No Nowitzki in 2013 All Star Game

The All-Star game is officially not worth watching this year.

To me, at least.

Due to Dirk's preseason knee surgery, and the games he missed while recovering and conditioning, it will be the first All-Star game the NBA has held without him since 2002.

Yeah, he had been voted in 11 straight years. Only Kobe Bryant has a longer streak, which he just extended to 15 in a row.

Now, Dirk Nowitzki is not the only thing worth watching at most All-Star games, so I might catch a little bit of the game or a few of the skill contests. However, I have no vested interest in watching the superstars from every other team play while the superstar from my team will be sitting on his couch at home. Also, I'm not saying he was slighted, it is just an unfortunate year that the big German will not be recognized as an elite force from the Western Conference.

Here's a look at the Eastern Conference and Western Conference rosters:

East (listed by number of votes received)

1. LeBron James
2. Carmello Anthony
3. Dwayne Wade - C
4. Kevin Garnett
5. Rajon Rondo (Injured & replaced by Brook Lopez)

Reserves: Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, Paul George, Jrue Holiday, Kyrie Irving, Joakim Noah

West (listed by number of votes received)

1. Kobe Bryant
2. Kevin Durant
3. Chris Paul - C
4. Dwight Howard
5. Blake Griffin

Reserves: LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, James Harden, David Lee, Tony Parker, Zach Randolph & Russell Westbrook

Coach Carlisle Collects 500th Win

Dallas Mavericks Coach Rick Carlisle hit the 500 win milestone against Portland on February, 6 2013. Confetti didn't fly, Carlisle didn't even acknowledge it, and Mavs fans like me consider it, for the most part, business as usual. However, I'm still going to brag on what "business as usual" means to a guy like Rick Carlisle.

Coach Carlisle has been nothing short of a great addition to the Dallas Mavericks organization. His career coaching record stands at 500-353. Perhaps what is most impressive, is the fact that he generated much of his success in his first six years with the Detroit Pistons (2001-03) and the Indiana Pacers (2003-07) before coming to Dallas in 2008, and being granted the opportunity to coach a true superstar player like Dirk Nowitzki.

As far as Carlisle's coaching philosophy is concerned he focuses 100% on defense, which has proved to be effective all throughout his ten year career. Through ten years as a head coach, his teams have only finished outside of the top twelve in overall defensive rankings one time. Additionally, in seven of his ten years, his teams ranked inside the top ten. Even further, three of those years, his teams finished inside the top five in the overall defensive ranking.

You get the picture don't you? It's all about defense. You've heard the phrase a million times, "offense wins games, defense wins championships." As a Mavs fan, and a Carlisle fan, one can only hope that his defensive mindset leads to one, two, three, or ten more championship rings.

Coach Carlisle with the 2011 Championship Core

Having surpassed the 500 win mark, Carlisle becomes only the 28th NBA coach to reach that milestone. At the ripe age of 53, and with three more years left on his current contract with the Mavericks, it is conceivable that Carlisle will continue to navigate his way toward the top of the coaching charts by the end of his career (which will likely extend beyond his current contract). Doing so will surely put his name in the inevitable discussions revolving around who the best NBA coaches and champions are, or have been, in the history of the game.

Just like Dirk, he's not done yet, but already he's done so much. Mavs fans from Dallas, TX to Wurzburg, Germany will continue to show outstanding support for these winners, and for good reason, too.

Dirk Continues to Climb Scoring Ladder

Dirk Nowitzki hit another special milestone during an 18 point outing against the Pheonix Suns tonight. Midway through the third quarter he knocked down a fieldgoal that moved him past Allen Iverson on the NBA All-Time Scoring List. Here's the exact shot, courtesy of NBAHighlightClips.

Dirk's move was simple, we've seen him make it a million times. He catches the ball just under the left elbow, dribbles once toward the basket, pump fakes Luis Scola up into the air, then smoothly fades away as the ball, even more smoothly, fades through the net.

So, after moving from #19 to #18, he starts to make you wonder just how high he will climb. To give you a glance at who is still ahead of him, I took a screenshot of the top 30 NBA All Time Scoring Leaders (from NBA.com) after they updated Dirk's total.

As you can see, he is surrounded by great company, and he certainly isn't done climbing toward the top of this list. In fact, I can almost guarantee that he'll pass up Patrick Ewing by the end of this season for #17. Dirk usually scores around 2,000 points in a full, healthy season. However, since he missed most of the first half of this 2012-2013 season, I wouldn't expect him to tally much more than 1,000 by the time this season comes to a close.

Numbers aren't always important, and this one may not mean much to him now, but as a Dallas fan and a Dirk fan, it sure is fun to watch him align himself with many of the all-time greats.

I'll close with a bold prediction...by the time Dirk Nowitzki calls it quits, he will have surpassed the man with too many nicknames, Shaquille O'Neal, to be in 6th place on the all time NBA scoring list.

I told you it was gonna be bold, but I'll stand by it.

2013 Midseason Mavs Report

Well, Mavs fans, fresh off of last night's overtime loss to Oklahoma City, we have officially reached the midpoint of this challenging 2012-2013 season. With a record of 17 wins and 24 losses, I must admit, I am finding it very difficult to remain optimistic for the second half of this, what could be described as, a bloodbath of a season.

Dallas is actually sitting just four games out of the Western Conference playoff picture at this point, and they currently reside in twelfth place overall. For many teams, that's not too shabby. But, for the Mavs, we all know that's far too shabby.

Though they have looked pretty bad for most of the season, they have been playing particularly well through their past five games. They won four games of their last five contests, and what makes it even better, is that three of those wins came against Western Conference foes ahead of them in the standings. Those are the must-win games for Dallas from here on out if they intend to make the playoff cut.

For many Mavs fans, it is such a strange feeling, to wonder if the Mavs will actually end up making it to the playoffs. That really hasn't even been close to an issue over the past decade, largely due to Dirk's dominance, durability and dependability.

Statistically speaking, this season could be the first time since Dirk's second season with Dallas that the Mavericks fail to record at least 50 wins during the regular season. That figure, of course, excludes the 1998-1999 and the 2011-2012 seasons which were shortened by lockouts. In order to keep that streak alive, they'll have to win 34 of their next 41 games. However, they could probably secure a playoff spot with about 45 wins, meaning they just need to win 29 of their next 41 to achieve that. Regardless, that's a tall order.

Even if the Mavs do come up short in the end, let's not act like the season has been a complete waste...yet. On the bright side, the playoffs are still very possible, Dirk looks to be recovering very well from his knee surgery, and we have certainly seen some fantastic things out of O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison, Jae Crowder and a few other new guys, as well. In addition to all of that, our outspoken owner has officially declared that, "the Bank of Cuban" is now open as it relates to the trade deadline that is approaching in just four short weeks. It scares me to say this, but you never know what Mark Cuban is going to do.

On the dark side, we have a tough climb ahead in order to secure a playoff position. IF we manage to string together the kind of second half that would grant us an invitation to the playoff dance, we would most likely be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, or the San Antonio Spurs. Not that those teams are unbeatable...but they certainly are the top three Western Conference teams for a reason.

Now, considering the good things and the bad, it doesn't hurt to pose a question: should the Mavs shoot for another playoff berth and at least a chance, however slight, to make another magical run in the playoffs? Or, should they play it safe the rest of the season, keep Dirk healthy, and perhaps wind up with a nice draft pick to add to their arsenal for next season?

Fine-ally Flopping is Frowned Upon

As a loyal Dallas Mavericks fan, I am tremendously excited for the NBA season to start no matter what happens each offseason. However, the brand new anti-flopping rule change made by the NBA league office may be what I enjoy watching the most over the course of this year.

Flopping/floppers absolutely drive me insane, which you already know if you read my post titled: One Thing I Hate About You. The offenders are countless, from superstars to scrubs, and it seems that the longer the league does nothing, the more normal these pathetic acts of deception become. I applaud sites like ESPN's TrueHoop blog for their "stop the flop" campaign. Also, I applaud players like Rasheed Wallace, who honestly, openly and unforgivingly speaks against it the instant it happens. Now Wallace is a personal fan of mine because he continues to call out floppers even though he probably received over half of his league record 317 (and counting) technicals for these kind of statements. In my book, every effort that applies pressure to the league office was helpful and as a result, we basketball fans have some forward progress.

Now, I claim to be a pure fan of the game of basketball first, and a completely biased Mavericks fan second. So, since the sanctity of the game is my top priority, I can only believe that this change in policy will only benefit the future of basketball. As far as the actual rule goes, this is how the league office has outlined and defined this fantastic new feature:

Players will receive a warning the first time, then be fined $5,000 for a second violation. Fines increase to $10,000 for a third offense, $15,000 for a fourth and $30,000 the fifth time. Six or more could lead to an additional fine and/or a suspension.

Violation 1: Warning
Violation 2: $5,000 fine
Violation 3: $10,000 fine
Violation 4: $15,000 fine
Violation 5: $30,000 fine
Violation 6: Suspension

The NBA defines flopping as, "any physical act that appears to have been intended to cause the referees to call a foul on another player...The primary factor in determining whether a player committed a flop is whether his physical reaction to contact with another player is inconsistent with what would reasonably be expected given the force or direction of the contact."

Source: NBA.com

Unfortunately, there are still some issues with this system, like the fact that all penalties are determined after games, when in fact a well-timed flop could change the outcome of a game. Also, who decides, and how closely will they monitor, each game? So many questions, so little answers.

I don't expect this tiny rule book addition to rid the game of flopping entirely, or of superstars overzealously "selling" all contact, but I do believe it is a step in the right direction. As frustrating as it is to watch some of these flops, even a baby step in the right direction could be monumental in the long run.

In case you still aren't on board with this new rule, just watch the video below that was uploaded to YouTube by user: DN83Productions. A compilation of called flops that shame the beautiful game of basketball.

Wave Goodbye to the Glory Daze

Dallas Mavericks fans everywhere, myself included, rejoiced at the news of the new CBA. Finally, we can watch our reigning champs hang the banner, flaunt their rings, and defend their ever-so-deserving NBA title.

And then...

Well, then...free agency happened.

Caron Butler was the first to go. Caron Butler, the Mavs second leading scorer during the 2011 season. He tore his patellar tendon after 49 games and watched the Mavs win the championship without his help the entire playoffs. Apparently, he doesn't feel like owes the Mavs anything. Off he goes to L.A. in attempt to chase a second ring with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to help him along the way. Butler will be missed. His perimeter defense was stellar, his twenty points per game lifted a significant weight off of Dirk's shoulders, and his overall toughness is feared around the league.

Tyson Chandler was the next. Undoubtedly the best center the Dallas Mavericks have ever had. Without his defense, intensity, and hustle the Mavericks would never have made it past Portland. Though he brought the defense and energy, he still didn't "bring the championship" to Dallas. He was just a more significant piece than others on their roster. With money on his mind, he's off to New York. Sixty million over four years. Wow.

DeSean Stevenson signed with the New Jersey Nets in a one year deal worth around 2.5 million. Not a bad payday for him, especially since the Nets will most likely miss the playoffs. More money and more time off for the previously deemed, "token crazy guy." Though he was vital to the playoff run I truly believe his role is easily replaceable. Therefore, his absence won't necessarily be missed or even noticed.




Speaking of valuable contributors who won't necessarily be missed...Peja Stojakovic decided to retire a champion. Hard to blame him, he will always be known as a sniper that could bury threes from anywhere on the hardwood. He was, and is, a class act that showed up to work every day with the knowledge of his role, and the drive to fulfill it.

J.J. Barea got his big contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He will reportedly make just shy of twenty million over the next four years in Minnesota. It's a bit more difficult to be upset with Barea, though. He was a hard worker that steadily improved for five straight years in Dallas. When all was said and done, he had clearly paid his dues, and earned his right to be considered a World Champion Maverick. I, as most Mavs fans do, wish him the best of luck.


Six free-agents. Five of them gone. There's only one left. Don't worry Dallas, Brian "the Custodian" Cardinal is here to stay! Cardinal resigned with Dallas proving his worth yet again as a class act, blue collar worker, and a loyal teammate. For 1.4 million he is staying around for at least one more year to take charges, bury three pointers, and mop the floor with his pesky defense.

Fortunately, the Mavericks first championship run was unforgettable. The five departing free agents will be missed, perhaps blamed, and even hated by some Mavs fans. However, the banner hanging from the American Airlines Center rafters will remind us to be thankful for their contributions, their work ethic, and the priceless memories of 2011.

One Thing I Hate About You

There are very few things that I absolutely, positively, unquestioningly  HATE. But, this is one of those few things.

No, I'm not saying I hate LeBron James. Because I don't. In fact, I think he has more raw potential than any other NBA player. I think he lacks just two things: maturity and discipline.

That being said, I still don't hate LeBron James. I hate this flop. It epitomizes a lack of respect for the game that is evident in every single flop in professional sports today.

Jeff Van Gundy actually does a commendable job of briefly mentioning the importance of ridding flops from this beautiful game. However, I can't let Jeff Van Gundy get the last word.

So, this post is just an elaboration with visual aids.

Dictionary.com defines the word for us so well:

flop
verb, flopped, flop·ping, noun –verb (used without object)

1. to fall or plump down suddenly, especially with noise; drop or turn with a sudden bump or thud (sometimes followed by down): The puppy flopped down on the couch.

2. to change suddenly, as from one side or party to another (often followed by over).

3. to be a complete failure; fail: The play flopped dismally.

These definitions are surprisingly accurate, even when applied to sporting events. Here are some illustrations of the above definitions:

1. to fall or plump down suddenly, especially with noise

2. to change suddenly, as from one side or party to another

3. to be a complete failure; fail

After watching those, you may have a few more questions or concerns about flopping. For those of you who are new to this tragic topic, I provided you with a set of hypothetical questions followed with my answers for the convenience of your curiosity.

Flopping Q & A

Q: "So, what's the big deal? Who cares if someone flops?"

A: The big deal is--it's not a part of the game. Violently throwing your own body to the ground has never been a component of any sport. The real crime is when a player is rewarded for flopping with a penalty kick or free throws, which can quickly, and unjustly, change the outcome of a game.

Q: "Which sport is flopping the worst in?"
A: Football (soccer for Americans) is definitely the worst. However, it is quickly emerging as a greater issue in basketball too.

Q: "What is the solution to preventing players from flopping?"

A: Fine them for starters, then suspend them if they continue to flop. Each flop should be reviewable upon the conclusion of a game. After reaching a certain number of "flop fines" per season/post-season that player should be suspended from a game.

The Atrocious: The fact that athletes as talented as LeBron James still feel like they have to sell foul calls and get cheap buckets.
The Truth: Flopping should be more embarrassing to the players. It shows disrespect for the game and it is frustrating to watch for any basketball fan. European football leagues actually penalize players for taking dives, but until the NBA starts doing the same, it will continue to be a growing problem in basketball.