Preseason game preview: Charlotte Bobcats (1-6) at Dallas Mavericks (3-4)
Earl K. Sneed previews the Dallas Mavericks' preseason finale Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats, as the Mavs try to end exhibition play on a high note despite injuries and a second suspension for guard Delonte West.
Preseason game preview: Charlotte Bobcats (1-6) at Dallas Mavericks (3-4)
DALLAS – Already coping with the daunting task of trying to integrate eight new faces as training camp began, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle is set to welcome in at least one more new addition Friday before his team’s final preseason game.
With injuries to 11-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki (knee surgery), newcomer Chris Kaman (strained right calf) and big man Brandan Wright (sprained left ankle) along the front line, the Mavericks (3-4) announced Thursday that they were awarded center Eddy Curry off a waiver claim.
Curry, a 7-footer who went to Chicago with the fourth pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, played five games with San Antonio this preseason before joining the Mavs as a free agent, averaging 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per game in exhibition play after stints in Chicago, New York and Miami earlier in his career.
ESPNDallas.com also reports that the Mavs will add swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts and big man Melvin Ely, although the organization hasn’t said anything officially.
The potential moves could come amid the Mavericks’ indefinite suspension of eight-year veteran Delonte West, after the guard’s actions were deemed to be conduct detrimental to the team for a second time in a 10-day span.
Still, with just one final preseason test before a back-to-back in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City to begin the season, Carlisle and his players are remaining focused on the task at hand in spite of all distractions.
“All these things happen. These things are part of everyday life in the NBA,” Carlisle said following Thursday’s team practice. “And look, we’ve got a lot of veterans that have been through situations where there’s been injuries and all kinds of different things, and the bus keeps going. You’ve gotta keep soldering on and getting the stuff in that you need to get in and studying the stuff that you need to study, and just keep working to improve every single day.”
“Regardless of all the outside stuff, we still have to prepare for another preseason game,” eight-time All-Star Vince Carter added. “We still have to prepare for our first two games, 'cause we're on a back-to-back. … For us, we have to have a great start to the season to really compete. So, each practice is important and each game we still play is important. Everybody needs to understand on this team they have to lock in. So, yeah, we’re gonna go through ups and downs, but if you’re not focused, you’re not committed, then just sit on the side somewhere. I think everybody is getting that message."
That message is sure to be voiced by Carlisle and his team leaders as the Charlotte Bobcats enter the American Airlines Center Friday night, bringing along with them ex-Mav Brendan Haywood as he makes his return to Dallas for the first time since the organization cut ties with the center by use of the amnesty clause.
Note: The Mavericks wrap up preseason play at home Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats. The game will air locally on TXA 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS or by visiting Mavs.com.
