The Mavs have lost two consecutive games.
But it’s clear back in the summer they won the big trade.
In a six-player deal in June, the Mavs acquired center Tyson Chandler from the Knicks in exchange for two starters – Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert – two draft picks and prized point-guard prospect Shane Larkin.
A month into the season the Mavs are 10-5 and are considered legit contenders in the NBA’s Western Conference because of the league’s best offense and an improved defense anchored by Chandler. As for the Knicks?
They’re 4-11 heading into tonight’s game at American Airlines Center. Dalembert has started every game at center but averages only 17 minutes per game, and modest three points and four rebounds. Calderon is just coming back from an injury and has played in only two games, with the bulk of his minutes given to Larkin and his five points and two assists per game.
As for the two picks the Mavs threw into the trade, 34th selection Cleanthony Early from Wichita State is only playing eight minutes per game while 51st selection Thanasis Antetokounmpo from Greece is on the Knicks’ D League team.
The Mavs should win tonight. And it’s becoming more and more clear that they already beat New York in the trade.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
