Trio of Mavs’ rookies ready to join winning tradition

DALLAS – Following the free-agency departures of point guard Jason Kidd and sixth man Jason Terry, it was originally believed that the Dallas Mavericks’ trio of rookies would have to play vital roles in their first NBA season in order for the team to succeed.

But, thanks to the off-season additions of five veterans – Darren Collison, Dahntay Jones, Chris Kaman, Elton Brand and O.J. Mayo – the 2012 rookie class for the Mavs will now look to fit in and contribute to a team itching to get back to the Finals, after the former champs’ one-year title reign ended with a first-round sweep to Oklahoma City.

Alongside two-year guard Dominique Jones, second-rounder Jae Crowder (the 34th overall selection) starred on the Mavs’ summer league squad while earning All-Tournament honors. Meanwhile, fellow second-round pick Bernard James (the 33rd overall selection) showcased an ability to be a force inside, making his presence known at both ends of the floor.

But Mavs fans have still yet to see combo guard Jared Cunningham, the team’s first-round acquisition, in action after he was held out of summer-league play due to a nagging hamstring injury and tendinitis in his knee.

Still, with Cunningham now back to 100 percent in time for the start of training camp next week, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle fully expects all of the first-year pros to make an impact right away, highlighting what each youngster could bring to the ballclub this season.

“You know, Jared Cunningham is a guy that we see can play both (guard) positions. He’s probably a little bit more of a 2 than 1, but we feel like he can continue to get better at the 1 position,” Carlisle explained. “Crowder’s a 3-4, a terrific mid-range shooter and he’s working to stretch out his game to shoot 3s effectively. Bernard James is a guy that’s a very raw offensive player, and he filled a specific role at Florida State; that was to rebound, block shots and run the floor. And we’ve worked with him to develop a simple offensive game, so that he can be effective in our system.”

The rookies have also be taken under Mayo’s wings, after the four-year guard participated in voluntary off-season workouts with the group of budding stars this summer. And following an exchange when Crowder ceremoniously handed over the No. 32 jersey in deference to the older veteran and in favor of the No. 9, the mentor – Mayo – passed down to the rookie and his peers a few valuable lessons that will help carry the three young men through their first professional season.

“Keep living out the dream of winning; winning ballgames night in and night out, protecting home court and taking pride in that,” Crowder said when asked about the lessons he’s learned from Mayo this offseason. “Especially with the guys that came here, I’m looking forward to just winning and winning championships. I know it takes work and we’re down to work, coming together as a team and trying to win games.”

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