Johnson says nobody safe from reserve role By ART GARCIA Star-Telegram Staff Writer DALLAS -- The switch from Erick Dampier to DeSagana Diop at center isn't just about those two players, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said. It serves notice to everyone. "Nobody is off limits on our team," Johnson said before the Mavs' 110-77 victory Saturday night over New Jersey at American Airlines Center. "Nobody is untouchable in the sense that nobody is flawless. Obviously, and the coach definitely isn't. Again, this is not pointing fingers at anybody. "We've seen this happen before in professional sports -- baseball, basketball and football -- it's just a matter of me making a decision at this time that I think is best." One of those decisions is bringing Jerry Stackhouse off the bench. A career starter before being traded to the Mavs before last season, Stackhouse accepted his role. "I bought it," Stackhouse said. "I'm riding with it hoping there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. "Do I feel I can be a starter on this team? Hell, yeah." But Stackhouse understands why he's not. Johnson has made it clear to the players that his decisions aren't personal. "I had a tough decision to make last year in the playoffs," Johnson said. "I really didn't want to play Dirk [Nowitzki] at center, but sometime you've got to do what you've got to do. It's all about winning." Nowitzki honored The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America presented Dirk Nowitzki and his foundation with a special award during halftime for his financial contributions and the encouragement he provides for children with life-threatening medical conditions. The award honors the four-time NBA All-Star and his nonprofit organization in two giving categories, the Chris Greicius Society of Joy ($10,000-plus annual individual giving) and the Foundation's 25th Anniversary Award ($25,000-plus lifetime individual giving). Briefly Marquis Daniels (strained neck) is one week into his projected two-week rehabilitation. New Jersey rookie Antoine Wright was expecting several of his former Texas A&M teammates to be in attendance Saturday night.
If Johnson puts Howard or Nowitzki on the bench as non-starters then we may as well call him the "L'll General" Knight.
lol. Yeah that is not going to happen. I think Avery said this in respect to Dampier so he is not singling him our. Avery wants to motivate Dampier to get his job back if possible as a starter. I hope Stackhouse doesn't become a starter though. The chemistry is good right now with Stackhouse as a 6th man.
