The Mavericks scored an encouraging victory in their last outing, knocking off a Western Conference heavyweight with a win over the Grizzlies. Still, memories of last season’s failure resurfaced before tonight’s tilt against the Lakers and center Chris Kaman, part of a host of Mavs who didn’t return to the team after playing on expiring deals last season. Here’s the latest:
- Kaman takes issue with what he perceives as Rick Carlisle‘s tendency to “micromanage” and says the Mavs coach is “uptight and kind of plays games with people a little bit here and there,” as Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com observes. Carlisle told reporters that he takes his share of the responsibility for Kaman’s poor fit in Dallas, notes Mike Trudell of Lakers.com (Twitter link).
- Kaman had more to say about Carlisle, as Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News shares the new Lakers center’s belief that the coach was duplicitous and played favorites. Kaman also doubted he would see many minutes if he re-signed with Dallas.
- Ricky Ledo is probably headed for a D-League assignment at some point this season, Carlisle says, according to Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com (on Twitter).