In the NBA, most awards on built on reputation. If you can get the media to write it or talk about it. People will believe it.
Most of the stories about players and their abilities have some grain of truth to them when they were attached to the player. Unfortunately, even though the rep has long changed, its rare to find someone who has put the time in to actually find out what the current truth about a player is.
Where am I going with this… straight to Dirk Nowitzki.
For Dirks first few years, he really was not a good defender. Teams would go right at him. He would be overmatched playing against other teams centers, or outquicked playing against small forwards. Dirk got the reputation of not being a good defender.
Those days are gone.
One thing abutDirk, he wants to be a complete player. He wantsto excel at every part of his game. Passing, shooting, decisionmaking and yesdefense. Every summer he has focused on drills that made him quicker, stronger and better able to defend.
Although his rep said otherwise, Dirk really started to raise his defensive game last year. When hewas able to focus on guarding other teams Power Forwards, he was a good defender.
This year , Dirk has become better than just a good defender. Dirk has become a very good defender, on his way to being one of the best defensive PFs in the league. If that comment makes you laugh, you arent watching enough games and paying attention to Dirk on the defensive end.
Go down the list of PFs in the NBA. …. After Garnett and Duncan, who is a better defender ?
Its time to give Dirk his due. If you have a vote for All Defensive Team, and you arent considering Dirk. You arent paying attention.
The 2nd player on the Mavs that should be a no brainer for All Defensive Team is Josh Howard. Particularly with Artest out for the season, Josh is right there with Kobe and Bruce Bowen, and with Doug Christies injuries, he may have passed him by. The only guy I would put ahead of Josh without question is Kirilenko.
Josh always has to guard the supstar guard or small forward . I think he caught some people off guard last year. Not any longer. Scorers know that when they have josh on him, they are in for a long night. Guarding the other teams’ stars mean he gets in some foul trouble, but once Josh gets the respect of the officials, he will be even more of a force on defense than he already is. Hehas a great chance to be the DefensivePlayer of the Year in the NBA.More than once.
Thats two Mavs that deserve strong consideration for for 1st or 2nd team All Defensivehonors. I also dont have a lot of doubt that once Devin Harris gets going, he will be right there as well.
The best part is that all 3 guys work so hard, they all will get better and better.
the best is yet to come
The Ron Artest Trade is a done deal.
The announcement will be here:
http://sports.crimsonlight.com/2006/01/ron-artest-trade-deal-is-done/
Comment by JLTX -
Quite controversy site but very interesting :)! I’m really excited!
————————–
Signature, Jeff *\/* phentermine (http://www.phentermineeffect.com) *\/*
Comment by Phentermine -
Not much on my mind recently. I haven’t been up to much these days. I can’t be bothered with anything recently. I just don’t have much to say. I’ve just been hanging out waiting for something to happen. Oh well.
http://www.phonebell.net/
Comment by cheap phone card -
Nowitzki is definitely one of the completest and best players in the NBA. In Germany, that’s indisputable 🙂
– Jens
Comment by Jens Meiert -
There are sure alot of Maverick haters on Mark Cuban’s blog! I think Dirk is getting better at defense and Dallas is closing in on their dynasty years! I really don’t think that Dallas made a good choice in trading Najera though…he is a defensive machine and an awesome spark off of the bench.
Comment by Scott Cox -
While Dirk may be getting better (haven’t seen enough Mavs games this year to tell), I find it very hard to swallow the fact that anyone besides the team owner would put him above Kenyon Martin defensively…the scoring responsibility alone would likely prevent Dirk from offering the same effort that Kmart is able to give.
Regardless of the potential bias, I love reading blogmaverick…keep up the great work!
Comment by Roger -
favorite matt pinto line from his radio days… “it was so sweet my teeth hurt!” awesome stuff…
Comment by joshua -
I haven’t seen Dirk play enough recently to see how good a defender he’s become, but one guy I haven’t seen mentioned yet in this post is the Bulls’ Tyson Chandler. He has little offensive game but has been dominating teams defensively and is the biggest reason Chicago has the league’s top defense. He’s easily one of the top 4 or 5 big men defenders right now. (Disclaimer: I am a Bulls fan).
Comment by Mike T. -
Dirk is one of four players to average over 1.3 blocks and steals. Early on he wasn’t great. Talk of him being an all defensive selection is a little too much for me though. Dampier, Howard, Harris, Daniels, and Terry all have cases for being better defenders on the team. Dirk however has tremendous work ethic and has not stopped improving yet. There are aspects to his game that he has yet to show often in games. I would not be surprised to see him as an elite defender one day.
Comment by Kevin -
I listened to Junior Miller attempt to ridicule you for your comments in this article the other day. What a total tool that guy is! Usually, unattractive people have low self esteem, but that Jerry Seinfeld look-alike has the biggest ego in the metroplex.
Now, to the issue at hand. Dirk has become a very good defender. His rebounding is very solid; he gets a fair of steals and blocks, and he often helps out well when others fail defensively.
Which brings me to my next point. Are there any two players in the NBA who play worse defense on a consistent basis than Finley and Stackhouse? I think not. Both of them serve little purpose other than to take valuable touches away from Dirk. I know you love Fin, but Mark, he’s got to go!!! Sure he gets hot every 5th or 6th game, but most of the time, he’s average on offense and horrible on D.
Last point: Who would have thought that Josh Howard would become the Mavs’ second best player? But that just goes to show how important defense is to the success of the current Mavs. Without Josh (like last night against the shitty Clippers), the Mavs are extremely mediocre. Get Josh healthy and get rid of Fin (and Stack).
Comment by John -
2 for the all-defensive team??
You have to improve the team defense before the league/media take notice. Look at the names you mentioned: Artest & Bowen both on teams with excellent defensive minded squads. if you can prove that you can shut down the elite teams, people will say, how are they doing it? Then Dirk and Josh will get the recognition. 137-120 against the wizards doesn’t help your case. Matador defense doesn’t win championships but it makes for an exciting regular season which you should know, Mark. You won’t win a championship with Nellie, Mark. He’s a great guy and a great coach but his strategy doesn’t work in June. Did it work for run TMC? did it work in new york? Even though the lakers aren’t strong anymore, the top contenders will continue to be the teams that preach defense. Go avery go.
Comment by Jay -
I’m sure I am not the only one who has noticed that the defence has improved when Nash left. How much better could we be if we could get a true center who can produce?
Comment by Mavs Fan -
Hey guys…After reading several comments, and doing a little bit of homework…I’ve decided to start a blog on the NBA, I am looking for interested parties to help do stats analysis and game reviews…I think it would be a lot of fun….
For instance? Why are the Timberwolves a .500 team? Well the rank right their with the Mavs as far as field goal percentage, 3 point field goal percentage, and rebounding…But, has anyone notice that they rank 28 out of 30 in Free throw attempts….I think they are putting up to many jump shots…
Now imagine the argument and debate…Maybe somebody will find after reviewing several games that the lack of free throws has more to do with certain player(s) (two particularly) getting touches, than anything else?
Or, maybe we will find that the Mavs are a better defensive team and that is why Charles Barkley is not saying anything negative lately about the Mavs on TNT. Or, maybe, we will find that the Mav’s are not really playing better D and all. Then we will be able to call Mr. Cuban out?
But, it should be fun….So email at thebestcantstop@yahoo.com
Comment by Sterling -
shawn marion? maybe not a pure 4… but still
elton brand?
jermaine o’neal?
even pau gasol maybe
dirk may get some steals and defensive rebounds, but he is not defensive 1st team caliber.
dont get me wrong, hes getting a lot better and hes my favorite player. GO MAVS!
Comment by philip -
Mark Cuban said:
“After Garnett and Duncan, who is a better defender ?”
Chris Bosh and Reggie Evans are both better defenders than Nowitzki as far as power forwards go.
Power forwards who double as centers such as Danny Fortson or Amare Stoudemire are much better defenders than Nowitzki.
Chris Webber may have lost some speed, but I’d much rather have him guarding Garnett or Duncan than Nowitzki. Ditto for Brand.
The only defensive strategy Nowitzki brings to a game is his famous flop-foul move.
Comment by Kenny -
Hey Sterling, I meant to say trade Finley if he does not
pass the ball more to Dirk.
Comment by Rafael -
After three days off Dirk averages 7.6 rebounds, but with two days rest he averages 10.9 rebounds. After one day off his averageis 10.6. With zero days rest the averages 9.8. In wins he averages 10.5 rebounds. In losses he averages 8.9. Hasanyone noticed that Dirk leads his division in rebounding in games played against other teams in his division. He is average 12.1 boards in his division while Tim Duncan is averaging 11.9.
Why does Dirk nearly average twice as many rebounds on Firdays than on Thrusdays?
I think the Mavs should trade Finley for Al Harrington. Harrrington performs better against the Spurs and gives the Mavs a new look. He is also bigger and stronger. He is capable of guarding Tim Duncan. This will take some streess of Dirk.
Finley cannot guard Duncan.
Comment by Sterling -
Josh Howard is my favorite player on the Mavs! He hustles, grabs the rebounds, takes it to the hole, EVERYTHING! I predict Josh Howard in an All-Star Jersey next year. Ya’ll should start giving him a lot more publicity than he’s getting right now.
Dirk plays decent defense, but the thing the mavs have to work on the most is their Team Defense.
Comment by Jonathan -
Someone earlier on here said that Dampier is a loaf and whatever but did you know that whenever Damp plays more than 30+ min the mavs are undefeated? Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Comment by Adam -
go to this website to see more DVD info:
http://www.7floor.net/inside.php?f=1
Comment by The Dog Face -
I noticed the same thing while watching the Mavs on national tv these past two weeks. He seems much more aggressive on defense, and I imagine his steals and blocks will be up significantly this season (25-30%?).
Comment by Sam -
Rafael, I don’t know why the Mavs would ever trade Dirk. He is the best player Dallas has ever had in their entire history.
The real challenge will arise as the season nears the end. Dirk is playing to many minutes. His mood will change to frustration. The number of turnovers he commits a game will go up. His defense will slack off.
Or maybe, this won’t happen? Why? If you look at the number of minutes he is averaging per game, it is almost identical to last year’s performance. Except his numbers are up.
Dirk is averaging 1.3 more rebounds per game (better defensive rebounding by 1.2 per game. He is also averaging 1.3 steals per game and 1.2 blocks per game.
His field goal percentage is down by 1.7%. However, his shooting percentage is 5.1% higher from behind the arc.
Games FG% FGM FGA
Dirk 34 46% 296 647
Mavs 35 56% 804 1012
Tim Dun 39 50% 330 660
Spurs 39 47% 1406 3022
3PA 3PM FTA FTM
Dirk 115 49 330 283
Mavs 556 194 1012 804
Tim Dun 2 7 191 294
Spurs 630 227 1009 723
Off RB Def RB Total RB Blocks Steals
Dirk 45 295 340 42 45
Mavs 447 1102 1549 192 310
Tim Dun 323 455 778 112 29
Spurs 453 1199 1652 256 286
TO AST PF
Dirk 76 92 99
Mavs 478 639 785
Tim Dun 97 86 112
Spurs 872 803 256
Clearly Tim Duncan does a better job on the defensive board. I am not sure if Tim Duncan or Dirk gets more touches per game. Dirk is average more asst per game while also committing a a slight lower percentage of turnovers than Tim Duncan.
The more amazing number to me is that Tim Duncan is averaging 19% of his teams free throw attempts while Dirk is averaging only 14%. Is Dirk going to the basket enough?
The most impressive team statistic is that the Mav’s rebounding numbers are right there with the Spurs. If the Mavs can add on more guy on the team who can box out, they will make it out of the West.
Everyone knows that a high field goal conversion percentage, and the ability to shoot three-point shots is the key to ranking among the best the best teams in the NBA. Look at the bottom ten records in the NBA and you will find teams that rank in the bottom of both categories.
The Mavs are impressive because they have the ability to run a number of sets that Dirk or team can do. Now, the Mavs need great defense. The Mavs should trade for a strong power forward like Ron Artest.
Dirk is one of the most dominant players in basketball. When he has the ball, his opponents often send two or three rather than only one player to defend. A power forward would bring terrific rebounding skills to the team to put the Mavs over the top. Of course they can also add a great rebounding guard to gain the advantage.
The Spurs can be beat. They have a pattern of play which is simple. Tim Duncan and company are so good at what they do that they don’t feel they have to vary it. Because they don’t vary it, they are vulnerable to opponents like Phoenix and the Mavs who recognize their strategy and attack it by pushing the ball up the court all 48 minutes of the game.
You beat the Spurs by running the ball up the court and pressing Tony Parker on defensive. The Mavs are one defensive player away from going to the NBA finals. Nick Van Exel would be a terrific choice because he could slow down the ball on defense. Jaun Dixon would also be a good addition the Mavs’ roster.
Imagine the game, Dixon or Van Exel, constantly bothering Tony Parker on his way down the court. They would not stop him, because Tony Parker is a great a ball handler to be diverted for very long. But, they would create a delay in time. The Spurs would scrabble to get a shot up.
The Mavs would push the ball down the court fast the other way. As you can see by the numbers above, the Mavs do rebound the ball. Tim Duncan would not have enough time to move up the court and take a position for defense. The consequence of this is not to be underestimated.
Now, you’ve made Tim Duncan less of a factor in the game without double teaming him. A double team or triple team will never stop a player like Tim Duncan. You can exploit his weakness (his size) and use it against him.
Tim Ducan cannot move as fast for as long as other players, and the constant changing direction on the ball up and down the court would cause him to exert more effort. Tim Duncan would grow tired.
Dirk would be able to go to work in the final quarter and take over the game because he would be well rested if he has Ron Artest as a backup. Or, if the Mavs get a guard like Dixon or Van Exel, Dirk would be rested because he would not have worry about bringing the ball up the court as much.
The final score would read 95 to 85. The Spurs would never be able to keep up. The Mavs would go on to sweep the Spurs.
Comment by Sterling -
Matt and Bob are the best. The only person I’d like to see doing all the Mavs broadcasts is Bill Walton. That guy is hilarious, and might help with Dirk’s defensive reputation. “That was the best defensive play ever in Western Civilization” or something to that effect.
Comment by Fan -
to jimmy dean:
“nowitzki stops, he pops, and it drops”
i love it!
keep it coming matt, coach, & ro!
mark dont dare make a change!
Comment by Luis -
hey mark,
I wanted to thank you for sharing your political views in earlier threads and posts.
While I did not vote for Bush, I share your views on Social Security and the Inauguration.
Thanks for starting such open debates, and hope that in the future you won’t keep your political views mum because of some dumb comments.
anyway, i didn’t meant to vear so horribly off topic, but i figured you’d be more likely to read the comments on this thread vs. going back to old ones!
Dirk is awesome. Def my favorite player in the NBA right now.
and a note for the NBA draft this summer:
GO FOR TAYLOR COPPENRATH!
He is the nation’s leader scorer in Div. 1 college bball. Be sure to watch UVM (University of Vermont) play when they make “The Big Dance”. I’m telling you, if you draft Coppenrath, the entire state of VT will become Mavs fans. We are ‘offically’ Celtics fans now, but they suck.
-pat from VT
Comment by padraig26 -
hey mark, i dont know if you have any control over this matter or not. But please , if you can, get rid of Matt Pinto and Bob Ortegul. They suck.
If i hear “nowitzki stops, he pops, and it drops” one more time im starting a petition to get some better commentators covering the mavs.
Comment by jimmy dean -
What about Steve Nash Part2?
I think it would show some integrity on your part to admit that you made a bad decision. VERY BAD DECISION….NE ways i am a dirk fan also and i think you are right on with that assesment.GO MAVS!
Comment by chris -
Nowitzki is one of my favorite players too. He can do anything, including defending!
it was a great move NOT to trade him for O’neal.
Comment by Maarten -
MAYBE IF DIRK WAS GUARDING DUNCAN EARLIER IN THAT GAME ON FRIDAY NIGHT THE MAVS WOULD HAVE BEATEN THE SPURS FINALLY. I KNOW YOU DON’T WANT TO GET DIRK IN FOUL TROUBLE, BUT GOING TO DIRK ON DUNCAN A LITTLE EARLIER THAN THE 4TH QUARTER NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO BEAT THE SPURS, DEPENDING ON THE FOUL SITUATION OF COURSE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE DIRK GUARD DUNCAN THE WHOLE GAME, BECAUSE HE DOES THE BEST JOB OF ANYBODY IN THE LEAGUE GUARDING DUNCAN CUZ HE IS QUICKER AND MORE ATHLETIC THAN DUNCAN AND HAS A SIMILAR BODY STRUCTURE. GO MAVS!!!! 2005 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!! DIRK FOR MVP!!!!
Comment by Nick -
Interesting article, and interesting insights! I had the pleasure of watching Devin Harris play ball at the University of Wisconsin, and while I lament his departure to the NBA, I’m glad to see that he’s doing well! He comes from a strong defensive-coaching pedigree with Bo Ryan, and his speed and shooting can truly be a difference-maker in a tight ballgame.
Comment by Senor Pez -
Go down the list of PFs in the NBA. …. After Garnett and Duncan, who is a better defender?
dirk has improved at the defensive end, he probably belongs in a category (behind duncan and garnett) with brand, rasheed wallace, and kenyon martin.
Comment by Scott Wickett -
Dirk is my favorite player and i totally agree with you.
One thing the mavs need to do now is teach Michael Finley to pass
the ball more to Dirk (he never passes it) and to improve his shooting selection.
otherwise “Trading him”
Comment by Rafael -
okay first let me start by addressing edwards idiotic comments about damp, he may not show a lot of emotion but that doesnt mean he doesnt play with it. there is more to playing center then rebounds & block shots. edward next time you watch a mavs game watch for these two things.
1. the first thing i noticed is the tremendous picks he sets on players inside the paint when the mavs run the curl plays, he completely takes the defender out of the play leaving finley or dirk open for jumpers. no knock on bradley but that same play with bradley in the game, the defender has an easier time moving thru the pick. he is creating shots for other players just by being in the game.
2. his rock solid body. he is very difficult to move on the blocks. whether he is posting up or defending the post, he doesnt give you much. bradley or any other center on the roster or any center in recent mavs history for that matter has been able to give us that type of presence inside. he can hold his own, we dont have to double down very often. these things dont show up on the stat sheet but these are huge difference makers. dont compare every center to shaq, there is only one shaq. but there is so much to playing center, you dont see it in the stat sheets.
is he a disappointment? not really, he brings things to the 5 spot that we have not see here in dallas. disappointment for the amount of his contract, maybe but its way to early to tell. i would like to see his rebound average up a little bit more but i think he’s a great addition to this team and has been a major reason the defense has improved…which brings me to my next point.
mark, right there with you when it comes to jho been all def team. no arguement there. but dirk all def team? you might be overselling him a little bit. he has come leaps from where he was his first few years. he has gotten better at coming over from the weak side and getting some blocked shots and he has become an expert at slapping the ball low when the player is driving (ala karl malone), but he still needs alot of work guarding in open space when the oppenent still has his dribble alive, hopefully in a year or two he will be the complete package, and then we need to start a campaign to remove the rep has gotten.
Comment by Luis -
two things: underrated pf defender is Robert Horry. Only time I see him play is against Dirk and he always gives him fits.
Also let’s give a little credit to Damp. His presence makes Dirk a better defender too. And, he’s the only Maverick who knows how to “box out.” Even when he pulls down only 3 or 4 boards in a given game, be assured his man isn’t getting those rebounds.
Comment by Steven -
You have assembled and excellent team. Everyone knows that a high field goal conversion percentage, and the ability to shoot three-point shoots is the key to ranking among the best the best teams in the NBA. Look at the bottom ten records in the NBA and you will find teams that rank in the bottom of both categories.
The Mavs are impressive because they have the ability to run a number of sets that Dirk or team can do. Now, the Mavs need great defense. The Mavs should trade for a strong power forward like Ron Artest.
Dirk is one of the most dominant players in basketball. When he has the ball, his opponents often send two or three rather than only one player to defend. A power forward would bring terrific offensive skills to the team.
The Spurs can be beat. They have a pattern of play which is simple. Tim Duncan and company are so good at what they do that they don’t feel they have to vary it. Because they don’t vary it, they are vulnerable to opponents like Phoenix and the Mavs who recognize their strategy and attack it by pushing the ball up the court all 48 minutes of the game.
You beat the Spurs by running the ball up the court and pressing Tony Parker on defensive. The Mavs are one defensive player away from going to the NBA finals. Nick Van Exel would also be a terrific choice because he could slow down the ball on defense. Jaun Dixon would also be a good addition the Mavs’ roster.
Imagine the game, Dixon or Van Exel, would constantly bother Tony Parker on
his way down the court. They would not stop him, because Tony Parker is a great a ball handler to be diverted for very long. But, they would create a delay in time. The Spurs would scrabble to get a shoot up.
The Mavs would push the ball down the court fast the other way. Tim Duncan would not have enough time to move up the court and take a position for defense. The consequence of this is not to be underestimated.
Now, you’ve made Tim Duncan less of a factor in the game without double teaming him. A double team or triple team will never stop a player like Tim Duncan. You can exploit his weakness (his size) and use it against him.
Tim Ducan cannot move as fast for as long as other players, and the constant changing direction on the ball up and down the court would cause him to exert more effort. Tim Duncan would grow tired.
The final score would read 95 to 85. The Spurs would never be able to keep up.
The Mavs would go on to defeat the Miami heat in the NBA finals.
Comment by Sterling -
Ha!ha!ha!ha!
Seems that you are not watching rest of the NBA games. Please watch them and don’t compare Dirk to someone in NCAA (may be they are also playing better D). I appriciate your effort being owner encouraging his players by saying something like this but come on, you and everyone else knows this, Mavs on defensive team,…….I think that will only happen with ownership change..
Comment by kedar -
Dirk’s defense has drastically improved over the past three years. Unfortunately, it takes quite awhile for the national media to catch up. Also, the common fan doesn’t really get to see enough games to believe anything other than what the national media tells them. Good job Cuban on pointing this out. I’ve harped on this for the past couple of years. I’m just glad that someone else is taking note that Dirk’s defense has actually improved.
Comment by Murph -
Well, while I agree Dirk has raised his defensive game, let’s not get unreasonable. Rasheed still plays better D, and I would probably put Elton Brand ahead of Dirk also. But to give credit where credit is due, it is remarkable that we are even having this chat, which says a lot for Dirk.
Comment by Damion Easley -
Wait, I just read Cuban did address the issue and a mistake was admitted by the league. Thanks again Cuban for your unrelenting efforts to better the officiating.
Comment by #1 fan -
My guess is the only reason he didnt write about the terrible calls we got in the Spurs game is so he could avoid a fine…I wouldnt want to pay for stating my opinion either.
Comment by #1 fan -
Go down the list of PFs in the NBA. …. After Garnett and Duncan, who is a better defender ?
Elton Brand?
Comment by Adam -
Are you being paid by the government to promote the No Maverick Left Behind Act?
Comment by Peatey -
the difference between the mavs of this year and the mavs of last year is they are playing good D… the suns remind me a lot of the mavs of old, which means they will be hard pressed to make it to the finals
on a side note you have to love the way devin harris has played this year, he is electrifying
the only disappointment i have is dampier… tell nellie to bench that slug… he has the tools to be a much better player but he loafs around way too much and goes to the bucket weaker than any big man in the league… he is so lazy and bumbling that it really detracts from my enjoyment of mavs games… sit the guy down, let bradley get more minutes and the team will be better off (after all, when bradley gets more minutes he has produced better numbers than damp ever has)
bench damp, show him a video of eduardo najera and say, listen you slug, this is the guy you were traded for… play with some passion for the love of god… i dont care if he fouls out of every game, id like the guy if he left it all out on the floor… instead of walking around with a whipped look on his face after another dropped pass or missed layup (when he was close enough to throw it down)
p.s.
we got ripped in the spurs game, im surprised you didnt write about the ref’s in that game… what a disgrace… its not all bad though, we should have won that game, if it wasnt for terrible officiating, and without 3 of our key players… 30 points and 20 rebounds per game… look out spurs when everyone is healthy
Comment by edward -
If Josh gets a look b/c of his defensive duties, somebody like Andre Iguodala should get some respect for what he does on the defensive end as well.
Comment by Brian Dimm -
Finally someone else says something about Dirk’s D, now if we could only get the rest of the media to pay attention…Oh by the way could you believe they missed that goaltending call last night?!
Comment by #1 fan -
DEFENCE, DEFENCE, I still dream of the great defensive teams the Knicks used to have. Great game the other night against the Spurs, I’m amazed at the caliber of NBA basketball in Texas.
Comment by Paul Mooney -
I agree that dirk is getting better – but let’s see that team defense improve!
Comment by Chris Hamoen -
Great article Rick Carlisle, I mean Mark Cuban.
Comment by Gary Meyers -
Lol.. please… Dirk is one of the worst defenders in the league
Comment by Kyle -
Mark, congratulations on advancing to the Western Conference finals. Go Mavs!
Comment by marc -
I hate the f*cking Mavs…talk about dirty players…they have to resort to punches and their owner talking shit for them…because they can’t do it themselves…talk about cry-babies…they can’t even admit responsiblilty for their wrong-doings…babies.
Comment by Liz6966 -
I had the pleasure of watching Devin Harris play ball at the University of Wisconsin, and while I lament his departure to the NBA, I’m glad to see that he’s doing well!
Comment by runescape money -
you might be overselling him a little bit. he has come leaps from where he was his first few years. he has gotten better at coming over from the weak side and getting some blocked shots and he has become an expert at slapping the ball low when the player is driving (ala karl malone), but he still needs alot of work guarding in open space when the oppenent still has his dribble alive, hopefully in a year or two he will be the complete package, and then we need to start a campaign to remove the rep has gotten.
Comment by wow powerleveling -
I can’t believe it there are defensive players in the Mavs roster?! My webdatedotcom boyfriend just told me that your team doesn’t know how to defend
Comment by thynoe123 -
The Mavs not only had to defeat the champs but also the referees. It was to obvious that they were on the Spurs side, they were calling everything possible on the Mavs, someone in the league has to do something about this, in other sports like Soccer which is the biggest in the world bad referees dont get to go to the important games cause they ruin the games with all the stupid calls, but here if somebody says something they get fined, come on now the fans wnat to see the players not the refs. They have too much authority and they cant be touched when they make mistakes.
Comment by Emilio -
only a few words from an italian fan:
go mavs and dirk mvp!!!
Comment by marco -
I have been a Mavericks fan since Reunion Arena was the state of the art facility. Mark you have turned me into a believer! Thanks for the Passion. Win or Loose I have become a die hard.
Comment by Kevin S -
babies that beat the Spurs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE My Mavericks!!!
Comment by Jessica Kudzia -