Dallas Mavericks bring back 2 ties to 2011 title team to start camp

The Dallas Mavericks lost two long-time members of their organization and architects of their 2011 championship when Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle left this summer. Owner Mark Cuban hired Jason Kidd to replace Carlisle as head coach. The point guard on the championship squad is now leading the team from the bench, and neither he nor Cuban are forgetting the title squad.

The Mavs brought back Dirk Nowitzki as a special advisor this summer to help select the new head coach and general manager. J.J. Barea is also back with the team in player development role, but he is not the only one.

Two more members of the Mavericks 2011 championship squad were spotted at the team’s first practice of training camp on Sept. 28. Here is a closer look at who, plus what coach Kidd had to say about their involvement.

Dallas Mavericks bring back 2 members of 2011 championship squad for 1st practice

Both Tyson Chandler and Tim Grgurich were spotted working with players on Tuesday. Kidd met with the media after practice and had this to say about the duo.

Chandler was the starting center on the 2011 championship squad and has been in Dallas working with players for a few weeks. There has been talk about his time with Moses Brown and the improvements the 21-year-old big man has made since joining the Mavericks.

Grgurich has been an assistant coach for eight different NBA teams, including being with Dallas for multiple years. Jason Kidd had this to say about him, courtesy of Brad Townsend.

The Dallas Mavericks did some competing to wrap up their first-day practice under Kidd. The Hall of Fame point guard is valuing player input and surrounding himself with fantastic coaches as he looks to lead the Mavs on a deep playoff run this season. Stay tuned for all the latest at The Smoking Cuban.