Let's ponder possible playoff point guards
11:45 AM CST on Thursday, December 23, 2004
The most asked question we get here at Maverick Central is: Who will be
starting at point guard for Dallas in the playoffs? Trust us, it won’t
be Jason Kidd (see below).
Then who? The best guess at this point is the most obvious: Devin
Harris. The rookie will have a much better grasp on the position come
March and April. The second guess would be Jason Terry, if he continues
to improve as the current starter.
If you’re looking for long shots, however, we have them. How about Gary
Payton, who already has said he will bail out of Boston next summer when
he is a free agent? The Celtics might be eager to get something in
return and the Mavericks have an assortment of players to offer, some
more attractive than others.
Although it might be tougher to swing, another point guard who makes
some sense is Baron Davis. New Orleans is a goner this season and
cutting Davis’ lucrative contract might be a smart move if the Hornets
want to tear their team down to the foundation.
A last suggestion might be Nick Van Exel, although Portland is driving
hard bargains these days and Van Exel is two years older and more
brittle than he was as a key sixth man in 2002-03.
As always, the Mavericks’ potential dealings will hinge on how current
players perform. For now, the best course is to sit tight until the
trade deadline nears and others start to panic.
- Eddie Sefko
Q: Why does the public-address announcer, Billy Hayes, insist on
calling Jason Terry "Jet?’’ This is especially perplexing since Terry
has consistently been out-jetted this season by a legion of point guards.
Robert P. Oliver
SEFKO: This qualifies as e-mail of the month. Terry isn’t even
the quickest point guard on this team, much less one of the quickest in
the league. The nickname is a convenient play on Terry’s initials. His
middle name is Eugene. But you’re right. Hayes doesn’t call Nowitzki
“The Big German’’ or Michael Finley “Fin.’’ Hendu, Q and J-Ho also go
unannounced.
I don’t have a problem when Terry first enters the game saying “The Jet
is on the runway.’’ But I agree that when he is announced during the
course of the game, he should be Jason Terry.
•••
Q: I saw recently that the Mavs continue to get linked with New
Jersey regarding Jason Kidd trade possibilities. Questions: What would
the Mavs have to give up? How much in salary and luxury tax would it
cost Mark Cuban? Would it stunt Devin Harris’ growth? Would it mean a
title? Would you do it?
Stewart McGregor
SEFKO: The Mavericks decided against Steve Nash because he was
too old and too expensive. Why would they accept the same liabilities by
agreeing to take Kidd and his monster contract, which still has about
$20 million more left on it than Nash’s new one?
Unless New Jersey is willing to take Alan Henderson, Jason Terry and,
possibly, Jerry Stackhouse, the Mavericks would have no business getting
into the sweepstakes. And that’s not even assuming there is one after
Vince Carter joins the Nets. The Nets may see a chance to re-establish
themselves in the East. If the Mavericks did trade for Kidd, it would
help their short-term title chances. But it would kill them in the long
run.
And we haven’t even discussed the health issues. Bottom line is there
are just too many variables, too much money and too much risk to make
this deal.
That said, there may be other alternatives when the trading deadline
gets closer.
•••
Q: Don Nelson doesn’t know how to get a team to the last level.
The Mavericks don’t have an identity, and he won’t play Erick Dampier in
the fourth quarter. Also, he pulled Devin Harris from starter to the end
of the bench. I’m wondering if the Mavs need Avery Johnson sooner rather
than later. Thoughts?
Drew Bullard
SEFKO: Nelson is doing exactly what he should be doing in the
first half of the season -- giving all his new players a chance to
create their niche. Some, like Alan Henderson, have done well. Others,
like Jerry Stackhouse and Dampier, have struggled at times. There’s no
reason to panic about this group yet. The Mavericks must learn each
other and it will take time. But by mid-January, this team should start
taking on a personality. Which one is the big question.
•••
Q: I have noticed that Dampier doesn’t show a lot of emotion.
Dunks, fouls, blocks -- no emotion. Is this just his personality? Or is
he less passionate about the game? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Luis Martinez
SEFKO: Dampier has an even keel about him. He has a good sense of
humor, but it’s a dry wit. He’s not boisterous in the locker room or
anywhere else. Nothing is going to change that aspect of his personality.
But he has a terrific focus and determination that show through in
different ways. Watch his tenacity when he has the ball under the
basket. Even if he gets rejected once or twice, he’ll go back strong
again and usually get a foul or dunk. Remember, he’s getting hammered
all over his body in there. Keeping oneself calm can help a big man
survive. Just ask Tim Duncan.
•••
Q: I’m convinced the Mavericks will grab no better than the fifth
seed in the playoffs. Has this team turned into one that just doesn’t
seem to harbor the passion to become a force in the Association? (Sorry
to go all Stephen A. on you there, with unnecessary yelling.)
Matthew Fuller
SEFKO: For those who don’t know, that’s a reference to ESPN’s
Stephen A. Smith, also known as Screamin’ A. Smith to many of us.
Matthew, I respect your opinion, but I just don’t see it yet. I believe
Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley remain fixated on getting deep into the
playoffs and winning a championship. What you may be seeing, however, is
a realization company-wide that it’s not going to happen without a lot
of hard work by Cuban, Donnie Nelson, Don Nelson, Avery Johnson and a
dozen focused players.
The Mavericks still have hope with the young nucleus of Josh Howard,
Marquis Daniels and Devin Harris.
•••
Q: Do you think Dirk Nowitzki will get burned out later in the
season or the playoffs?
SEFKO: Unless there is an injury situation, I doubt it. Nowitzki
has plenty of energy. He’s still young. And his skills continue to
develop. When he’s healthy, he’s too good a shooter to leave open and
quick enough to beat close-guarding defenders to the paint. Imagine what
the Mavericks would have looked like without him the first month of the
season. It’s a bad mental image.
•••
Q: The Mavs are not an elite team, and I think it comes down to
Dirk not being able to take over games. Thoughts?
Ralph A. Wright
SEFKO: I think the Rockettes, who saw Nowitzki pour in 53 on
them, might disagree.
•••
Q: I know this subject is exhausted, but based on Steve Nash’s
amazing performance in Phoenix, do you think Cuban made a mistake
letting Nash go? Or will Harris be able to carry the team to the
playoffs?
Lissette V., Dallas
SEFKO: There’s no doubt it was a mistake in the short term.
But the season still isn’t one-third over yet. The Suns look good. But
they are woefully thin on the bench. One injury and their situation
could look a lot different.
Similarly, give Harris time. He’s showing how good he can be in spots.
All he needs is time and experience. Even if this year doesn’t lead to a
deep playoff run, Harris has the ability to take the Mavericks there in
the future.
•••
Q: Because the Mavericks had to include Eduardo Najera in the
Golden State/Erick Dampier deal and now that Golden State isn’t playing
him very much, is there any chance of bringing him back to the Mavericks?
SEFKO: It can’t happen. When a team trades a player, it cannot
re-acquire that player for one season. The Mavericks would have to wait
until next summer to make any deal to get Najera.
