Mavericks GM and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson made himself available to the media earlier today to discuss the draft, free agency, and other upcoming decisions facing the Mavs. Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com tweeted out a number of Nelson's comments, so let's round up a few of the highlights from the session….
- The Mavericks' first-round pick (No. 17) has been very popular, but the team hasn't made a decision yet on whether to trade up or down or stand pat.
- While a center-heavy draft class could mean a big man falls to Dallas, the Mavs are simply looking to land a solid rotation player.
- Because the draft prospects are so young, the Mavs intend to take the best player available rather than drafting for need.
- The deadline to decide on Lamar Odom's future has not been extended. Currently, the Mavs are required to make a decision on Odom by Friday. Nelson thinks that Odom could have a "monster year" in 2012/13, but indicates that it would be a "year too late," meaning Dallas isn't considering keeping him.
- The Mavs have yet to make a decision on whether Vince Carter will return to the team next year. Carter is under contract for two more years, but both seasons are non-guaranteed.
- Dallas will wait as long as it needs to for an answer from a "big fish" in free agency.
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