The Association: Dallas Mavericks

[lazershow]

Any chance you might move Dirk to a contender so he can have one last shot a ring and you might be able to add something to build on for the future?

[vtcha]

2017 NBA All-Stars Announced

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MVP front-runner, Russell Westbrook, and first time All-Star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, will headline the 2017 NBA All Star Game on February 19, 2017. Both players were the highest vote-getters for their respective conference as per the fans.

Westbrook has been a one-man wrecking crew, carrying his Thunder team to a 6-2 record (3rd best in the West), all while averaging 27.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 10.9 APG, and a whopping 5.1 SPG.

Joining Westbrook in the back-court will be Damian Lillard, whom was snubbed last year after much controversial debate. Lillard has been unreal this season, racking up 26.3 PPG, 9.0 APG, 1.8 SPG and shooting a career-best, 50.6% from the field.

The West starting forwards will be Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis. After much backlash in the offseason, KD did not miss a beat, averaging 30.4 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 4.7 APG and shooting a ridiculous 58.4% from the field. Similarly, Kawhi Leonard has been very impressive on both ends of the floor with 26.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.6 SPG and has clearly taken his offense to another notch, accumulating 55% from the field. Furthermore, Anthony Davis looks as healthy as ever, continuing his bounce-back season with 25.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG and 2.3 BPG.

Rounding out the West reserves will be Steph Curry, James Harden, Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, and first-timers, Eric Bledsoe, C.J. McCollum, and Rudy Gay.

As for the East, despite his team's poor record of 2-6, Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially been acclaimed as one of the superstars of the league, averaging career highs of 23.3 PPG, 13.1 RPG and 7.0 APG. Joining him in the front court will be LeBron James (24.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 9.4 APG, 2.4 SPG), who has been hampered early in the season with a neck injury, and Paul George, with averages of 21.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 SPG on 51.2% shooting.

For the East back-court, Kyrie Irving will be the starting point guard, with averages of 29.6 PPG and 9.7 APG, all career-highs after shouldering much of the load with LeBron out. And talk about turning back the clock, father-prime Dwyane Wade will be making his 13th consecutive All-Star appearance after averaging 24 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.8 APG, 3.1 SPG and 1.6 BPG. Wade has been carrying the Bulls to the best record in the East at 7-1 after Jimmy Butler went down due to a shin injury. Wade, or shall we call, "Flash", is currently one of the front-runners for the MVP award.

Rounding out the East reserves will be John Wall, DeMar DeRozan, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love, Brook Lopez, Kyle Lowry, and Jimmy Butler. Butler is currently day-to-day but hoping to be fit in time for the All-Star festivities.

Stars

Starters: D'Angelo Russell, Buddy Hield, Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Dario Saric
Reserves: Isaiah Whitehead, Caris LeVert, Brandon Ingram, Ben Simmons, Jakob Poeltl

Elites

Starters: Kris Dunn, Emmanuel Mudiay, Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, Domantas Sabonis
Reserves: T.J. McConnell, Mario Hezonja, Justise Winslow, Nikola Jokic, Myles Turner

Participants
Klay Thompson (GSW)
Kevin Durant (GSW)
Kyrie Irving (CLE)
Stephen Curry (GSW)
J.R. Smith (CLE)
Buddy Hield (NOP)




Participants
Aaron Gordon (ORL)
Zach LaVine (MIN)
Marquese Chriss (PHX)
Andrew Wiggins (MIN)

[vtcha]

Quote: Originally Posted by lazershow

Any chance you might move Dirk to a contender so he can have one last shot a ring and you might be able to add something to build on for the future?

Most likely not. As much as I'd love to send Dirk off for a chance to compete for a Championship, I think he's pretty much content with his career and is Dallas-bound for life.

[vtcha]

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2016-17 Mid-Season Report

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Division Standings

SOUTHWEST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
San Antonio Spurs	9	0	0.0	3-0	9-0
Memphis Grizzlies	6	2	2.5	1-1	6-2
New Orleans Pelicans	4	4	4.5	1-1	4-4
Houston Rockets	4	4	4.5	1-1	4-4
Dallas Mavericks	2	7	7.0	0-3	2-7

Conference Standings

WESTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. San Antonio Spurs	9	0	-	3-0	9-0
2. Golden State Warriors	7	1	1.5	2-0	7-1
3. Oklahoma City Thunder	6	2	2.5	2-0	6-2
4. Los Angeles Clippers	6	2	2.5	3-0	6-2
5. Memphis Grizzlies	6	2	2.5	1-1	6-2
6. Portland Trail Blazers	5	4	4.0	1-1	5-4
7. Denver Nuggets	4	4	4.5	0-3	4-4
8. New Orleans Pelicans	4	4	4.5	1-1	4-4
9. Houston Rockets	4	4	4.5	1-1	4-4
10. Minnesota Timberwolves	3	5	5.5	2-1	3-5
11. Dallas Mavericks	2	7	7.0	0-3	2-7
12. Utah Jazz	2	7	7.0	1-1	2-7
13. Sacramento Kings	2	7	7.0	1-2	2-7
14. Phoenix Suns	2	7	7.0	1-2	2-7
15. Los Angeles Lakers	1	7	7.5	0-3	1-7

EASTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Chicago Bulls	7	1	-	2-0	7-1
2. Boston Celtics	6	2	1.0	2-2	6-2
3. Toronto Raptors	6	3	1.5	1-0	6-3
4. Detroit Pistons	5	3	2.0	2-0	5-3
5. Cleveland Cavaliers	5	3	2.0	0-2	5-3
6. Brooklyn Nets	5	4	2.5	1-1	5-4
7. Indiana Pacers	4	4	3.0	1-1	4-4
8. Atlanta Hawks	4	4	3.0	1-2	4-4
9. Washington Wizards	4	5	3.5	3-0	4-5
10. Orlando Magic	4	5	3.5	2-1	4-5
11. Charlotte Hornets	3	5	4.0	1-1	3-5
12. Miami Heat	3	5	4.0	0-3	3-5
13. Philadelphia 76ers	3	6	4.5	0-1	3-6
14. Milwaukee Bucks	2	6	5.0	1-3	2-6
15. New York Knicks	2	7	5.5	1-1	2-7

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Team Statistics

FGM

FGA

FG%

3PM

3PA

3P%

FTM

FTA

FT%

OREB

DREB

REB

AST

TO

STL

BLK

PF

PTS

+/-

34.8

74.4

46.7

8.3

25.4

32.8

21.1

28.1

75.1

10.7

33.4

44.1

24.4

13.2

7.1

6.6

13.1

99.0

-10.7

27th

30th

7th

12th

10th

20th

1st

1st

19th

25th

29th

30th

23rd

26th

18th

23rd

30th

18th

26th

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Player Statistics

Dallas Mavericks
Player	GP	MIN	FG%	FT%	3PM	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
Harrison Barnes	9	34.3	48.1	74.3	2.4	5.9	2.6	0.8	0.8	22.8
Dirk Nowitzki	8	27.9	46.1	83.3	0.5	6.5	2.6	1.5	1.0	19.6
Wesley Matthews	9	32.0	41.8	89.5	2.1	2.2	2.3	0.7	0.2	12.4
Dwight Powell	9	21.0	58.1	76.2	0.3	6.9	0.8	0.7	1.7	10.1
J.J. Barea	9	21.7	39.1	79.3	0.7	0.8	6.0	0.8	0.1	9.2
Seth Curry	9	19.6	41.4	72.7	1.6	0.9	2.1	0.2	0.2	7.8
Deron Williams	2	28.5	23.8	100.0	1.5	3.0	6.0	0.5	0.0	7.5
Andrew Bogut	9	24.8	75.9	52.6	0.0	6.7	0.6	0.8	1.8	6.0
Devin Harris	8	18.9	50.0	58.3	0.4	2.0	4.9	0.7	0.0	4.2
Justin Anderson	9	20.7	40.7	82.4	0.1	2.9	0.7	0.8	0.4	4.1
Dorian Finney-Smith	9	12.8	42.1	100.0	0.0	3.2	0.8	0.2	0.1	1.9
A.J. Hammons	3	3.3	100.0	50.0	0.0	1.0	0.7	0.0	0.3	1.7
Salah Mejri	4	4.5	75.0	00.0	0.0	1.5	0.7	0.3	0.3	1.5
Jonathan Gibson	1	5.0	00.0	00.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Nicolas Brussino	1	4.0	00.0	00.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Quincy Acy	3	3.7	100.0	50.0	0.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.3	1.7

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League Leaders

POINTS		PPG	REBOUNDS		RPG
	1. Kevin Durant	30.4		1. DeAndre Jordan	17.9
	2. Kyrie Irving	29.6		2. Andre Drummond	13.6
	3. Russell Westbrook	27.6		3. Tristan Thompson	13.2
	4. DeMar DeRozan	27.4		4. Giannis Antetokounmpo	13.1
	5. C.J. McCollum	26.4		5. Anthony Davis	12.5
ASSISTS		APG	STEALS		SPG
	1. Russell Westbrook	10.9		1. Russell Westbrook	5.1
	2. John Wall	10.6		2. John Wall	3.6
	3. Dennis Schroder	9.7		3. Chris Paul	3.4
	4. Kyrie Irving	9.7		4. Dwyane Wade	3.1
	5. Mike Conley	9.5		5. Avery Bradley	2.9
BLOCKS		BPG	FIELD GOAL		FG%
	1. Andre Drummond	3.0		1. Andre Drummond	59.8
	2. DeAndre Jordan	2.8		2. Evan Turner	58.5
	3. Anthony Davis	2.3		3. Kevin Durant	58.4
	4. Karl-Anthony Towns	2.1		4. Blake Griffin	58.2
	5. Brook Lopez	2.1		5. Steven Adams	58.2
3 POINT FIELD GOAL		3P%	PLUS/MINUS		+/-
	1. Raymond Felton	60.0		1. Kawhi Leonard	19.4
	2. Klay Thompson	57.1		2. Tony Parker	16.3
	3. E'Twaun Moore	52.4		3. LaMarcus Aldridge	14.8
	4. Victor Oladipo	52.4		4. Shaun Livingston	14.3
	5. Buddy Hield	51.3		5. Russell Westbrook	13.5

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Injury Report

Injury Report
Pos	Player	Injury Note
F	Chris Bosh	Collapse Lung (Season)
C	Nikola Pekovic	Torn Left ACL (Season)
G	Tyler Johnson	Dislocated Right Patella (2-4 months)
G	Deron Williams	Ruptured Left Achilles (2-4 months)
C	Bismack Biyombo	Broken Left Ankle (6-8 weeks)
C	Marcin Gortat	Torn Left Hand Ligament (6-8 weeks)
C	Anderson Varejao	Dislocated Left Patella (4-6 weeks)
C	Ian Mahinmi	Severe Left Ankle Sprain (4-6 weeks)
F	Skal Labissiere	Broken Right Wrist (4-6 weeks)
C	Kyle O'Quinn	Broken Right Leg (4-6 weeks)
F	Aaron Gordon	Broken Left Finger (2-4 weeks)
G	Iman Shumpert	Left Shoulder Tendinitis (1-2 weeks)
F	Luc Mbah a Moute	Left Shoulder Tendinitis (1-2 weeks)
C	Tyson Chandler	Strained Groin (1-2 weeks)
G	Kyle Korver	Right Hand Fracture (1-2 weeks)
F	Mike Miller	Torn Left Calf Muscle (1-2 weeks)
C	Justin Hamilton	Twisted Left Ankle (1-2 weeks)
G	Khris Middleton	Torn Right Hamstring (8-10 weeks)

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Transaction Report

TRADES

January 29, 2017	To Milwaukee Bucks	To Orlando Magic
	D.J. Augustin	Mirza Teletovic
	C.J. Wilcox	Steve Novak

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Award Races

Most Valuable Player			Rookie of the Year
	1. Russell Westbrook	OKC		1. Joel Embiid	PHI
	2. Kawhi Leonard	SAS		2. Buddy Hield	NOP
	3. Dwyane Wade	CHI		3. Dario Saric	PHI
	4. LeBron James	CLE		4. Kris Dunn	MIN
	5. Kyle Lowry	TOR		5. Caris LeVert	BKN
Sixth Man of the Year			Defensive Player of the Year
	1. Jahlil Okafor	PHI		1. DeAndre Jordan	LAC
	2. Brandon Knight	PHX		2. Russell Westbrook	OKC
	3. Evan Turner	POR		3. Andre Drummond	DET
	4. Greg Monroe	MIL		4. Karl-Anthony Towns	MIN
	5. Michael Carter-Williams	CHI		5. LeBron James	CLE
Most Improved Player			Coach of the Year
	Kyle O'Quinn	NYK		1. Gregg Popovich	9-0
	2. Dennis Schroder	ATL		2. Fred Hoiberg	7-1
	3. Jeremy Lin	BKN		3. Steve Kerr	7-1
	4. Giannis Antetokounmpo	MIL		4. Billy Donovan	6-2
	5. Steven Adams	OKC		5. Kenny Atkinson	5-4

[vtcha]

The Dallas Mavericks have acquired John Wall

In stunning Mark Cuban fashion, the Dallas Mavericks have struck the league as the trade deadline nears its' end.

They have finally landed a big fish, one that can become the face of the franchise and the successor to Dirk Nowitzki, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Below is the full breakdown of the 3-team trade between Dallas, Washington, and Minnesota:

Mavericks get: John Wall (WAS), Daniel Ochefu (WAS)

Wizards get: Ricky Rubio (MIN), Gorgui Dieng (MIN), Shabazz Muhammad (MIN), Dallas' 1st round picks for 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Timberwolves get: Wesley Matthews (DAL), Dwight Powell (DAL), Kelly Oubre Jr. (WAS)

With the Wizards posting a pedestrian 4-5 record at the break, it was clear that the backcourt duo of Wall and Beal was not working. Both players were increasingly getting frustrated with one another and with management unhappy settling for mediocrity, it was time for a change. Although they ended up trading the best player on the team instead of Beal, they did get back a more than capable floor general in Ricky Rubio along with Gorgui Dieng. With both of Washington's centers, Gortat and Mahinmi, sidelined with lengthy injuries, Dieng will be thrusted into a big role immediately - something he was overshadowed by in Minnesota while playing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wizards also receive Dallas' first-round picks for the next 4 years, with a high lottery pick expected in the rich 2017 NBA Draft based on the Mavs' current record of 2-7. The Wizards will surely be hoping of similar fortunes much like the Boston Celtics when they traded away their stars for Brooklyn's future draft picks.

For Minnesota, they've finally traded away Ricky Rubio, who was on the rumor mills all season long after the team drafted Kris Dunn. Dunn will now be handed the keys to the reign and is sure to have an explosive second half season. With the trade, the Timberwolves acquired Wesley Matthews whom Wolves coach, Tom Thibodeau, absolutely praised during the press conference. "He's going to provide great veteran leadership to this young team and his defensive work ethic will rub off on these guys." The T'Wolves also acquire young big man, Dwight Powell, who played a key role in Dallas' bench with career highs of 6.9 RPG and 1.7 BPG, while stretching the floor against opponents. Although Thibodeau has yet to name the starting power forward for Dieng, it is widely expected that Powell will play a big part moving forward.

As for Dallas, there were some mix reactions from fans. Yes, they did land an All-Star in John Wall, and yes they did acquire a playmaker - something they so desperately needed after losing Williams for the season, but fans were not happy with the franchise basically forfeiting their draft picks for the next four years. With Nowitzki retiring at seasons' end, and their current lack of depth, Dallas will need to hit a home run in free agency if they really want to get back into Playoff contentions. However, the odds aren't within their favor as they've struck every year since winning the 2011 NBA Championship.

With Wall having 3 years left on his current deal, it remains to be seen if he will also stick around long-term. Based on his comments during the NBA Care Program for All-Star Weekend this morning, fans should seem optimistic, "I just want to thank the Wizards for 7 wonderful years but now it's time for a change and I'm excited for the opportunity to show what I can do in Dallas. I hope the city will embrace me and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to win." Wall also jokingly said that he'll now get to spend more time watching his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, during home games.

Wall will make his final appearance in an Eastern conference uniform as he takes part in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game where he was voted in as a reserve, posting averages of 17.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 10.6 APG, 3.6 SPG, and 1.0 BPG. In a rather awkward situation, Wall will represent the East whilst now playing for a Western Conference team. "Yeah, it definitely feels weird but I'm just going to enjoy the moment and catch up with the group of guys. It's not every day that you get to experience these kind of things so I'm just going to try and have fun." Wall addressed the media.

[vtcha]

2017 NBA All-Star Weekend Recap

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The East All-Stars have defeated the West All-Stars, 85-80, in an unusually low-scoring, tight game. Paul George was voted the All-Star MVP, finishing with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 steals. LeBron James double-doubled with 10 points and 13 boards.

All, but one star, could not suit up for the game as Jimmy Butler continued to nurse a shin injury that has sidelined him for the past few weeks. As a result, Jeremy Lin was selected as his replacement, making his first ever appearance, but only played 5 minutes in the game.

Anthony Davis was the leading man for the West All-Stars as he posted a double-double with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 steals.

The West All-Stars struggled mightily from the three-point line for much of the game, knocking down only 2 shots from 18 attempts. Despite the high turnovers from both teams, shooting contributed to the low scoring game, with the West shooting 36% while the East shot 42% from the field.

Box score

Spoiler

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The Rising Stars Challenge saw the Elites defeating the Stars, 113-91. Jahlil Okafor was named the MVP with 22 points on 10-13 shooting. For the Stars, D'Angelo Russell was the leading scorer with 22 points and 8 assists while Ben Simmons showed why he was last year's number one pick, racking up 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

Box score

Spoiler

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Dubbed the Finals rematch (Three-pointer edition), the contest saw the Warriors, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Steph Curry, battle against the Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith, as well as featuring home-crowd, Buddy Hield.

In the end, it was Steph Curry that was the last man standing, earning his second trophy to his everlasting collection.

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In a replay of last year's Slam Dunk Contest Finals as well as featuring some exciting leapers in Andrew Wiggins and Marquese Chriss, it was Zach LaVine who was victorious, earning his third win and joining Nate Robinson as the only three-time champions in the history of the contest.

[vtcha]

Spurs remain undefeated, records 10 straight wins

February 23, 2017 | by NBA News

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Despite acquiring All-Star point guard, John Wall, at the trade deadline, it made no difference as the Spurs cruised past the Mavericks, 115-99, earning their 10th straight win and maintaining the best record in the league.

Dallas had no answers for San Antonio's hot shooting, led by Kawhi Leonard with 21 points, to go with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Pau Gasol posted a double-double with 20 points and 13 boards while Tony Parker facilitated the Spurs' offense, notching up 13 assists.

For Dallas, new acquisition, John Wall, led the team scoring with 20 points however it was evident that he still needed time to gel, with only 6 assists whilst turning over the ball 6 times. With limited practices as a result of the All-Star break, Rick Carlisle expects Wall to be much better next time. "Definitely a tough time for him but it was expected with the lack of practice we've had. He still needs time to learn our plays and understand where some of the guys like to catch the ball", Carlisle said after the game.

Box Score

Spoiler

[trekfan]

Holy God on toast -- FOUR 1st rounders for John Wall? JOHN WALL?

I'm beside myself, this was an incredibly short-sighted move by Dallas (and, technically, they're not allowed to trade back-to-back team owned 1st rounders due to the Stepien Rule, but that's not enforced in the game). Wall is good -- hell, very good -- but, at best, he was worth their 2017 1st rounder unprotected and, maybe, a future first.

Dallas has gone all in on Wall but where is he getting help? The draft is a lost cause at this point with no picks, the roster is laden with veterans, Dwight Powell was traded away in this (underrated youngish-big) and your best young players are Barnes, Anderson (maybe? If he develops), and now Wall.

This trade could go down in history as one of the all-time great robberies; the Wizards won this hands down and even the T'Wolves didn't suffer too much.

Serious questions moving forward for the organization.