<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When it comes to All-Star center Alonzo Mourning, the Mavericks might not have the last say. But owner Mark Cuban is making sure they get in the first word. Quizzed about the team's interest in the Miami Heat pillar in a Monday e-mail, Cuban responded: "All I can say is that I'm in Miami." Cuban might not have been on Mourning's doorstep when NBA free agency officially began at 12:01 a.m. this morning, but shortly thereafter the owner made certain the coveted center saw Dallas' serious interest firsthand. With their loss to the eventual champion Spurs in the Western Conference Finals still stinging, the Mavs realize they are an interior mean streak from becoming a legitimate NBA favorite. Mourning is everything the Mavs need. He is big (6-foot-10, 260 pounds). He is accomplished (seven-time All-Star). He can defend (two-time Defensive Player of the Year). He can rebound (8.4 in 2001-02). He can block shots (2.8 per game). And, as a bonus, he can score in the post (15.7). Mourning as a Maverick hinges on two questions: Is he healthy? And can they sign him? In October 2002, doctors diagnosed a kidney disease in Mourning that forced him to miss all but 13 games during the 2000-01 season -- and all of last year. In between, he returned to be being a dominant center and made his seventh All-Star team. There is certainly risk involved concerning his durability, but all signs point to him being healthy enough to play an entire season. Shortly before last year's training camp, Mourning was advised by doctors to skip the 2002-03 season because test results indicated his disease was worsening. Mourning, however, later admitted that he neglected weekly medical checkups and scheduled medication, resulting in his body chemistry levels dropping dangerously low. Dr. Gerald Appel, who has been monitoring Mourning since 2000, gave him clearance to resume playing in May and says the center's disease is in partial remission. "He is in exactly the same condition he was before [the 2001-02] season," Dr. Appel told a group of Miami reporters recently. "He has been stable for some time now. I know Alonzo feels as good as he's felt in some time." Mourning has felt so good for so long, in fact, that he could have returned late last season. Said Mourning last week in Miami: "I've been working out diligently trying to get my body back right so that I can be productive. Obviously, my health is a priority. I've made it a priority first and foremost, but secondly my love for the game is unexplainable." While the more sexy rumors of Jason Kidd, Karl Malone and even -- I hope you're sitting down -- Roy Tarpley have been floating, the Mavericks' brain trust has privately lusted over Mourning's defensive ferocity that would perfectly complement the team's perimeter foundation. Problem is, Mourning has repeatedly stated a desire to remain in Miami, and it will likely take more than $4.9 million to move him to Dallas. Mourning made $20 million last season in the last of a seven-year, $105 million contract with the Heat. He says he will give Miami the opportunity to match any offers, and the most the Mavs could produce would be its mid-level exception. At least 10 other teams can offer the same exception, but, given the chance to win a championship and stay relatively close to home, maybe Mourning will consider the Mavericks. Perhaps it will take a bigger contract, in the form of a sign-and-trade arrangement that will cost Dallas more money and a quality player (either Steve Nash or Nick Van Exel). But if Mourning is healthy and motivated, he's worth it. Worth the money. Worth the player. Worth the risk. Why? How often have the Mavericks been this close -- one piece -- from a legitimate shot at an NBA championship? While you're counting to zero, I'll remind you that Mourning would immediately become the best center in Mavericks history. Of course, that's not too lofty a feat considering in the franchise's 23-year history there has been exactly one All-Star appearance by a center -- James Donaldson in 1988. Cuban is trying to get his worm by being the early bird. He knows that acquiring Alonzo would be a very Good Mourning for your Mavericks. </div> If we do get Mourning that means we can get rid of Bradley and get that Rebounding/ Paint scroing that we need...
LaFrentz is an awesome player, don't get rid of him. Trade Bradley and another player for The Zo Show.
i think the mavs should keep lafrentz and get rid of bradley. i dont think Mourning will end up going to Dallas, but if he does and he's healthy, it's not gonna be good news for the rest of the league.
It really doesn't matter, he is not the same player he was. He could never domniate like he did before.
Trade Lafrentz while people thnik he's still good, which he is but he can't play in Dallas. Then they've got Bradley as a back up to Zo and their big man(not counting Dirk) problems are solved.
