with the Mavs’ plans this upcoming season.

Scott Skiles thought differently. The following is a snippet from the official release on the Bucks’ site...

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Tyronn Lue and forward Malik Allen to contracts, General Manager John Hammond announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

“Tyronn and Malik have been solid contributors and good teammates throughout their NBA careers,” said Hammond. “They give us added depth at the guard and forward positions, and both bring valuable playoff experience to our roster.”

Double-figure quartet helps down Pistons

LAS VEGAS – Aaron Miles scored eight of his team-high 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Dallas Mavericks held on down the stretch for a 79-73 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the first of six games Thursday at the NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.
Shan Foster finished with 11 and Charles Rhodes and James Singleton each chipped in with 10 for Dallas in the win.

“It was a tough game,” Foster said. “Detroit has a lot of good players, and they came out a lot harder, but we were able to overcome some obstacles and get a win.”

Dallas was in control most of the fourth quarter, but Detroit’s Will Bynum kept it interesting -- converting on a steal with 1:22 to play to bring the Pistons within three at 71-68. The teams traded hoops to make it 74-70 with 39.3 to play, but the Mavericks held on for the victory.
Bynum led Detroit with 20 points, while Walter Sharpe finished with 16.

Dallas finishes with a 3-2 record in summer league play in Vegas. The team heads to the Rocky Mountain Revue next.

“It’s been great,” Foster said. “There are a lot of great coaches here and ‘I’ve been able to learn a lot from them and our veterans. I’m just getting better – it’s a process, just getting better every day and trying to learn everything I can -- but in the end I just want to be able to help my team in any way possible.”

Here’s the box and visit the new-and-improved Summer League Central 2008 at mavs.com for video hightlights, stories and more.

Barea and Puerto Rico fall

ATHENS -- Croatia overcame an early 17-point deficit and pulled away for a 95-81 triumph over Puerto Rico on Wednesday to claim first place in Group D of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Davor Kus and Marko Tomas each poured in 15 points to lead a balanced scoring attack for the Croatians, who now face Canada in a quarter-final on Friday.

The defeat means that Puerto Rico must take on Slovenia.“We’ve just got to learn how to protect a lead,” Puerto Rico guard Carlos Arroyo said. “We know teams are going to make their runs, but we need to stay true to what we do.”

J.J. Barea scored seven in 17 minutes for Puerto Rico.