Dallas Mavericks: Saying Good-Bye to Jay Knodell

As we wrap up another season covering the Dallas Mavericks, we say good-bye to one of our Editors in Jay Knodell as we ask him about his best memories covering the Mavs.

After a roller coaster of a season for the Dallas Mavericks, people covering the Mavericks all year found themselves riding the same roller coaster. From the drama over the summer with DeAndre Jordan to the milestone’s Dirk was passing, covering the Mavs every step of the way never provides a dull moment.

There for all of those moments over the past couple of years has been one of our two Editor’s on the site, Jay Knodell. But with a career change taking place, Jay has decided to step away from covering the Mavs and focus on what’s next in life. I sat down with Jay to discuss his favorite moments, all-time Mavs lineup, and more during his time covering the Mavs.

1.) How long have you been a Mavs fan and why did you start liking them?

“Full disclosure, I grew up a Chicago Bulls fan. They remain the team closest to my heart, but sometime during the early 2000’s the Dallas Mavericks became my “Western Conference team”. It all centered around Dirk Nowitzki of course, a player unlike any I had ever seen, and it’s been that way ever since. Nowitzki is a professional in every sense of the word, and I imagine there were plenty of people who became fans of the Dallas Mavericks for the same reasons as myself.”

2.) With the hours on hours you have covered Dirk Nowitzki, what impresses you the most about him?

“I mentioned his professionalism, which to me explains almost all of his success. His longevity stems not only from the countless hours he’s spent in the gym honing his craft, but also his dedication to taking care of himself. He studies the game, he’s a leader in the locker room, and other players seem to love him as a teammate. Guys like Dirk don’t come around very often, and it’ll be a sad day for the game when he hangs ’em up for good.”

“Guys like Dirk don’t come around very often, and it’ll be a sad day for the game when he hangs ’em up for good.”

3.) Do you have a favorite game that comes to mind? (Mavs related, not in particular about Dirk)

“Oh man, this is tough. Can I pick a whole series? Because that 2011 Finals was pretty spectacular with the huge fourth quarter comeback, and Dirk’s flu-game. I guess I’ll go with another game from that playoff run, Dirk’s 48 points against the Thunder. Tough shot after tough shot, Dirk played some of the most beautiful basketball I’ve ever seen during that one. Who doesn’t love a 7-footer going 24-24 at the free throw line?”

4.) Who is a role player you enjoyed watching that most people wouldn’t name?

“These are probably names that get mentioned quite a bit, but my top-3 in no particular order would be: Eduardo Najera, DeShawn Stevenson, and Vince Carter. Brian Cardinal narrowly misses the cut, and from this year’s team, I was really happy to see Raymond Felton stay healthy and contribute.”

5.) Your all-time Mavs starting five (based off their time in Dallas)

PG: Jason Kidd – tough to go anywhere other than the guy who started for the championship squad.

SG: Rolando Blackman – he and the next guy on the list don’t get mentioned enough.

SF: Mark Aguirre – with Blackman, laid the foundation for Dallas and put up big numbers doing it.

PF: Dirk Nowitzki – no explanation needed.

C: Tyson Chandler – only two years with the Mavs, but no ring if he’s not on that 2011 team.

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6.) If you’re playing in a 3-on-3 tournament and you needed to pick two other non-Dirk mavs to be on your team over the past couple of seasons, who are they?

“I like this one. Monta Ellis would be absolutely deadly in a 3-on-3 tournament, but I’d want to touch the ball every once in a while. Need defense, so Tyson Chandler seems like a good pick, or Al-Farouq Aminu with his versatility. From my experience 3-on-3 tournament games tend to be played by ones and twos to 21, so outside shooting is huge, too. This is tough, I think I’ll go with Monta and Aminu. We’ll switch everything defensively, and hope Monta outscores the other team.”

7.) What is next in life for you?

“Law school. I’ve waffled on the idea a bit, but it’s always been my plan and it’s time to do it. But I’ve had a great time with The Smoking Cuban and everyone involved with the site. I’m going to miss it, but it’s in good hands and I’ll still be a devoted reader. Maybe I can sneak in for a podcast appearance here and there. Thanks again, it’s been fun. Stay in touch!”

Next: 5 Questions Heading into the Offseason in Dallas

We here at The Smoking Cuban want to thank Jay for his hard work and countless hours he put in as Editor here at the site. It’s been an honor working with you and best of luck in law school.

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