McLeod trying to make a point

Hoping to win a job as one of Jason Kidd’s backups, Keith McLeod may have a leg up on the other summer league hopefuls. The Bowling Green product spent part of the 2006-07 season playing for new Mavs coach Rick Carlisle in Indiana.

“It helps a lot,” said McLeod, who averaged 4.2 points and 2.0 assists in 22 games for the Pacers. “He’s come into a situation where he’s not familiar with a lot of guys here on a personal basis. I played for him in Indiana so he already knows me, and it’s a situation where I can help this team. So hopefully things go well.”

McLeod has 200 games worth of NBA experience, including 88 starts. After spending last year in Europe playing for Montepaschi Siena, McLeod is trying to make his way back to familiar soil.

“Here is an opportunity and I’m just trying to make the best of it,” he said. “Coach told me to just come out and play and get wins in the summer league. That’s been the focus, trying to have a good summer league.”

The Mavs appear to have room for another point guard on the roster. In addition to Kidd, Jason Terry can play the point and newly-signed J.J. Barea is back. The coaching staff also wants to give Ronnie Seibutis a strong look at point guard.