Dallas Mavericks Training Camp

Theo41 · Oct 4, 2005

Mavs add 3 for training camp

Mavs Training Camp Roster

Name Position NBA Yrs. 
Tariq Abdul-Wahad Forward/Guard 7
Darrell Armstrong Guard 11
Shawn Bradley Center 12
Doug Christie Guard/Forward 13
Erick Dampier Center 9
Marquis Daniels Guard 2
Kaniel Dickens Forward 2
DeSagana Diop Center 4
Devin Harris Guard 1
Josh Howard Guard/Forward 2
Rawle Marshall Guard/Forward Rookie
DJ Mbenga Center 1
Dirk Nowitzki Forward 7
Pavel Podkolzin Center 1
Josh Powell Forward Rookie
Jerry Stackhouse Guard/Forward 9
Erick Strickland Guard 9
Jason Terry Guard 5 
Samo Udrih Guard Rookie
Keith Van Horn Forward 8
Head Coach:Avery Johnson
 Assistant Coaches: Rolando Blackman, Del Harris, Charlie Parker, Joe Prunty, Larry Riley 

Mavs Preseason

Schedule Date Opponent Time
Oct. 11 @ Sacramento 9 p.m. CT
Oct. 12 @ L.A. Clippers 9:30 p.m. CT
Oct. 16 @ New York 5 p.m. CT
Oct. 18 @ Detroit 6:30 p.m. CT
Oct. 21 New York 7:30 p.m. CT
Oct. 23 L.A. Clippers 6:30 p.m. CT
Oct. 26 Milwaukee 7:30 p.m. CT
Oct. 27 Detroit 7:30 p.m. CT

Media Day Pictures:

Theo41 · Oct 4, 2005

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Its Mavs Time!

Posted Oct 4, 2005, 5:00 PM ET

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 that stood 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 up resposibilities all 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 to explain plays and was 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!
</div>

Interesting

Shapecity · Oct 5, 2005

Dallas Morning Star

Star of the day: DeSagana Diop

Tough to say who's sharp after two practices. But if appearances mean anything, newcomer DeSagana Diop is ready to contribute on defense.

In a predraft workout with Memphis in '01, the 7-footer was 320 pounds, said Robert Hackett, the Mavericks' conditioning coach who was with the Grizzlies then. Diop is down to 270.

"We really like having that big-time shot-blocker coming off the bench," coach Avery Johnson said. "He doesn't do anything else but block shots and rebound. But he's got so much energy."

Source

I think a lot of teams will regret overlooking Diop. He's still relatively new to he game of basketball and has never been in a stable surrounding. Avery Johnson should be able to get the most of Diop and his presence will push Dampier to remain focused.

Theo41 · Oct 5, 2005

MAVERICKS CAMP

By Dwain Price

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The Armstrong kicker

Always one to remind others of his football accomplishments, Mavs point guard Darrell Armstrong has been selected by the Philadelphia Tribune as the kicker on the all-time black college football team.
Armstrong, who said he was surprised to receive the award, played three years of college football at Fayetteville State, where he also starred on the basketball team.
Armstrong is the co-holder of his school's record for the longest field goal, having booted a 47-yarder on two occasions.
"Somebody else did it, too, but [the record is] mine because I did it twice," he said. "I can kick the heck out it."
Maybe, but don't wait for Armstrong to kick the basketball in a game if he loses his temper.
"Because I know I'm going to hit somebody in the stands," he said. "And it's going to be coming pretty quick, too."
Armstrong said he made 5-of-10 field goals as a college senior, and three of the misses hit the upright.

Money not driving factor
Unlike a lot of NBA players, center Erick Dampier isn't driven by material possessions, Mavs swingman Jerry Stackhouse says.
"Damp drives a '91 Tahoe, so I don't think money is a big thing to him," Stackhouse said. "It's great to be able to have security for his family and looking forward, but he's not a guy that's going to go out and buy a big car or buy a big house. He's a moderate guy."

Johnson hires former coach
Mavs coach Avery Johnson reached out and helped an old friend when he hired Bernard Griffith as one of the team's developmental coaches.
Griffith coached Johnson at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and recently was displaced when he lost his home and belongings during Hurricane Katrina.

20-SECOND TIMEOUT: DESAGANA DIOP
Q: This is the first time you've stayed in the States during the off-season, opting to work out here instead of going home to Senegal. Why did you stay?
A: I'd love to go home, but I had to make some sacrifices to get to where I want to get.
Q: You'd lost a lot of baby fat since last season. Can you tell the difference yet?
A: I've lost 30 pounds since last season, and I feel a lot better and quicker, and I'm able to block shots now. I feel lighter moving with and without the ball.
Q: You spent your first four seasons with Cleveland right out of high school, but you didn't play much (fewer than 60 games in each of three seasons). Do you feel as if is this a new beginning for you with the Mavs?
A: I think I'm a rookie. I keep telling people I'm a rookie. I just wanted to get out of Cleveland and go somewhere else and get a new start.
Q: What role have you been told you'll play for the Mavs?
A: They just told me they want me to block a lot of shots and rebound. But I might get in a jumper here and there

Source

Also, the Mavs Fan Jam is Sunday at theAmerican Airlines Center, free, 12:30 p.m., scrimmage at 1 p.m.

What is the Mavs Fan Jam? What do you do? Anyone going

Theo41 · Oct 6, 2005

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News 

Star of the day: Marquis Daniels

Injuries wrecked Marquis Daniels' second season in the league, but he's started his third training camp much stronger and healthier. "I haven't seen him play defense the way he's been playing," coach Avery Johnson said. "He's been physical. He's been getting steals. He's been getting deflections. He's playing better now than he did this summer defensively. And offensively, we know he fits into the mode of what we want ? somebody to penetrate and pass at that position." Daniels also appears to have added muscle to his slender frame. He will compete with Doug Christie and Jerry Stackhouse for playing time.
Stat of the day

1: Number of former high-school coaches who tutored Avery Johnson now on the Mavericks' staff. Bernard Griffith was assistant coach at St. Augustine High School when Johnson was there. He later coached the New Orleans school for more than two decades. Now, displaced by Hurricane Katrina, he's on the Mavericks' developmental coaching staff. "We had coach Griffith with us this summer," Johnson said. "I wanted to see if our other coaches thought he would be a good fit. They all thought he would be a good addition, especially with our young guys."
Noteworthy

Mark Cuban has been watching practices in camp, but he's also been watching events around the sporting world. "Can you imagine if I owned an NHL team now and they called all this obstruction stuff?" he said Wednesday. "I'd be running on the ice." ... Kaniel Dickens had the highlight-reel play of the day, throwing down an insane dunk on D.J. Mbenga. ... Avery Johnson has what he calls a "sissy test" to gauge his players' toughness and conditioning at the start of camp. "They all passed," he said. "I really like the conditioning of our big guys. I told Keith Van Horn he had to climb the mountains since he moved to Denver, and he did."
He said it

I haven't been on the front of a press guide in a long time.
Coach Avery Johnson, who is on the Mavericks' preseason media guide cover. Dirk Nowitzki will be the only member of the organization on the cover of the regular-season guide.

Theo41 · Oct 6, 2005

The team gets ready to start their first practice of the 2005-06 season.
Danny Bollinger/mavs.com
Assistant coach Rolando Blackman gives rookie Josh Powell some pointers.
Danny Bollinger/mavs.com
Everyone has to shoot free throws before practice ends.
Danny Bollinger/mavs.com
Powell takes his shots.
Danny Bollinger/mavs.com
Newcomer Doug Christie finishes up his free throws.
Danny Bollinger/mavs.com
Jason Terry talks to the media.
Danny Bollinger/mavs.com
Coach Avery Johnson fields questions about the upcoming season.

Theo41 · Oct 6, 2005

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Dallas Morning Star

Star of the day: DeSagana Diop

Tough to say who's sharp after two practices. But if appearances mean anything, newcomer DeSagana Diop is ready to contribute on defense.

In a predraft workout with Memphis in '01, the 7-footer was 320 pounds, said Robert Hackett, the Mavericks' conditioning coach who was with the Grizzlies then. Diop is down to 270.

"We really like having that big-time shot-blocker coming off the bench," coach Avery Johnson said. "He doesn't do anything else but block shots and rebound. But he's got so much energy."

Source

I think a lot of teams will regret overlooking Diop. He's still relatively new to he game of basketball and has never been in a stable surrounding. Avery Johnson should be able to get the most of Diop and his presence will push Dampier to remain focused.</div>



Theres a visible difference, he looks a lot bulkier.

Theo41 · Oct 6, 2005

Daniels even better
After an injury-plagued season last year, guard/forward Marquis Daniels is flourishing in training camp.
"I haven't seen him play defense the way he's been playing," coach Avery Johnson said. "He's been physical, he's been getting steals, he's getting deflections.
"And offensively, we all know he fits into the mold that we want. We want somebody to penetrate, we want somebody to pass at that position, and obviously he's working on his shot."
Daniels, who missed 22 games last year because of a sore left ankle and an appendectomy, said his priority this year is to remain healthy.
"Last year was very difficult," Daniels said. "It was a case where you really wanted to play a lot, but you're hindered by injuries.
"It was a learning experience, but it also helped me in the process of being humbled and being patient.

Source

Theo41 · Oct 7, 2005

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News



Star of the day: D.J. Mbenga
The Mavericks scrimmaged for 24 minutes Thursday, and Jerry Stackhouse was impressed with the improvement of D.J. Mbenga. "The guy has so much upside it's unbelievable," Stackhouse said. "I think he's got a chance to help us a lot." Mbenga is slowly picking up the game, which is the only thing holding back the athletic 7-footer, who runs the court like some guards. "He's better than he was last year," Avery Johnson said. "And I think he wants to play this year. He just has to understand where to be and where not to be on the court. He's had some success in that regard."

Stat of the day
7 Players on the training camp roster never drafted by an NBA team (Darrell Armstrong, Marquis Daniels, Rawle Marshall, D.J. Mbenga, Josh Powell, Erick Strickland and Samo Udrih). Ten Mavericks players were drafted in the first round. One, Kaniel Dickens, was taken in the second round.

Noteworthy
Keith Van Horn made it clear Thursday that his contract situation will not be a distraction. "My position is I'm not going to make any decisions during the season at all," he said. "I don't want to be thinking about extensions or contracts or deals during the season. I want to enjoy playing here in Dallas, have some fun and win. Once the season's over, I'll make some decisions." Van Horn, set to earn $15.694 million this season, will become a free agent on July 1 if he doesn't sign an extension before then. ... NBA director of officiating Ronnie Nunn visited the Mavericks to talk about changes in rules and how the game will be called. There should be few major differences after the significant changes last season, when defensive rules were altered. ... The Mavericks had only one practice Thursday. They will resume two-a-days today and Saturday.

He said it
"A lot of our guys who were on the bench last year, we got to know that we can depend on them consistently. We've had some good stuff and some bad stuff."
Coach Avery Johnson, on Devin Harris, Marquis Daniels, D.J. Mbenga and others whose playing time has yet to be determined.

Culperfect · Oct 7, 2005

Maverick, you ought to go to the fan Jam on Sunday. I haven't been, but I know that it's a sort of one-day fair for the Mavericks. There will be booths, games, things like that, and it's all capped off by an intersquad scrimmage. You can also register for a chance to go to the meet and greet autograph session through the NBA.com/Mavericks site. Most importantly: It's free! Just hop on the bus and get a day pass for $2.50 (check out the DART site to get the best route for you) and they'll take you right up to the door. No hassle with parking, no real cost problems, just Mavs all day long.
Or at least that's what I was planning to do. I am back home in Alabama to pick up my car, but I really wanted to go. I'm even thinking about driving back Saturday night just to make it.
Let me know if you're going. If I can't make it, I'd love to know what went down.

Theo41 · Oct 7, 2005

That could work, but I'm in Sydney, Australia.

..::Future::.. · Oct 8, 2005

I'm looking forward to this season. Daniels improving on his defense and his jumper. Diop losing weight. All of our players getting to know each other. I dont think chemistry will be a problem this season.

Theo41 · Oct 8, 2005

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News 
STAR OF THE DAY: MARQUIS DANIELS
Marquis Daniels doesn't have to do much to be a star these days. Just running is enough to make him and his coach smile.
After last year, when he could barely walk in training camp and never really got healthy all season, moving around is a blessing.
"It's a big improvement from last year," Avery Johnson said. "He's really trying defensively. And the kid is healthy. Last year he was playing on one ankle."
Daniels has had a solid camp in all areas and is bucking for playing time.
"It's always good not to have to worry about injuries or illnesses," said Daniels, who had an appendectomy last year in addition to the bum ankle. "Last year, I was just sitting on this (stationary) bicycle. This year, I've been focusing on a lot of things that I wasn't able to do last year, like playing defense as well as I normally do. And running. And jumping."

STAT OF THE DAY
1 – The number of Mavericks actually drafted by the Mavericks. Josh Howard is the only one.

Noteworthy
Doug Christie is already making his presence felt in camp.
"We haven't had a guy who can play that kind of defense," Johnson said. "Obviously, you're not going to hold guys to zero points. But I need somebody who I can count on through the course of the game to play consistent defense. The two-guard is a tough position to guard in our league, especially in the Western Conference. Doug will provide some stability and craftiness at that position." ... Erick Strickland was walking gingerly after getting a slight foot strain in the morning practice. It is not expected to be a long-term problem.

HE SAID IT
"We want him to run the offense some because we need J.T. (Jason Terry) catching and shooting on offense instead of initiating it. Most of your good teams don't have a point-guard dominated offense."
Coach Avery Johnson on Josh Howard, who is having a splendid camp and is handling the ball more often, like Detroit's Tayshaun Prince or San Antonio's Manu Ginobili.

..::Future::.. · Oct 8, 2005

I like the sound of Josh Howard handling the basketball. It will really open up our offense.

Theo41 · Oct 10, 2005

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

Star of the day: Marquis Daniels

While it was Jerry Stackhouse who made a layup and a jumper in the final minute of the White team's 50-45 comeback win over the Blue on Sunday, it was Marquis Daniels who got his coach's attention in the intrasquad scrimmage. "By far the best player on the court was Marquis Daniels," Avery Johnson said. Daniels had three steals to go with a team-best 13 points for the Blue. Daniels said he is trying to carry his weight as he, Stackhouse and Doug Christie vie for backcourt playing time. "Everyone's just making each other better," Daniels said. "Everyone's going to get valuable minutes."

4: The number of assists Dirk Nowitzki had in the scrimmage, twice as many as anybody else.

Noteworthy

The Mavs started Sunday with an autograph-signing party on the concourse of the AAC. "Some of them even pulled out my basketball cards from the archives," Avery Johnson said. ... Doug Christie's first official hand signal as a Maverick came when he was introduced as a Blue team starter. Maybe he was just congratulating the University of Texas with his horns-up gesture. ... Rawle Marshall, the rookie out of tiny Oakland (Mich.) University, had the show-stopping moment when he rose above most of the White team and threw down a one-handed dunk that wowed the crowd.
He said it

It wasn't really a drag. The only time teams complain about stuff is when teams don't have a big goal in mind. And we have a huge goal in mind.

Jerry Stackhouse, ont the Mavericks being done with two-a-day practices.

Theo41 · Oct 10, 2005

ESPN Radio 103.3 FM/Mavs Fan Jam, presented by Verizon SuperPages was held on Sunday, Oct. 9 at American Airlines Center.

Before the doors opened, a few lucky fans were able to attend the exclusive autograph session. All 18 players, plus Avery Johnson and Mark Cuban, were on hand to sign basketballs, jerseys and anything else the fans wanted to bring!

Fans were able to watch the annual Blue/White Scrimmage, giving the fans their first chance to see the 2005-06 Mavs squad.

Roster for the 2005 Fan Jam:
Blue Team (coached by Rolando Blackman and Paul Mokeski):
Doug Christie
Marquis Daniels
DeSagana Diop
Devin Harris
Rawle Marshall
DJ Mbenga
Dirk Nowitzki
Josh Powell
Jason Terry

White Team (coached by Joe Prunty, Bernard Griffith and Greg Dreiling):
Darrell Armstrong
Erick Dampier
Kaniel Dickens
Josh Howard
Pavel Podkolzin
Jerry Stackhouse
Erick Strickland
Samo Udrih
Keith Van Horn

The White team won with a score of 50-45. The high scorer for the Blue team was Marquis Daniels with 13 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Keith Van Horn was the top scorer for the White with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist.

Dirk signs autographs for fans.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Jason Terry.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Josh Howard.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Josh Powell.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Avery Johnson.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Doug Christie.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Erick Dampier.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Some of the guys soak their feet in the hot tub before the scrimmage.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Dirk and Pavel get taped up before the game.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Devin goes in for the slam dunk.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Dirk dribbles up the court.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images