It’s amazing how long the summer seems up until the day camp starts.Only 2 months. Only 1 month. Only 2 weeks. Bam. It’s here.
Today’s morning practice was great.
There were a few things thatstood out.
First, the self study programs that we put together for the rookies and first year guys, teaching them the plays, defenses and philosphies that The General is putting in place really helped. Every day they were required to watch film and write up summaries of what they watched, then each week they were tested on the material. They were required to draw upresposibilitiesall 5 positions for each play. Outline where to go on primary and secondary breaks and offenses. All things that typically the coaches would be required to teach them during camp.
The fact that Josh, Rawle, Desagana, DJ and Pavel all went through the process let them hit the ground running. So practice had far fewer stops toexplain plays andwas a lot more intense than in previous years.
Doug Christie knows how to play defense. I guess I never fully appreciated his knowledge of the game.Just watching him it was obvious he always knew where to be. He is going to be a great influence on our young players as well. His work ethic is incredible. He comes in more often to work on his game than even Dirk did in the past. From putting in a half court at his house so he could shoot in the morning before it got hot, to coming to the gym at night to work on his shot. All after working out and getting in runs with the guys during the day.
It’s also amazing how much better shape guys come to camp in than just 5 years ago. We have a shuttle drill that all players have to pass in order to play. My first camp, it took a couple weeks for 3 or 4 players to get in good enough shape to pass. Now only Pavel still has a little work to pass. And that’s not all that suprising. It’s the same number for JET as it is for Pavel to pass, so he has to be in great shape to pass.
For those wondering about Diop. He is in the best shape of his career. 20 plus pounds lighter than his Cleveland days. His quickness is obviously better. I told him today that we are going to be all over him regarding his diet. That our nutrition is going to be his best friend (Pavel got the same speech), and we are going to be weighing in all players every week throughout the season, so we both will know exactly how well he is keeping up with his program.
The nutrionist position is back after a year absence. We weren’t happy with the job the last person in the position did, but decided some of our guys were young enough and uneducated enough about nutrition, that we really needed someone in that role.
It’s just a great buzz and feeling. The first day is always exciting, but there seems to be a bit more of an edge this year. Guys from last year seem to have picked up where they left off and the new guys are excited to be part of it and push things further.
More to come later…
Go Mavs!
And because you all know I have to plug and promote. Our movie, The War Within came out this week and got off to a good start in NY and expands Friday to multiple cities…GO SEE IT. It’s intense.
And we have another movie opening this weekend as well in select cities. Good Night and Good Luck.
Both are great, and I promise you will get your money’s worth. So make sure to go see one on Friday, and the other on Saturday!
Everyone is quick to say he wasn’t a fair replacement for Finley. Well, the point is, the Mavericks don’t need to “replace” Finley. There was no element Finley brought to the table that was giving the Mavs that extra umph. Christie’s game is unlike that of Jerry Stackhouse, Marquis Daniels and Josh Howard. Finley’s was very similar.
Comment by runescape money -
He locked down Finley every time we played the Kings, is it just because he used to play for a rival team? If it is, I got news for you guys. Welcome to the salary cap NBA. I didn’t like Shaq when he was killing the Mavs with the Lakers, but I would be cheering the loudest if he had come to Dallas.
Comment by wow powerleveling -
Awesome season. Congrats!!
GO MAVS!!
E.
Comment by Elaina -
very good!!
Comment by 11nong -
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT JOSH HOWARD #5
IS A GREAT PLAYER AND WATCH OUT HE IS ONLY GOING TO GET GREATER!
Comment by RE RE -
Good luck with Diop. Im a lifetime cavs fan and lasagna flop(as he was named on local radio) will always be in my mind as one of many horrible cavs draft picks. If you guys can make something out of him best of luck.Oh Yeah beat the Spurs this year im sick of them. GO Dirk for bringing respectablity back to white basketball players.
Comment by JP -
Mark – it would be interesting to hear your thought process in not going after Shaq a year or so ago and if you are happy with decision.
Comment by Edward -
Who didn’t hate Doug Christie when the Mavs were playing the Kings? I think Mavs fans hated all the Kings, not just Christie. In fact, I think I *still* hate CWeb just for being associated with the Kings during the time that I have been a Mavs fan. Childishly, I wish that once you get attached to a team you could keep it around for a while – unless your team is lousy and then you want to change it as fast as you can. It seems we have to cheer for a “collection of players, all of whom are interchangeable” instead of a team. Who *are* the Mavericks, or any other team in a league with free agency? That question is answered only in reference to a point in time. So today, Doug Christie is a Maverick and I hope he shuts down every opponent and scores 25 a night – go Doug! Although, you can pretty much invalidate my entire argument by the telling revelation that I miss Steve Nash terribly and hope he gets MVP (again).
Um, Mark, how’s about letting us HD customers know what games we can expect to see through our DirecTV HD addon package. I’m gettin’ nervous that I haven’t heard anything yet!
Comment by Steve -
The key to the Mavericks success is the development of Marquis Daniels, who has the ability to become a Jamaal Wilkes-calibre championship player. I hope that Coach Johnson will provide him with sufficient minutes to fulfill that potential.
Comment by romerojmendoza -
Hello I really like your blog I will definitely bookmark it! I have a work at home site/blog. It pretty much covers work at home related stuff.
Comment by J.p. -
How dare you say Dirk is Jordanesque! There’s no way he gets away with as many fouls as Michael Jordan! He relies on pure skill and effort, not marketing and showboatmanship!
P.S. No, RELIES doesn’t mean someone tells a lie and then tells it again.
Comment by Scott -
One comment for one comment made above:
1. Just because you didn’t understand what I meant when I said Dirk is BAD! doesn’t mean you have to explain why Dirk is so BAD!
P.S. Someone that is COOL person isn’t necessarily lacking heat.
Comment by Scott -
Mr. Cuban, I am just a ‘3 year lover’ of the NBA games and my favorite team of course, the Mavs! Talking about Christie, I
haven’t gotten over the splitting up of Steve and Dirk yet!! This season is going to be a great one and it’s count down time for me too.. Let’s get it on…am I the only female blogmaverick fan?? Changing the subject. I have heard you are an active investor in leading and cutting edge technologies. If you are as radical as I believe and hope you are you need to check out our web site. If you want to know more about us an e-mail was sent to ‘Ask Mark’ on 9-19-2005. Thank You for your time.
GO MAVS ALL THE WAY!!!!
Comment by Grace -
too many negative comments, if doug christie never steps a foot on the court, his work ethic has never been questioned. if he can instill that onto marquis, howard and dharris then the siging was a success. a new season always brings excitement. every year there are the non beleivers who say the mavs will not amount to anything, and every year they win 50 plus games. this year will be the same, but this year not only do we have the talent to put on the court, we have a vision/direction provided by avery that i think wasnt there in the past. defense wins championships and we are putting the pieces in place to make that run. MFFL!
hey mark, since you plugged and promoted (nevermind, its your own blog), is it okay that i do the same. planning a party? check out my website, http://www.dallaspartyrental.com
fun way to add some life the party!
Comment by Luis -
Mark, you might want to change the link for Good Night and Good Luck because the current link refers to IMDB Pro, which only a few people have access to. Here is the correct link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433383
Comment by Ray -
Mark, I find it comical that you’re excited about an ancient Doug Christie. If anything, he’s going to slow the progress of Josh and Marquis. Realistically, the Mavs have no chance of winning the title this year, so why not groom the young guns for the future? Christie’s game is near 100% athleticism-dependent and he’s damn near 40 years old. On top of that, he’s a notorious choker and is involved in one of the strangest relationships in sports history (crazy Jackie). I will admit, he had his moments on the Kings, but those days are long gone and so are Christie’s skills. If Petrie was willing to throw him away for nothing, what makes you think he’s got anything left in the tank? Enjoy your first-round exit… I know I will.
Comment by Nik Papic -
Two comments on comments made above:
1. Dirk Nowitzki absolutely deserved the MVPs he has earned so far – his team features no other player who can be considered above average at his position. Germany’s team – apart from Nowitzki – is mediocre at best, and nevertheless they got a 4th and a 2nd place at European Championships and a 3rd place at the World Championships. Considering that Nowitzki was doubled and tripled throughout these tournaments, and was fouled more often than any other player in the history of these tournaments, he managed to be the top scorer and get his team into the top four – that is quite an achievement, and his determination in these tournaments was nothing less than Jordanesque. Just because he did not win the tournaments does not mean he did not deserve the MVP title – he basically had to get his team that far on his own – that makes him the MVP.
Concerning “The General” – Avery Johnson has been called “The General” since he played for the Spurs, next to “The Admiral” David Robinson. Just because another coach used to have that nickname shouldn’t mean that people cannot still refer to Johnson as “The General” if they feel like it – Bobby Knight isn’t in the NBA anyway…
Comment by Kevin Klotzbucher -
I am the biggest Mavs fan in the country! I have nothing but optimism and excitement looking ahead to this season. I agree with the comment that noted how when you hate a player on an opposing team that usually means they’re pretty d@mn good. With that said, I wish Doug Christie the best of luck and I will be rooting for him and the rest of the team all year long!
Comment by Rik -
Hey Mark, I’m excited to see how things’ll turn out this season for the Mavs, especially how JT will run the team. I think Stack and Diop can make up a great duo that gives off-the-bench scoring oomph (hope diop develops that!).
I’d be worried about Doug Christie’s wife, though.
Comment by Andre Salvatierra -
Love the Blog mark, huge fan of your approach to all things Business and Hoops.
I wish my Bucks were as progressive as the Mavs in pioneering player development and coaching. Sounds like a great method to cut teh fat and get direct in camp.
See you in Milwaukee, Diop will need the leg work in the film room to keep up with Bogut!
Hope to see you up in Brew City Mark
All the best in the West to you and the Mavs!
Comment by Andy Gorzalski -
Love the Blog mark, huge fan of your approach to all things Business and Hoops.
I wish my Bucks were as progressive as the Mavs in pioneering player development and coaching. Sounds like a great method to cut teh fat and get direct in camp.
See you in Milwaukee, Diop will need the leg work in the film room to keep up with Bogut!
Hope to see you up in Brew City Mark
All the best in the West to you and the Mavs!
Comment by Andy Gorzalski -
I had no idea how much homework and preparation is expected of your players in the offseason. Very (VERY) interesting read. Thanks for taking the time.
Comment by chris -
better than the Nuggets
Comment by val barrutia -
I’ve been a big Mavs fan since I was 8 years old. I’ve followed them since my dad taught me how to play basketball back in 92. The 1990’s were tough times for Mav fans. There were very few Mav fans when I went to school. Now there are people all over the metroplex jumping on the bandwagon. TRUE Mav fans support them no matter what happens. Some people dislike Doug Christie. Doug hopefully will the guy that can guard Ginobilli, T-Mac, Nash, Allen, and Kobe.
Sacramento Kings have been one of my favorite teams for their style of play. Did you guys forget Christie draining 3’s on the Mavs a few years back?
The Mavs have had a winning culture since Mark bought the team.
The “little general” is the General now period.
Comment by mak7227 -
Doug Christie is a good acquisition for the Mavericks. He is now and always has been one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league. Of course he didn’t play well in Orlando, he didn’t want to be in Orlando. He wants to be here and he likes his situation. Hate all you want, but he adds a new dimension to the Mavericks.
Everyone is quick to say he wasn’t a fair replacement for Finley. Well, the point is, the Mavericks don’t need to “replace” Finley. There was no element Finley brought to the table that was giving the Mavs that extra umph. Christie’s game is unlike that of Jerry Stackhouse, Marquis Daniels and Josh Howard. Finley’s was very similar. Tossing Christie into the mix adds a new dimension, and that makes the Mavs harder to coach against.
By the way, are you serious? “Bob Knight is the only general.” Get a freakin’ hobby.
Comment by Jared -
Who’s the new nutritionist?
Comment by Henry Abbott -
Wow, seems like a lot of haters in the comments. I really don’t understand why everyone dislikes Christie. He locked down Finley every time we played the Kings, is it just because he used to play for a rival team? If it is, I got news for you guys. Welcome to the salary cap NBA. I didn’t like Shaq when he was killing the Mavs with the Lakers, but I would be cheering the loudest if he had come to Dallas. Give Christie a break, when he is locking down Kobe Bryant and we are beating the Lakers by 20, give him the love he deserves.
Comment by James Askew -
Hooray for basketball news! I love the blog Mark, but I mostly read for the basketball insight. More basketball, less markets. 😀
Comment by Scott Griffith -
The link for Good Night… goes to IMDBPro, us non-billionaires cannot afford a web subscription for future reference. The movie is getting some good buzz though. Go Mavs.
Comment by Hoover -
Yes, Doug Christie did quit on Orlando — badly. His acquisition ruined a promising season for the Magic last year, leading to the dismissal of the coach and the resignation of the GM. Buyer beware with this guy and the baggage he hauls around (i.e., his wife).
Comment by Ken Carpenter -
I don’t even like basketball that much but I’m inspired by your passion for the game, your team and the amount of heart and thought you put into it.
Comment by Dan -
Mark, despite what everyone else has said, I am as excited as you are with this team, even with the loss of finley. I feel that we are a stronger better defensive minded team and I hope it sticks throughout the whole season. Are you going to be present at this years fan jam?
Comment by Ken -
Interesting read, I WAS a fan of Christie about 3 years ago when he was with Sacremento, but watching him these days – I feel his games on the decline. I especially didn’t like the fact he QUIT on Orlando last year like Dan (above) mentioned. He’s be a good 8th man, but he doesn’t deserve a starting line-up position. I hope your coaching staff realizes that, and moves in favor of Marquis Daniels at the SG position. I’d love to see the following line-up:
PG – J. Terry
SG – M. Daniels
SF – J. Howards
PF – Dirk the Diggler!!
C – E. Dampier
6th man – J. Stackhouse.
Comment by Mark Yeung -
Mark, purely speaking on a business (no hard feelings) level…GET REAL!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy you are excited, this season will be great, but you are as wrong today as you were right a couple days ago re: investors vs. speculators. A half court so I can practice before it gets too hot???? Wish I had an excuse like that. Of course Mark, you probably do too…so I better not get too mean if i wanna keep my job…oh wait, I DO NOT NEED YOU 4 A J O B!!!!!!! Look man, don’t get soft now or you will never win an NBA championship, fire that puss and start a winning culture. I could help your losin’ ass…lemme know!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by hmmmmm -
Mark, purely speaking on a business (no hard feelings) level…GET REAL!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy you are excited, this season will be great, but you are as wrong today as you were right a couple days ago re: investors vs. speculators. A half court so I can practice before it gets too hot???? Wish I had an excuse like that. Of course Mark, you probably do too…so I better not get too mean if i wanna keep my job…oh wait, I DO NOT NEED YOU 4 A J O B!!!!!!! Look man, don’t get soft now or you will never win an NBA championship, fire that puss and start a winning culture. I could help your losin’ ass…lemme know!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by hmmmmm -
Mark, purely speaking on a business (no hard feelings) level…GET REAL!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy you are excited, this season will be great, but you are as wrong today as you were right a couple days ago re: investors vs. speculators. A half court so I can practice before it gets too hot???? Wish I had an excuse like that. Of course Mark, you probably do too…so I better not get too mean if i wanna keep my job…oh wait, I DO NOT NEED YOU 4 A J O B!!!!!!! Look man, don’t get soft now or you will never win an NBA championship, fire that puss and start a winning culture. I could help your losin’ ass…lemme know!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by hmmmmm -
Mark, purely speaking on a business (no hard feelings) level…GET REAL!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy you are excited, this season will be great, but you are as wrong today as you were right a couple days ago re: investors vs. speculators. A half court so I can practice before it gets too hot???? Wish I had an excuse like that. Of course Mark, you probably do too…so I better not get too mean if i wanna keep my job…oh wait, I DO NOT NEED YOU 4 A J O B!!!!!!! Look man, don’t get soft now or you will never win an NBA championship, fire that puss and start a winning culture. I could help your losin’ ass…lemme know!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by hmmmmm -
Doug Christie’s incredible work ethic? didn’t he quit on Orlando?
Comment by Dan Carbrey -
I cant wait for GN&GL. I am so all over that flick. Clooney is the man.
Comment by dan -
Mark,
I speak for most true Mavs fans when I say that we hate Doug Christie. I’m not sure how your opinion of him can do a complete 180 in the matter of a year, but mine hasn’t.
Please cut Doug Christie and keep Erick Strickland.
PLEAAAAAAAAASE.
No matter how much you praise Doug Christie’s defense and work ethic, you can’t fool us true Mavs fans into cheering for this guy.
Comment by Jackson -
Mark,
Have you even considered using Tucow’s distributors to help distribute Dallas Maverick merchandise? Or have Tucows help distribute video services?
Why not go with a cow mascot at Maverick games to help promote Tucows? Look what the one Godaddy.com Super Bowl ad did for that company.
I think we really need to look at integration here at many levels. It is time to get creative and really put our minds and resources together,
PJM
Comment by PJM -
Dirk wasn’t even on the winning team and got MVP?!…twice?!
Now that’s what I call BAD!
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/dirk_nowitzki.html
http://www.eurobasket2005.com/en/coid_dy8NLcUpIqYqy5qCbpGal2.articleMode_on.html
Comment by Scott -
Didn’t know you had Bob Knight coaching for you. He is ‘the general’
Comment by Kyle -
I’m usually indifferent to spectator sports: I’m a hands-on guy. But your comment about Doug Christie brings back memories of his time in a Raptors uniform.
Jordan was doing his thing with the Bulls in those days, but he hated coming to Toronto. The number one reason was Doug’s “D.” Doug would frustrate MJ all night long.
The Bulls never played well in T.O. And Doug was the key reason why.
I’m glad to hear he’s doing well.
Comment by Reg Braithwaite -
I have never been as excited for a season like I am for this year. I did a little research on Christie, and the prior 2 years before last, he was #1 and #2 in +/- for the Kings (ie, the Kings had the largest point differential when he was on/off the court than anyone else). Rule of thumb: If you really hate an opponent when they are on the court against your team, then they must be pretty darn good! I used to cringe when Doug played us. Well, I will gladly see the opponent’s fans do the cringing now.
Mark! Thank you again for making this long time (20+ years) Maverick fan proud of his team. Keep up the excellent work.
Comment by greg -