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As of 3:25 PM LeBron James stated that the Cleveland Cavaliers have an edge in signing him in an interview with CNN’s Larry King. The interview will air Friday, and apparently it is supposed to give us some insight into the mind of the King and his intentions come July 1st. However, after looking at all of LeBron’s options, I think (and hope after reading this you think too), that the best decision he can make is to take his game to the New York Knicks. There are a number of reasons why he should, but I will argue five of the ones I feel are the strongest…

1. LeBron can play opposite another superstar- Whether it is Bosh, Wade, or Stoudemire, the Knicks have the cap room to get another big name free agent. From what I have read on the situation, the Knicks will first go after a LBJ/Bosh combination, then a LBJ/Wade combination, and if both fail try to get another solid big man like Stoudemire to pair with the King. I know it is said that in this league you can’t win by yourself, but you can definitely win with one other guy. If you put LeBron, Bosh, me and two of my fat, out of shape fraternity brothers on the court we could still grab a 7 or 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Imagine what three guys capable of playing in then NBA can do with two superstars like LBJ and Bosh/Wade/Stoudemire. Regardless of who is around them they would still be a championship contender, barring the two stars stayed healthy.

2. It’s the big apple- Lets be honest here, LeBron has been quoted on saying multiple times that he wants to be the next billionaire athlete (following Michael Schumacher and Tiger Woods), and the only place he can do that in is New York. This is one of the greatest, most well known cities in the world and if it has a guy who could potentially win the next 7 MVP awards in a row along with some championship rings the money that LBJ would receive from endorsements would be enough to make him a billionaire. Also playing in MSG every home game has got to be a thrill, there are celebrities galore in NY, the Garden would be packed every night, and it would be LeBron’s show. I don’t know what’s more exciting than that.

3. LeBron fits in Mike D’Antoni’s system- Mike D’Antoni is a coach that can allow LBJ to thrive in his natural environment, running the break. In high school LBJ was so dominant because his team ran out on people, and LeBron is hands down the best athlete in the NBA, so he could definitely do damage running the fast break at this level. D’Antoni likes his offense to be his defense, and so with that type of mindset I think that LeBron and another stud would be unstoppable. There is a decent shot that D’Antoni puts the ball in his hands and allows him to run the show with a guy like Toney Douglas opposite him. D’Antoni is also a coach who doesn’t take any of the BS that some coaches (cough Mike Brown) do take, just ask Eddy Curry, Stephon Marbury, or Nate Robinson. D’Antoni is a guy that would command the respect of James and he needs that to elevate his play to the next level.

4. He will have a talented young supporting cast- For arguments sake let’s say all goes according to plan and the Knicks get Bosh and LBJ. That makes a starting lineup of Bosh, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, LBJ and Toney Douglas. That is also barring the Knicks don’t add anyone else. That makes the average starting lineup age 24 years old, so this team can win championships together for years to come. This could be the start of a dynasty, as Gallinari is a big man (6′10″) that can shoot the three (career 39%, last season 38%), and stretch the floor, Douglas shoots a similar percentage from the 3 (39%), and has a lot of upside after a solid rookie year, and Chandler at 6’8” was a consistent 15 ppg and 5 rpg player this season. These three players will be marketed as the future of the franchise to incoming free agents, and I think most will like what the Knicks have to say about them.

5. He can go down as the greatest Knick ever- This is something LeBron has already done in Cleveland and can’t do in Chicago, go down as the greatest player of his franchise. No matter what, unless LeBron is absolutely dominant the next 10 years, wins 10 titles, 10 MVP’s, and is basically like your created player in the video game (99 in all categories, not even fair to play with type), than he will not surpass the legend that is Michael Jordan. Even if he does those things he still may not surpass MJ, who is currently regarded as the best athlete of the 20th century, best NBA player ever, and best Chicago Bull ever. The Knicks, while having great players (including 5 of the top 50 of all time as of 1996), Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Earl Monroe, Patrick Ewing, Dave Debusschere, and Bernard King was one hell of a player as well, do not have a player that ranks in my top 10 of all time (Jordan, Russell, Chamberlain, Robertson, Bird, Magic, Olajuwon, O’Neal, Bryant, Moses Malone…in that order). All LeBron has to do is win one title, maybe two, and he will be considered the greatest Knick of all time. To be the greatest player in one of if not the greatest basketball city in the world is surely something fit for a King.

            Around this time almost all the writers and analysts that are going to create a mock draft come up with their first one…so here is my take on it.  Warning: this is only based on my personally researched information; unlike some analysts and writers I don’t personally know any NBA General Managers and thus have no idea what they are thinking.  I also don’t know any of these players personally, so while I will say it is reported that some have character and teammate issues, I can’t be positive because I don’t personally know that.  However, on that note I like to think I have a pretty good draft feel, as I have called most draft busts over the years, (my biggest accomplishment being Greg Oden, but I also got Darius Miles, Darko and Kwame Brown…then again who didn’t get Kwame Brown?).  WARNING: This is the picks as they stand now, if there are trades that are made on or before draft day, please disregard everything below where the trade happens, as it will probably screw up my mock draft terribly.

1. Washington Wizards- John Wall- PG- Kentucky- Wall is the obvious first overall pick, anybody who doesn’t have that in their mock draft is either hoping to get lucky that Washington’s GM is an idiot and they are right or are simply an idiot themselves.  Wall is fast, knows how to get to the lane, and while he isn’t a great shooter, can shoot.  His passing ability is top notch, and he still has a lot of potential, especially if he gets some teammates around him.  The unfortunate thing is the best player on the Wizards currently (Gilbert Arenas) plays the same position as Wall, and so I think the Wizards are going to look to move Arenas before the draft.  If the Wizards do move Agent Zero, it means that Wall is going to have a crap team his first year, but the upside is his odds of getting shot in the locker room go down.

2. Philadelphia 76ers- Evan Turner- SF- Ohio State- While I list Turner as a small forward, he can honestly play the 2 or the 4 as well.  He is not an elite athlete, but he has a great basketball IQ and knows how to get his teammates involved.  Turner needs to improve his jump shot to become a stud in the NBA, but he has a good mid-range game and creates his own shot very productively.  He reportedly has good leadership skills and is reportedly solid on and off the court player.  The downside to Turner is he is a less athletic, smarter Andre Iguodala, but since both are capable of playing multiple positions I think it will be Iguodala at the three and Turner at the two this year for the Sixers, barring trade.

3. New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors- PF- Georgia Tech- Favors in my mind is the best athlete in the draft.  He is long, has a mid-range game, and would have been a name in everyone’s mouth had he had a team to play with last year at Georgia Tech.  Favors could be a star with the right coaching, and I see him being a lot like Chris Bosh who interestingly enough came out of Georgia Tech as well.  The best thing going for Favors right now is his potential, because as far as potential goes for this draft Favors has it in bunches.  He is only 18, and will continue to put on muscle and strength as time goes on.  Favors could be truly dominant in 2 or 3 years from now.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves- Wesley Johnson- SF- Syracuse- This is the first mistake of the draft, not because Wes Johnson is bad, but because the Wolves will pass up on DeMarcus Cousins.  I am a Syracuse student now, so I can tell you for a fact that when they were unranked at the beginning of this past years college season it was because nobody knew who Wes Johnson was.  He is an athletic freak and will be a very good player on the next level.  He needs more consistency to his jumper and needs to want to control games.  Playing with PG Jonny Flynn will be helpful as they played together everyday during Johnson’s transfer year two years ago.  What Wes lacks is a killer instinct that players like Wall and Favors have.  He can be tentative at times on the court, and killer instinct is something that can’t be taught.  The Wolves also already have a big man in Al Jefferson, so another one in Cousins isn’t necessary. 

5. Sacramento Kings- DeMarcus Cousins- PF- Kentucky- Cousins is a stud in my mind that won’t be bad in the NBA, despite allegations of a poor work ethic and character issues.  He did have the second highest body fat at 16.3% at the combine, but Shaq had a high body fat percentage at the combine (12.2%) and he did just fine in the NBA.  Cousins can score and had fantastic measurements at the combine, and the Kings need a legitimate low post threat.  Cousins also has a mean streak, something that can’t be taught, and if a coach can keep him focused for 40 something minutes than Cousins will be not just good but dominant at the next level.  Expect that 10 years from now we’ll all be making fun of the Wolves, Nets, and Sixers for letting Cousins slip to 5. 

6. Golden State Warriors- Greg Monroe- C- Georgetown- The Warriors really need a big man; however Cole Aldrich’s measurements at the combine didn’t look fantastic in my eyes. Monroe however had great measurements and is clearly the most skilled big man in the draft as far as basketball skills go.  The only issue with Monroe, much like another Georgetown big man Patrick Ewing, is that he does not have the desire to take over games, and he won’t have to with Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry being the premier scorers on the team.  Monroe will be a nice piece that can rebound, score, and best of all pass to the great shooters Golden State has on the perimeter when the double team comes.

7. Detroit Pistons- Ed Davis- PF- North Carolina- The Pistons want a tough big man, and Davis is the best fit when it comes to that.  Obviously they would like to move up and expect them to try to get Favors or Cousins via swapping picks.  However if they don’t get one of the two premier big men, they won’t select Greg Monroe even if he is available due to his lack of grittiness, and they definitely won’t go after Cole Aldrich, so Davis is the next best option.  

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Al Farouq-Aminu- SF/PF- Wake Forest- Aminu is the best player available at this point, and the Clippers need an upgrade from Rasual Butler at the 3.  With Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Aminu, Blake Griffin and Kaman, this team could actually do some damage in the league next year. 

9. Utah Jazz (via New York Knicks)- Ekpe Udoh- PF/C- Baylor- The Jazz are in all likelihood losing Carlos Boozer this summer to either the Heat or Knicks, so the Jazz are in the market for a big man.  Udoh is the best available and has the most upside, he measured well at the combine, and while he is raw offensively he has a lot of potential to improve.

10. Indiana Pacers- Xavier Henry- SG- Kansas- Henry strikes me as this years Jonny Flynn, not in talent or that they play the same position, but as the guy who’s draft stock will continue to soar all the way up to the draft.  Henry was the number 1 or 2 ranked prospect (depending on who’s rankings you look at) coming out of high school, and I don’t think he was able to showcase his skill set as well in Kansas both because of Cole Aldrich clogging up the middle and the wide array of scorers that the Jayhawks had last year.  Henry will probably end up going at the earliest #7 to the Pistons, but I like him to the Pacers at 10 for now.

11. New Orleans Hornets- Gordon Hayward- SF- Butler- Hayward is another prospect that I feel will continue to rise on draft boards up until the 24^th.  The guy can dribble like a point guard, shoot the lights out, and seems to be a great character on and off the court.  The Hornets need more weapons to surround Chris Paul with, and if Emeka Okafor ever gets his act together this team could be fantastic.

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Luke Babbitt- SF- Nevada- Babbitt may very well be the best scorer in the draft, and with a team that lacks scoring with the exception of one O.J. Mayo, the Grizzlies will probably take him with the 12^th pick.  Babbitt is versatile and if he can learn to play some defense he could be a solid starter on the next level.

13. Toronto Raptors- Cole Aldrich- C- Kansas- Aldrich is very talented and to have him falling this far is probably overshooting it.  The only problem he only measured 6’9” at the combine in socks, so he really isn’t as tall as everybody thinks he is.  Aldrich still has a really good face-up game, and can board so he will fit in on somebody’s team, but I expect him to be a bust and that’s why I’m putting him this low. 

14. Houston Rockets- Patrick Patterson- PF- Kentucky- Patterson is a fantastic team player from what I’ve seen all year at Kentucky and what I have heard from his interviews at the combine, and so that will raise his stock up.  However in a deep draft like this he simply doesn’t have the talent to go higher.  I think his unselfish style of play and great character more than makes up for the lack of elite talent though and Patterson goes 14 to the Rockets.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (via Chicago)- James Anderson- SG- Oklahoma St.- Anderson is a player with a lot of upside in this draft, and I think that the bucks have a need at 2/3 spot that Anderson can fill.  With Anderson the Bucks could fill the void for injured SG Michael Redd, who after a second knee injury may not be the same player ever again.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Charlotte)- Hassan Whiteside- C- Marshall- It has been said by the T’Wolves front office that they need a third big to pair with Kevin Love and Al Jefferson to be more effective on defense, and I think right here they grab Whiteside, an athletic freak that measured the best out of any player at the combine.  There are some maturity issues, but he will be playing on a young team that will get him a lot of minutes and see what he can do.  He could be solid, could be a bust, honesty right now it’s a coin flip.

17. Chicago Bulls (via Milwaukee)- Avery Bradley- SG- Texas- The Bulls need a #2 to go with whoever they get in free agency, but I am pretty sure that they will get Bradley who is a steal falling to the #17 spot.  Bradley is skilled and would go well with Derek Rose in the backcourt.

18. Miami Heat- Paul George- SF- Fresno State- George is another upside player who does not seem to have the toughness or the mind to take over a game, but definitely has the ability.  Although he didn’t compete in most of the athletic drills at the combine, I expect he ranks as one of the better athletes in the draft, and could be a decent player for Miami, especially around D-Wade if he stays.

19. Boston Celtics- Donatas Motiejunas- PF- Lithuania- Motiejunas is a big man with a lot of upside if he stays in Europe for another year or two, and I think the Celtics will be really happy with the pick if he gets stronger.  However when I look at this guy all I can think is Darko all over again, may be a huge bust if he even ends up coming over to play here.

20. San Antonio Spurs- Damion James- SF- Texas- James is the type of lockdown defender that San Antonio needs on its roster.  They have enough offense, and James can d up on the 2, 3, or 4 spot on the floor.  If he can learn to shoot the jumper this guy could fill the void that has been there since Bruce Bowen left, which was about the time the championships stopped coming.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton- C- Kentucky- Oklahoma city has a great starting four for the future in Westbrook, Harden, Durant, and Jeff Green, but are still missing a dominant big man.  Look for them to select Orton with this slot to help fill that void, unless Serge Ibaka fills it for them.

22. Portland Trailblazers- Eric Bledsoe- PG- Kentucky- Bledsoe is a steal this far down, and with Andre Miller not getting any younger and a solid young core besides that (Roy, Aldridge, Oden if he ever stays healthy, and Bayless) the Blazers could be a consistent playoff team for years to come.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah)- Kevin Seraphin- PF- France- Seraphin may stay in France another year or two, but the T’Wolves would have to be crazy to let a physical specimen like this pass up at #23.  Seraphin is raw and could  become a good player with time, but right now he definitely needs to stay in Europe another year.

24. Atlanta Hawks- Lance Stephenson- SG- Cincinnati- Stephenson probably came out of school a year early, but I can tell you this is about the spot where he should go, not necessarily where he will go.  Stephenson is very athletic, measured up pretty well at the combine, and the only time I saw him play this year was against Georgetown where he lit them up even though his team got destroyed.  Stephenson will probably be nothing more than a role player who occasionally starts his entire career because of the bad move to come out a year early, but you never know.

25. Memphis Grizzlies (via Denver)- Larry Sanders- PF- VCU- Sanders is another physical freak who may go to Minnesota at 23 as well.  He didn’t really get to see the most elite competition this year at VCU, but he is very solid on the defensive end and a gamer (definitely better than his combine numbers showed).  He won’t be good right away, but in a couple of years could see some solid playing time.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Phoenix)- Solomon Alabi- C- Florida St.- Again OKC needs big guys, and Alabi is the best one on the board left.  His combine athletic numbers were horrendous, but his measurements were pretty good.  He plays better in the game and has very solid paint presence.  With Westbrook, Harden, Durant and Green he doesn’t need to be a star, but needs to just be a good defender.

27. New Jersey Nets (via Dallas)- Quincy Pondexter- SF- Washington- After getting Favors at 3 (which I think will happen) the Nets should get an athletic scorer in Pondexter late in the first round.  He is a great scorer that could work well with Harris and Favors.  The Nets may also get a solid free agent to come sign with them if their draft goes well.

28. Memphis Grizzlies (via LA Lakers)- Craig Brackins- PF- Iowa St.- Brackins is a solid choice here especially with the recent off court troubles of Zach Randolph, who was stopped with marijuana in his car the other day.  Brackins could be a long term replacement regardless of whether or not Randolph is suspended, and I think he could work well defensively with center incumbent Hasheem Thabeet.

29. Orlando Magic- Terrico White- SG- Mississippi- White posted freak athletic numbers at the combine including a 40 inch max vertical, and with the right work could be a fantastic addition.  He has some time to develop before Vince Carter retires, and I think that will be a solid pick for the Magic late in the 2^nd round. 

30. Washington Wizards (via Cleveland)- Jarvis Varnado- Mississippi St.- Vernado is one of if not the best shot blocker in the draft, which will translate to the next level.  His game reminds me a lot of Theo Ratliff, and I feel that is the type of player he will be in the NBA.  Hopefully his offensive game develops a little bit.

The cheese stain on your pants, the corn chip crumbs engrained into your sweater, and the empty cans wedge underneath the leg rest as you try to put it down to it’s upright position. It’s been a great 11 hour basketball marathon.

Well great doesn’t really seem like the right adjective.

The Dallas Mavericks have rounded the final turn, and find themselves coming down the stretch. Less than 4 weeks left in the season, and the Mavericks have lost their swagger.

The Mavericks are the oldest team in the league, the Boston Celtics are the second oldest. The Celtics have been through a stretch run before, and they ultimately taught the old Mavericks a valuable lesson.

Excuses are pointless; winning games is all that matters.

So despite being as healthy as they have been since the All-Star break, despite being well rested, despite playing at home, despite knowing they need a win to stay in the playoff push, the Mavericks lost.

The battle got physical, it got personal, it got intense, and it got ugly. The Mavericks had the Celtics on the ropes, yet could not close them out. They lacked the knock out punch, and ultimately got knocked out themselves.

When inspiration was evident, the Mavericks looked uninspired. When they needed to make a statement, they left us only with questions.

Did the Mavericks peak too early? The smooth, well-oiled rotation that Carlisle seemed to have set up looked ugly and disoriented.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points, yet missed the shots down the stretch that Mavericks’ fans have come to take for granted. Jason Terry tried to inspire coming off the bench, ultimately growing cold down the stretch finishing with 18 points.

The East conquered the West. Boston handled the Mavericks in Dallas, and the Milwaukee Bucks went into Denver and beat the Nuggets. Meaning the Mavericks missed a chance to gain a game separation.

The Mavericks hopefully can regain their momentum, and regain their swagger. They have the firepower to win, but that doesn’t always mean wins should be taken for granted.

The Mavericks should have won the game. The excuses are pointless though.

So the Mavericks move on and hit the road starting on Monday in Charlotte. Needless to mention, but I will anyway, the Mavericks need to win on Monday

The Chicago Bulls came out in their green jerseys to try their hand at getting some extra luck against the Mavericks. It didn’t turn out very well.

There was a Jason Terry sighting on the court at the AA Center, meaning that the Mavericks are officially at full strength for the stretch run. Granted Terry will need a little time to get accustomed to his new grill, the clear hard plastic mask that Terry wears now to protect his face. Erick Dampier appeared to be running the court cleanly and smoothly, yet I would say he is at 95%.

The point being, outside of a few players getting their legs underneath them, the Mavericks are at full power. With Terry and Dampier back, the Maverick bench is as powerful as it has been for a few years. J.J. Barea is quickly becoming a viable option to spell Jason Kidd, and keeping Kidd’s minutes down will be a must. With Terry, Barea, Dampier, Najera, Rod Boubois, and the defensive stopper himself DeShawn Stevenson all ready, willing, and able to provide a spark off the bench and give the veteran starters a rest, the engine is firing on all cylinders.

The hiccup that was Saturday night when the Mavericks unexpectedly lost to the New York Knicks to end the winning streak behind them, the Mavericks played a complete game against a team desperately trying to hang on in the East playoff chase.

Rick Carlisle decided to sit Jason Kidd the whole 4th period even though the Mavericks did their best to squander a big lead. The Bulls drew within 7 points, but never got closer. J.J. Barea played solidly down the stretch, at one point scoring 10 straight points, and finished with 15 points.

Caron Butler paced the Mavericks with 27 points, getting to the free throw line 16 times. Dirk threw in 26 points, as the Mavericks won game 1 of their new winning streak. How long will this new winning streak last? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.

The Bulls weren’t able to grab the luck of the Irish on St. Patricks Day; the Boston Celtics will try their luck against the Mavericks at the AA Center next.

Devin Harris has flourished in New Jersey, as Jason Kidd has provided leadership and defense for the Mavericks (nydailynews)

Wisconsin is really not known as a “hotbed” for NBA talent, which may be why no one really heard of Devin Harris coming out of the University of Wisconsin.

In only his second year, Harris was a key player on a Dallas Mavericks team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals before falling to Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and the Miami Heat in six games.

“It was a great accomplishment,” Harris says of making it to the NBA Championship. “We fell a little short of our goals though. It was exciting, it was also very frustrating coming up just short. It drives me to keep working hard.”

Flying somewhat under the radar, Harris exploded during his senior season at Wauwatosa East High School, setting school scoring records through an undefeated regular season. He was named Wisconsin’s “Mr. Basketball” for 2001 and signed up to play for the Badgers.

In his freshman season, the 2001-2002 season, Harris quickly became a starter on a relatively unheralded team. The Badgers came into the season predicted to finish as low as ninth in the Big Ten Conference, but they unexpectedly won the Big Ten Championship. Harris’ sophomore season saw him lead the Badgers to their second consecutive Big Ten Championship.

The Badgers reached the “Sweet 16” in the NCAA Tournament before falling to the University of Kentucky Wildcats, a perennial basketball power. The 2003-2004 season had Harris establishing himself as one of the top players in the nation. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year, won the Silver Basketball award, and was named a Second Team All-American. Harris decided to leave college early, after his junior year, to play in the NBA. Badger fans weren’t particularly happy with that decision.

They clearly wanted Harris to stay, but he weighed many factors before finally deciding to go pro. Washington selected Harris with the fifth overall pick and subsequently traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. “It was a very tough decision.

That rookie season, I wasn’t playing as much; and the team was not doing well,” Harris recalls of his 2004-2005 season, in which he averaged 5.7 points per game (ppg) and 2.2 assists per game (apg).

Harris was well aware that his Badgers were doing pretty well while he was getting a lot of pine time during his rookie year. They made it to the finals of the Syracuse Regional before narrowly falling to the eventual champion, the North Carolina Tarheels. Would he have made a difference in the tournament had he stayed? “I watched that North Carolina game. But who’s to say I wouldn’t have gotten hurt and even been there?”

Reminded that people live to guess and second-guess about such hypothetical scenarios, Harris reluctantly offers what would have been. “Alright, then. If it makes everybody feel better, we probably would have beat Carolina and went on to win the championship,” Harris laughs.

Since being drafted, Harris has worked hard on improving every season. He improved his jump shot and his ability to split defenses and get to the rim, occasionally ending in powerful dunks. “In college, I used to be a shooter; now, in the pros, I’ve been a driver,” Harris says. “I’m working on expanding my game out on the floor and being able to hit the jumper.”

You can’t play for Bo Ryan at Wisconsin without playing defense. Harris has always been a good defender, but he’s bringing it to a new level in the pros. “Defense came to me over time; being quick and whatnot,” Harris says. “The point guards we come up against every night in the NBA are tough. So you have to be able to play some defense, or it will be a long night for you.

Mark Cuban used to predict that Harris would become a first-team All-NBA defender. “I think my defense has slid a bit since I came over (New Jersey),” Harris said. “That was one of the things I had to focus on in Dallas to get on the floor, because obviously they had all of the shooting already. But definitely I’d like to be at that level.”

All good things come to end, and things get a little depressing when talking about playing in New Jersey. “It was really tough getting traded from Dallas, and especially now that we aren’t winning and it seems all Dallas is doing is winning.”

Before he was packaged to New Jersey last February for Jason Kidd, Harris spent more than three seasons in Dallas under the microscopic examination of coach Avery Johnson, a self-made point guard who won an NBA championship without the natural abilities of Harris.

“I learned how to control a team,” Harris said. “He taught me a lot about changing gears. When I came in, I thought it was one gear all the time. He taught me how to go slow to fast, fast to slow.”

As much as Johnson was trying to teach him to play under control, he was also providing Harris with the tools to make the most of the opportunity he is now exploiting in New Jersey. Harris now hovers freely around the three-point line, ball in hand — and without warning he cuts a knifing solo through the defense that transcends choreography.

This was the style Harris envisioned when he entered the NBA as a second-team All-America from Wisconsin, where he averaged 19.5 points as a junior to break Michael Finley’s single-season record at the school. But he wound up going to Dallas, where he was charged with organizing and creating shots for Dirk Nowitzki, Finley, Jerry Stackhouse, Josh Howard and Jason Terry — all averaging at least 12 points for a team that would reach the NBA Finals one year later.

“Winning games at the rate we were winning, it was fun for me,” Harris said.
But he was rarely comfortable playing to a disciplined style that was more learned than natural. He was thinking more than he was reacting, but he told himself it wouldn’t be like this forever.

“There are very few players who start and end with [the same] team,” he said. “So I was just taking it one day at a time and not looking toward the future.”

With New Jersey in line for the #1 pick in next year’s draft, and all eyes on John Wall of Kentucky, many are saying Harris is now expendable. Harris simply shrugs the future off. “I think the player that I have evolved into is the kind of player that I am. If I move on from here, I just hope I go to a team that wants me.”

Has losing taught him anything? “How much I love winning,” Harris laughs.

It’s awkward to watch, yet you cannot turn away from it. You squirm in your chair, it seems nearly impossible to get comfortable watching it. You laugh, you cry, you moan, and you shake your head. You try to explain it, but you really can’t.

The New Jersey Nets are bad.

The Mavericks won their 13th straight game, and tied the Cleveland Cavaliers for the longest win streak in the NBA this year. The Mavericks have the chance to extend their win streak to 14 straight on Saturday night against the New York Knicks.

The Mavericks didn’t play great; they didn’t play bad enough to lose either. Every Maverick that suited up scored a point. On a night when Erick Dampier and Brendan Haywood suited up, J.J. Barea sat out with an ankle injury.

Jason Kidd scored 20 points, leading the scoring for the Mavericks. Every Maverick starter (Nowitzki, Marion, Haywood, Kidd, and Butler) scored in double digits.

The Mavericks played it cautious by sitting Barea, and tried to slowly ease Dampier back into playing action. Brendan Haywood played solidly, but also played stiff and cautious.

The Mavericks looked lethargic at the start, and finally woke up when they found themselves down 18 in the first half to the lowly Nets. Devin Harris (who I got an opportunity to sit down with before the game) was a dim light to an awful performance for the Nets. Harris had 21 points in his return to the AA Center.

Dallas officially has been stamped the “hottest team in the league” and is being helped by the schedule makers this week. If ever was there a good week to slowly ease Dampier back into action, sit a hobbling Barea, and allow Haywood to contribute yet rest him, it is this week. Games against Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York all at home, and spread out spaciously.

Saturday will be no easy task if the Mavericks play the way they did tonight. New York has experienced some changes, but has the team that can compete against the Mavericks.

Meanwhile news is not good for the New Jersey Nets. Last indications are that Joe Lunardi has the Nets as his “last 4 out.” It appears that the Nets aren’t even capable of getting into the NCAA tournament.

The Mavericks beat the Nets 96-87 in a fairly uncomfortable game to sit through.

The Minnesota Timberwolves came to a shootout with one gun, Al Jefferson. One gun wasn’t enough to win. As was the case in Chicago when Derek Rose tried to single-handedly beat the Mavericks, the short-handed Mavericks were able to leave Minnesota with their 12th straight win.

The Mavericks cannot continue to get into shootouts.

Once again the Mavericks were playing without Brendan Haywood, Erick Dampier, and Jason Terry. To add insult to injury, less than two minutes into the game Dirk Nowitzki picked up his second foul and had to take a seat on the bench for most of the first half.

Through it all, the Mavericks deserve some credit for doing what it takes to win ballgames.

The most interesting part of the winning streak is watching players filling voids. With Dirk on the bench, the rest of the team’s shots not falling, Shawn Marion filled the scoring void scoring a career high 29 points and 14 rebounds.

The Mavericks adapted their style of play to the players on their nine man bench. An up tempo, quick outlets, and drive the lane style of play got the Mavericks their 12th straight game.

J.J. Barea limped off the court a few minutes left in the game after rolling his ankle. With the injury woes the Mavericks are currently going through, it’s tough not to think positive. Early indications though are it’s simply a rolled ankle.

Nowitzki had 24 points in limited minutes due to his foul trouble, and Caron Butler continued to be a contributor with 23 points as the Mavericks beat the Timberwolves 125-112 in front of a half full Target Center.

The schedule makers have done the Mavericks a huge favor. The Mavericks will get some time off in a long stretched out home stand against sub .500 teams.

New Jersey at the AA Center on Wednesday night is the next opponent. Its also Jason Kidd bobble head night.

The Mavericks won with a complete team effort.

Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points to once again lead the team in scoring. Caron Butler and Rob Beaubois both scored 24, and Shawn Marion chipped in with 18 points. Jason Kidd fell 4 points short of a triple double with 15 assists, 11 rebounds.

It has been said that if opportunity doesn’t knock, to build a door. Beaubois has been given an incredible opportunity with Terry being out for an undetermined time, Rod has walked through that door of opportunity.

Beaubois’ scoring has increased the last three games. On Wednesday it was 17 points, last night it was 22 points, and tonight it was 24. Beaubois got the start alongside Kidd, and set the tone from the beginning.

It’s no coincidence that the opponent’s points per game have gone up in Haywood’s absence. Opponents were averaging 94.1 ppg going into last night’s games, with no Haywood in the middle to control the paint, last night and tonight opponents have scored in triple digits.

The Mavericks fought through the adversity and won their 11th straight game, which ties them for the second longest streak in the NBA this season. They will need to win 3 more games for longest win streak this year, and 8 more if they want to set a club record for consecutive wins in a row.

The Mavericks are winning as a team, playing as a team, and growing closer with every game.

Whether you watch them from press row, cheap seats, or from your couch, the Mavericks look good.

Winning 10 straight games in the NBA is nothing to sneeze at, so excuse me if I don’t hand you a tissue. Whether you want to consider it “winning ugly” or “beating bad opponents,” fact is the Mavericks are winning.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost tonight at Charlotte, so excuse me when I say a win is a win, and you should never take a win for granted.

The Mavericks won 108-100 at home against the Sacramento Kings. Yet the storyline is, Mavericks keep winning as the injuries pile up.

It was reported by numerous outlets that Jason Terry will be out a week to a month, depending on who you want to listen to. People within the organization I talked to briefly were a little more non-committal. All depends on how Terry responds to treatment is what I am told.

Without Terry, the Mavericks are losing a key scorer. Jason Terry is a powerful weapon coming off the bench, but Terry also is in the top 5 scorers in the 4th quarter in the whole league.

Stevenson provided some comic relief as he portrayed Terry’s famous jet maneuver after he hit a wide open 3 pointer in the corner.

Pile that on with Brendan Haywood going out with back problems, and the void in the paint was evident after Haywood was unable to return. The Mavericks also lost their head coach Rick Carlisle due to back to back technicals arguing calls.

Dwayne Casey stepped in and commanded the troops in Carlisle’s absence, while DeShawn Stevenson, J.J. Barea, and Rod Beaubois combined to fill Terry’s role.

An alarming observation was that no one was able to fill Haywood’s role.

Beaubois scored a career high 22 points, Dirk paced the club with 31 points, and Jason Kidd had 17 points and 12 assists.

After the game Carlisle said Haywood would be “day to day.” Carlisle said it was more cautious than anything, but he did say that Haywood was in “considerable amount of pain this afternoon, and that it tightened up during the game.”

Caron Butler continues to be the measure of consistency, and does not want to hear about injuries being an excuse. “The measure of a great team is to be able to respond to injuries and not to use them as an excuse. We have guys that need to step up if guys are not able to play.”

The Mavericks won their 10th straight game, and also ensured a 10th straight winning season.

The crew packed up and headed to the airport to head to Chicago. Haywood was walking with some obvious tightness, but did give the thumbs up as he walked away.