Dallas Mavericks come up short in preseason opener

"Like every team in the NBA at this stage of the preseason, the Mavericks think their top rookie is a keeper who will be a solid contributor this season."I didn't pay $3 million to get him for my health," owner Mark Cuban said before Tuesday's exhibition opener, a 97-94 loss to Washington at American Airlines Center.But the truth is that Dominique Jones' role during the season is yet to be determined. That's the way it is when you are the 25th overall draft pick and purchased from Memphis on draft night.The Mavericks wanted Jones, for sure. But picks that late in the first round come with no assurances.Unlike Washington's top draftee, No. 1 overall pick John Wall, who is expected to be the franchise beacon for years to come.For Jones, the beginning of his pro career was mixed. He got loose for a breakaway dunk, but got crossed up defensively a time or two against Gilbert Arenas and Wall. He's not the first nor the last who will have that happen to him.He also had a 16-foot jumper with 16.7 seconds left that tied the game. But Washington's Lester Hudson hit a 3-pointer with 2.5 left to win it.Beyond his scoring, the selling point for Jones is that he's willing to do what he does best and understands that his role can be whatever he makes it in the long run."He's the kind of player that we haven't had," coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's a bigger, stronger guard who can get to the basket and spent a lot of time at the free-throw line in college. We haven't had that with his size and strength."He's just got to be combative. It's the beginning of a long road for him, for his career and for his first year. The ups and downs of a rookie season are unavoidable. [But] defensively he's got a chance to really help us. I've told him that's his avenue to get on the floor."Jones will get a long look during training camp. Against the Wizards in the opener, he was active, but all of the Mavericks looked a little choppy. Still, Jones managed to do what he does best."

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