Dallas Morning News <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Avery Johnson may have overcooked the praise of Marquis Daniels a little when he said that he's "always thought of him as a triple-double guy." This is, after all, a player whose next triple-double will be his first. But considering the way the third-year guard is sizzling through the preseason, Johnson's optimism about Daniels is understandable. The 6-6 Daniels is healthy, happy and reminding the Mavericks of what they missed last season when he fought injuries. "Marquis is part of that second unit that comes in with energy and makes things happen," Jason Terry said. "If he got enough minutes, he's definitely the type of player who could give you those kind of [triple-double] numbers." In four preseason games, Daniels has led the Mavericks in scoring once, rebounding once, steals three times and assists once. That diversity is what has the Mavericks so excited. "What really amazes me is that he doesn't even look like he's moving very fast," Dirk Nowitzki said. "But he's able to get to the basket and finish. He's a pleasure to have out there." Daniels has shown he can be vital on a good team. He finished his rookie season with a flourish, averaging 20.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.07 steals. He signed a large contract in the off-season, then badly twisted his ankle in a summer pick-up game. Daniels was never right the entire season, which was complicated when he had an appendectomy in February. "I just want to stay healthy," Daniels said. "As far as my personal goals, I think I can get some triple-doubles. Realistically, given the minutes I'll play? I can be a guy who can get seven rebounds, five or six assists and 10 points. That's something that's possible. You've just got to do something different every night." </div> Source
