According to Callie Caplan of The Dallas Morning News, new starting Mavericks center Christian Wood, who has recently been added to the team’s starting five, appears to be finally settling in with his new Dallas colleagues, as his two-way production has recently blossomed.
Dallas head coach Jason Kidd said, “Anytime a deal happens, it’s just not the numbers or analytics.” “A human athlete must compete and make the necessary modifications. As much as we would like deals to occur and be profitable right now, it simply takes time… It simply remains to build on the ease he is beginning to feel and the comfort his teammates are feeling with him.
Dallas All-Star guard Luka Doncic described Wood as “aggressive.” He does what he needs to do, which is listen to us. He was very helpful to us, not just on Sunday but also in the previous two games.
In his last eight games, Wood has averaged 20.3 points per game on 51.8% shooting, 9.1 rebounds per game, and a net rating that has increased to 8.4 points for every 100 possessions.
Wood stated, “I feel like my defense has improved slightly over the past few weeks, and these guys just have that confidence to believe in me to make defensive plays.
Caplan points out that Wood is now eligible for a four-year contract extension worth up to $77MM, but neither the Mavericks nor Wood’s representatives appear to have
More information is available from the Southwest Division:
Maximum-salaried If the frequently injured Zach LaVine from the Bulls can stay healthy, he might become an enticing trade target for the Mavericks, pairing Doncic with a star backcourt scorer. On Zach Lowe’s Lowe Post podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently disclosed that several Mavericks front office personnel are considering the possibility of trading for LaVine. I’m just aware that he has supporters in high places within the Mavericks, MacMahon added. “Once more, I’m not just telling you that there’s a wonderful unanimity from where I’m sitting. I believe he has enough supporters that I wouldn’t completely rule it out.
According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans’ contract on their current home court, the Smoothie King Center, expires in 2024, but it doesn’t seem like New Orleans is preparing to move anytime soon. According to Doug Thornton, vice president of stadiums for ASM Global, “their objective is to prolong the contract.” The Pelicans’ lease talks are handled by ASM Global. “We’re going to decide whatever capital upgrades are necessary. We continually invest money in the arena. How much, that is the question.
Devin Vassell, a guard with the Spurs, has proven to be more than simply a talented scorer, according to Jeff MacDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. Although Vassell’s scoring production increased from 7.3 points per game last season to 19.6 points per game this 22-year-old believes he has improved as a leader for this young, rebuilding San Antonio team this season. Vassell thought, “I’ve had a terrific year when it comes to scoring, but it’s not only scoring. According to Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News, he is scheduled to sit out tonight’s game against the Knicks because of a painful left knee.
Spurs will be without Vassell (sore left knee) tonight vs. NYK after they downgraded him after shootaround from questionable to out.
The team upgraded K. Johnson (back) and McDermott (knee) from questionable to available.
McDermott returns after missing Tuesday's loss at OKC.
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) December 29, 2022
