<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> It's basketball season.</p> OK, maybe not yet. But it's getting closer than you think. And some of the Mavericks are trickling back into town. Others never left for the summer.</p> Anyway, Josh Howard, Devin Harris, Eddie Jones and others were hanging around the practice court, working out and generally preparing for training camp, which opens in 12, count 'em, 12 days.</p> Howard had his right hand in a brace, which is routine when he receives a cortisone shot. But all three players looked healthier than ever. There is no question that they are ready to get to camp and start washing away the stench of last season's playoff.</p> Jones, it should be noted, is extremly enthusiastic about being with the Mavericks. He's been through13 seasons and has been on the lip of the cup of championships and pretty much done everything he can. Now, he wants to win and be a mentor for players like Howard and Harris.</p> It's going to be an interesting training camp, mainly to see how Avery Johnson balances the need to work with the realization that almost all of his players will be well versed in his system and need to be at their best in April and May, not October and November.</div></p> Source: Blog Dallas Morning News</p> </p>
