We move to the worst team in the league for the last two years, the 
Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavs are represented by:

  Theo Wendt


With the second pick in the draft, the Mavs select:

  Jason Kidd, PG, 6-4.  Cal.

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TEAM NEEDS
----------
The Mavericks are a team that needs a lot of everything.  After
compiling the worst record in the league for two years in a row, they
immediately set out to make changes.  Rick Sund and Quinn Buckner were
fired and replaced.  The addition of Motta is a plus as he is good at
developing young teams.

CENTER: If Sean Rooks could put together a healthy year, like his
rookie campaign this position would be less of a worry for the Mavs.
Rooks is a capable rebounder, low post scorer, shot blocker and can
even hit the mid-range jumper. Rooks' backup, Donald Hodge will
probably make the team next year only because the Mavs have no one
else.  Hodge is considered soft, but he does have a good feel for the
game and has soft hands.  Roy Tarpley may or may not play and if he
does it probably will not be for the Mavs.

POWER FORWARD: Popeye Jones provided a little optimism at this
position the past year.  He proved to be a capable rebounder and
defender.  He was one of the Mavs two representatives in the rookie
game this year.  Doug Smith has been playing for three years on this
team without a position.  I think Smith deserves another year to prove
himself.  Terry Davis should return from a bad year.  Lorenzo Williams
played well during a couple of ten-day contracts resulting in him
being signed for the rest of the season.  He might be brought back.
Randy White, once heralded as the next Karl Malone, will not return.

SMALL FORWARD: This was the Mavs second strongest position.  Jamal
Mashburn played well considering the playing system that he was
playing under.  Although his shooting percentage is a little low, one
must remember that he was a rookie and will be better next year.  He
was one of only three players to receive votes for ROY.  None of
Mashburn's backups are any good, and except for Smith don't really
even belong in the NBA.  Tony Campbell will not be resigned

SHOOTING GUARD: This the Mavs strongest position.  Jimmy Jackson will
someday be mentioned among the best players in the league, as he can
hurt you in many ways and can play either guard spots.  He is one of
those player that makes others around him better.  Lucious Harris was
a good pickup in the second round last year.  Originally projected as
a late first round pick, he showed that he has the potential to be a
good shooter.

POINT GUARD: This is another weak spot for the Mavs.  Lafayette Lever
will most likely either retire or sign with another team.  Tim Legler
was a good shooter from the outside, but was not a great playmaker.

MY SELECTION: ------------- My Selection is Jason Kidd, PG, California.

OTHERS CONSIDERED: ------------------ I considered four others: Grant
Hill, Donyell Marshall, Juwann Howard, and Yinka Dare.  What it came
down to is that the Mavs need either a PG or a center, and Kidd
appears to be the better player than Dare.  Also their appear to be
many capable centers joining the NBA in the coming years and some
sleepers in this draft.

WHO THEY'LL PROBABLY TAKE:
--------------------------

Jason Kidd unless they trade their pick


OTHER MOVES:
------------

The Mavs ought to be willing to trade anyone other than Jackson or
Mashburn for picks.  They should get rid of Tarpley while he is still
worth something (even if it is Seattle second round pick).  If someone
offers them a good deal they ought to be ready to part with their
first pick.  They should stay out of free-agency and build through the
draft.

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