Training Camp Practice Report: Day 7

Earl K. Sneed reports from Day 7 of the Mavericks' training camp on Thursday, where the team began to integrate its newcomers into coach Rick Carlisle's system while also addressing health concerns and building chemistry on the fly.

DALLAS -- There's very little time to waste for the Dallas Mavericks as they march towards the defense of their first ever NBA title.

Thursday marked the team's seventh day of training camp, with another two-a-day scheduled for practice time at the American Airlines Center. But with just three days remaining until the squad's first preseason game against Oklahoma City and the season opener -- a Christmas Day Finals rematch against the Miami Heat -- only 10 days away, the Mavs have little time to jell and even less to be concerned with minor injuries.

Wednesday, Finals MVP and the team's leading scorer from a season ago, Dirk Nowitzki, left practice with a minor illness. A day later, the 7-footer along with the team's returning veterans -- point guard Jason Kidd, reserve guard Jason Terry, forward Shawn Marion and center Brendan Haywood -- were given the morning duties off by Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, while the recent new additions began to learn their new surroundings. But the injury bug has bitten -- at least for the time being -- newcomer Vince Carter, with the eight-time All-Star swingman slowed by knee tendinitis and held out of full-contact drills.

Despite going through light walkthroughs, Carter has yet to receive the nod from the Mavs' training staff to participate in team scrimmages due to the minor knee soreness. However, that could change soon, according to Carlisle, who hopes to see Carter at full speed when the team reconvenes for a Thursday night practice.

"We're getting there. We're working through some health issues right now," Carlisle explained to reporters Thursday. "Dirk missed yesterday. Carter hasn't gone through a contact practice yet, 'cause he has knee tendinitis and we're hoping that he can go tonight. And so, you know, we're working on it. But, it's a process and, you know, we don't have a whole lot of time. So, we've got to make every second count.

"[Carter] is very smart and he's done some non-contact things on the floor. But, look, we've gotta get him out there, but we've gotta get him healthy first. And we don't think this is anything serious, but it's something that kept him off the floor last night. And so, you know, he's gonna have to spend enough time in the training room to get it addressed and resolved, and we need him out here. And if you can't be out here then we gotta have other guys ready to go. And time is of the essence and we understand that."

MMeanwhile, fellow new acquisition Lamar Odom is just trying to get acquainted with his new city, mesh with his new teammates and pick up Carlisle's system after leaving Los Angeles, the Lakers' triangle offense and everything he’s known for the past seven seasons. Admittedly having a tough time sleeping the past week, Odom says that the basketball court and practice time with his new teammates serves as his emotional release, hoping to pick up Carlisle's offensive and defensive playbook with a seamless transition into his new system.

"At the end of the day, it's basketball and these guys do such a great job of moving the ball and playing off of each other. Hopefully I can find my niche really quick," Odom said.

The two-time champion in L.A. and participant in three straight championship series also offered up his advice to the veteran locker room of returning titleholders saying, "The one thing that I can tell them is that they've already experience winning a championship, but it's gonna be much harder to get back there and defend it. Every team is gonna come for us looking to beat us up. And hopefully we just do a great job, get off to a great start and we'll be alright."

Odom will have his first chance to meet the Dallas fans on Friday when the organization welcomes in the public to Mavs Winterfest at the American Airlines Center, with doors opening at 3 p.m. before an open practice at 6 p.m. Parking will be $5 and admission to the event is free.

Single-game tickets are on sale and available at the American Airlines Center North Box Office, online at mavs.com, via phone by calling 214-747-MAVS or 1-800-4NBA-TIX and all Ticketmaster outlets (Fiesta Grocery Stores, Wal-Mart, Simon Mall in Garland and the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano).

Rivalry Pack: Aside from being a season ticket holder, the only way for Mavs fans to attend the home opener against the Miami Heat or either of the two Los Angeles Lakers games is through the Rivalry Pack. Tickets to the Dec. 25 game vs. the Miami Heat and the Feb.22 and March 21 games vs. the Los Angeles Lakers can be purchased as part of a three-game package that includes one (1) of the three premium games and two (2) additional regular season games.

RPL Nights: RPL Nights return for the sixth season and will feature special discounted tickets for 10 pre-selected games. Tickets normally priced $9 will be $2, $15 will be $10, $31 will be $20 and $42 will be $32.

Tickets to the Mavs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder preseason game will also be available for purchase Saturday.

The Mavericks open up regular season play Dec. 25 vs. the Miami Heat (1:30 p.m.), with the regular season finale is set for April 20 vs. the Golden State (7:30 p.m.).