Latest plans in Dallas
Mon Jun 30, 2003 3:09 pm
The Mavs can't comment as that could be considered tampering, but ESPN.com enforms us that the Mavericks are interested in Karl Malone and Alonzo Mourning.
The situation:
The numbers:
Needless to say, if the Mavs could acquire Zo and the Mailman with what "little" money they have to spend, it would give them an impressive lineup.
C-Mourning
PF-Malone
SF-Nowitzki
SG-Finley
PG-Nash
Looks good on paper, and a few games into the season it would probably look pretty good on the court as well. But I still doubt it will happen, for the same reasons I doubt Malone, Zo, and GP going to the Lakers. They're giving up a lot of money, as well as a role they're to which they're accustomed. They're proud men, and they know they still have more value than that.
Then you've got the potential Portland situation - a deep roster, but one that can't get it done. True, Portland's problem is that their talent comes with baggage, but the point is the best team on paper isn't always the best team on the court. The team that usually wins it all is the one that works best as a team, led by a couple of players who are stars by themselves, not a team with a bunch of players who are individually talented.
That said, the Mavericks could do with some more inside muscle and better defense. Malone and Mourning are two players that could certainly bring those qualities to Dallas, but I just can't see them sacrificing so much money and a leading role.
Your thoughts?
The situation:
Either player would provide the Mavericks with a much-needed muscular presence in the front court. But the biggest question is whether the team, which refused to talk specifically about players in order to avoid tampering charges, can lure either of the two high-priced veterans despite not being able to offer huge salaries.
The numbers:
The Mavericks can offer all or part of the $4.9 million salary-cap exception, as well as a $1.5 million salary for a second free agent.
Malone made $19.2 million last season, while Mourning was on the books for $20.6 million
Needless to say, if the Mavs could acquire Zo and the Mailman with what "little" money they have to spend, it would give them an impressive lineup.
C-Mourning
PF-Malone
SF-Nowitzki
SG-Finley
PG-Nash
Looks good on paper, and a few games into the season it would probably look pretty good on the court as well. But I still doubt it will happen, for the same reasons I doubt Malone, Zo, and GP going to the Lakers. They're giving up a lot of money, as well as a role they're to which they're accustomed. They're proud men, and they know they still have more value than that.
Then you've got the potential Portland situation - a deep roster, but one that can't get it done. True, Portland's problem is that their talent comes with baggage, but the point is the best team on paper isn't always the best team on the court. The team that usually wins it all is the one that works best as a team, led by a couple of players who are stars by themselves, not a team with a bunch of players who are individually talented.
That said, the Mavericks could do with some more inside muscle and better defense. Malone and Mourning are two players that could certainly bring those qualities to Dallas, but I just can't see them sacrificing so much money and a leading role.
Your thoughts?
Mon Jun 30, 2003 3:14 pm
well i like Malone cuz he's always healthy and he brings a little toughness..i think Malone can take the little money Dallas offers him cuz he is way too desperate to win a championship same case with Zo
Mon Jun 30, 2003 3:46 pm
They would be a team to watch out for if they could pull of the signs, but...for the time being I dont see it happening.
Basketball is about money now days, if it were me, I'd sign sum big contract being offered to me, and with that money make me a damn custom ring that looks like a championship ring...but seriously, I cant speak for Mourning cuz I havent read much about him, but Malone, I've read that he would like to play for 2 more seasons, so he could just sign a big one year contract where ever they are offering him one, and his final season he could sign with such a team that doesnt have much chance NOT to win the championship. That way, he makes his money & still manages to win his ring perfect ending for an impressive carreer. *sorry for the rambling*
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Basketball is about money now days, if it were me, I'd sign sum big contract being offered to me, and with that money make me a damn custom ring that looks like a championship ring...but seriously, I cant speak for Mourning cuz I havent read much about him, but Malone, I've read that he would like to play for 2 more seasons, so he could just sign a big one year contract where ever they are offering him one, and his final season he could sign with such a team that doesnt have much chance NOT to win the championship. That way, he makes his money & still manages to win his ring perfect ending for an impressive carreer. *sorry for the rambling*
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Mon Jun 30, 2003 4:09 pm
I agree with Andrew, that would be an impressive line-up that the Mavericks would benefit from, but the chances that both--or either--of them will sacrifice BOTH money and leading roles is doubtful. If they sacrificed just money or just their status as playmaker, then I could see this happening. But in Dallas, neither of the big fellas look to be the first option. But, hey, you never know with Mark Cuban...he makes a lot of people in the league happy obviously 
, so you never know if he'll lure them to Dallas...we'll see.
, so you never know if he'll lure them to Dallas...we'll see.