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And You Thought The Suns Played Small Ball
Bradley out indefinitely with back spasms
His absence leaves Nelson without a center taller than 6-7
11:56 PM CST on Tuesday, December 23, 2003
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/sports/basketball/mavs/stories/122403dnspomavsbriefs.a2e1d.html
PORTLAND, Ore. – Shawn Bradley is out indefinitely with back spasms, which won't help the Mavericks' efforts to improve their defense in the near future.
Indefinitely could mean 2004, and coach Don Nelson said Tuesday he isn't planning on Bradley being back anytime soon. That means Nelson will continue working without a center taller than 6-7.
"It looks that way," Nelson said. "We knew we were a little vulnerable when we made those trades. We needed a full season from Shawn. I'll keep waiting. It may not happen at all. We may have to do something else."
Mavericks/NBA
Trail Blazers 97, Mavericks 88
Mavs' losing streak hits four, 97-88
Notebook: Bradley out indefinitely with back spasms
Something else would be finding another big man who is tall enough to block shots or at least force opponents to honor him in the paint. Since the Mavericks lost 6-11 Raef LaFrentz, a decent shot-blocker, in the Antoine Walker trade, they have gone with Danny Fortson and Eduardo Najera (both 6-7) at center, along with Bradley. But the 7-6 Bradley has missed seven games for a variety of reasons.
"Shawn Bradley didn't have a great year last season, but he was a factor for us on defense and he helped us win games," Nelson said. "If you'd have taken Shawn off that team, I'm not going to say we'd have struggled like we are now. But we certainly would not have had as good a record. He's a bigger factor than people think."
No interest in Mutombo, again
With Isiah Thomas setting up shop to run the New York Knicks, it's logical that he is going to shake up things quickly.
That means Dikembe Mutombo again could be available via a trade.
Owner Mark Cuban and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson both said Tuesday the Mavericks aren't interested.
Dirk must make the call
Dirk Nowitzki's ankles are well enough to play. But are they well enough to play well?
"That's a hard one," Don Nelson said. "I like guys who play when they're hurt, within reason. He's in that position, and he has to get out there and figure out a way to get the job done."
Nowitzki is shooting 35 percent in six games back since injuring his right ankle on Nov. 26.
"I don't want to rest at this point," Nowitzki said. "I've rested long enough. It's tough on me right now. I'm not very explosive out there and not very confident. I knew it was going to take some time to find my rhythm, and so far I haven't found it yet."
Bradley out indefinitely with back spasms
His absence leaves Nelson without a center taller than 6-7
11:56 PM CST on Tuesday, December 23, 2003
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/sports/basketball/mavs/stories/122403dnspomavsbriefs.a2e1d.html
PORTLAND, Ore. – Shawn Bradley is out indefinitely with back spasms, which won't help the Mavericks' efforts to improve their defense in the near future.
Indefinitely could mean 2004, and coach Don Nelson said Tuesday he isn't planning on Bradley being back anytime soon. That means Nelson will continue working without a center taller than 6-7.
"It looks that way," Nelson said. "We knew we were a little vulnerable when we made those trades. We needed a full season from Shawn. I'll keep waiting. It may not happen at all. We may have to do something else."
Mavericks/NBA
Trail Blazers 97, Mavericks 88
Mavs' losing streak hits four, 97-88
Notebook: Bradley out indefinitely with back spasms
Something else would be finding another big man who is tall enough to block shots or at least force opponents to honor him in the paint. Since the Mavericks lost 6-11 Raef LaFrentz, a decent shot-blocker, in the Antoine Walker trade, they have gone with Danny Fortson and Eduardo Najera (both 6-7) at center, along with Bradley. But the 7-6 Bradley has missed seven games for a variety of reasons.
"Shawn Bradley didn't have a great year last season, but he was a factor for us on defense and he helped us win games," Nelson said. "If you'd have taken Shawn off that team, I'm not going to say we'd have struggled like we are now. But we certainly would not have had as good a record. He's a bigger factor than people think."
No interest in Mutombo, again
With Isiah Thomas setting up shop to run the New York Knicks, it's logical that he is going to shake up things quickly.
That means Dikembe Mutombo again could be available via a trade.
Owner Mark Cuban and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson both said Tuesday the Mavericks aren't interested.
Dirk must make the call
Dirk Nowitzki's ankles are well enough to play. But are they well enough to play well?
"That's a hard one," Don Nelson said. "I like guys who play when they're hurt, within reason. He's in that position, and he has to get out there and figure out a way to get the job done."
Nowitzki is shooting 35 percent in six games back since injuring his right ankle on Nov. 26.
"I don't want to rest at this point," Nowitzki said. "I've rested long enough. It's tough on me right now. I'm not very explosive out there and not very confident. I knew it was going to take some time to find my rhythm, and so far I haven't found it yet."
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