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2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 1:42 pm
by fearthebrow
Welcome to the Dallas Mavericks annual preseason press conference.

We've had an interesting offseason with a number of changes. We also brought back several familiar faces to help with the stability and cohesion of our team.

First, we brought back Brook Lopez and Mario Chalmers in RFA under pretty friendly contracts for each player. These were key signings for us as both players provide solid production across the board. They've both been here for more than four years, so these guys also have a strong veteran presence in the locker room.

Next, we also brought back Brandon Rush and Robin Lopez in UFA. Both guys signed vet minimum deals, but the key to these signings is that we drafted both of these players five seasons ago in the same draft class as Brook Lopez and Mario Chalmers. Neither Brandon Rush nor Robin Lopez are expected to contribute much from a production standpoint, but we are thrilled to have these guys back on the team. Both players still have close relationships with Brook Lopez and Mario Chalmers, so we think this will only help.

We followed up those pickups with the signing of point guard Kirk Hinrich. Hinrich brings a lot of experience to the table, and if preseason is any indication, he's poised to have another stellar year. This was our marquee signing of the year, as we broke the bank to get him on a $15 million deal. That said, we have a team option to bring him back next season, so there is flexibility in his contract.

On top of those moves, we also signed Channing Frye and Donyell Marshall to add depth. That puts us at the 15 person roster limit, so that will be it for our moves this preseason.

All that being said, we are incredibly excited about DeMar Derozan. We traded for him for Hassan Whiteside last season, and that trade is looking very good for us right now. Derozan blew up in the preseason averaging 26 points per game. We're taking that performance with a grain of salt given that it's preseason, but it's still very promising.

That's all I have for now. Any questions?

Re: 2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 1:56 pm
by JNR
GWR: Are you going to emphasizing defense or offense more this season?

Re: 2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 2:04 pm
by IamQuailman
What's your plan for the season?

Re: 2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 2:25 pm
by fearthebrow
JNR wrote:GWR: Are you going to emphasizing defense or offense more this season?
Offense will be much more of a focus this year. Derozan gives us lightning in a bottle, and Hinrich is also super productive and a great leader. Jrue Holiday and Greg Oden both have also made strides on the offensive side of the ball, so I expect us to be very effective on that side of the ball.

On the defensive end we will definitely miss Stephen Jackson's presence, but at the same time we like our ability to defend the perimeter, and our defense in the paint should also be decent.

Re: 2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 2:27 pm
by fearthebrow
IamQuailman wrote:What's your plan for the season?
We're going to win as many games as we can. Last season's results aren't what we wanted, but we ended the season strong with a 12-6 run. Hopefully, we carry that momentum over to this season and compete for a playoff spot.

Re: 2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 3:26 pm
by WigNosy
What is the core identity of this Dallas team? Are you perimeter-focused? Inside-focused? Defensive grind-it-out? Offensive fireworks?

Re: 2012 Dallas Mavericks Pre-Season Press Conference

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 4:25 pm
by fearthebrow
WigNosy wrote:What is the core identity of this Dallas team? Are you perimeter-focused? Inside-focused? Defensive grind-it-out? Offensive fireworks?

We're a well-balanced team in general, but with the additions of Derozan and Hinrich over the past two seasons, along with Jrue Holiday's improvement in TC this year, we have a formidable backcourt. I'd expect offensive fireworks, but balanced (both inside and perimeter-focused) depending on the opponent.