NBA organizations have a lot of moving parts. A team is much, much more than only its players and coaches. There are also general managers, trainers, scouts, broadcasters and other media, entertainers, just to name a few things. Many fans around the country never get an up-close look at how a team functions on a daily basis, but the Mavs put on two annual events that peel back the curtain to give some of the best behind-the-scenes looks at their team.

Last Tuesday’s Fantasy Camp and last night’s NBA 101 for Women are two such events. Guests at both essentially receive all-access passes to the entire Mavs facility at American Airlines Center, and Fantasy Campers quite literally become part of the organization, signing a mock one-day contract with head coach Rick Carlisle. Attendees do more than tour the locker room and see the practice court. They interact with practically the entire Mavericks front office, including the coaching staff and players.

Continue reading below to see how the events are similar — and different. Especially if you haven’t attended before, you’ll certainly learn enough about the events to have a good idea of what it would be like to attend next year!

Guests break out into small groups and visit stations throughout the Mavs' office space in American Airlines Center. One stop is in the locker room, where attendees have an open Q&A session with a Mavs player and get a photo with him afterward.

Harrison Barnes answered questions at both events. Actually, NBA 101 guests spoke with new Maverick and Mesquite native Quincy Acy, as well, and apparently Justin Anderson was hanging around at 101. Think you can ask the tough questions? This is the best chance you’ll get to stump the stars!

One station is an open Q&A session with Mavs broadcasters and media, including TV personalities Mark Followill and Dana Larson, radio play-by-play voices Chuck Cooperstein and Victor Villalba, and Mavs.com's Earl K. Sneed.

NBA 101. Attendees ask everything from what it’s like to call Game 6 of the NBA Finals to why Earl always wears his trademark sweater vest. Mark, Coop, and Victor are three of the most knowledgeable play-by-play guys in the game, if you ask me, while Dana has been providing excellent Mavs coverage on FOX Sports Southwest for years, including and especially on pre- and post-game programs. She had her own station this year, as well. They are the best in the business.

Guests compete in a 3-point competition for a prize.

Fantasy Campers let ’em fly from deep for a shot at some autographed Mavs swag, and there’s also a free throw competition. Camper Tony Tran has won competitions two years in a row now, so he’s got a bit of a dynasty forming. Think you got what it takes to dethrone him?

Guests visit Rick Carlisle's office and get a Q&A with coach.

Both events include a sit-down in the coach’s office, only it’s not for a stern talking-to. At Fantasy Camp, Carlisle even walked through attendees some film of a Harrison Barnes workout. Mostly, though, it’s a great opportunity for the coach to tell stories and get to know those in attendance.

Attendees see inside the Mavs' training room and meet the men responsible for keeping the team healthy.

Both. Casey Smith and his team of trainers and strength coaches have an excellent reputation league-wide when it comes to keeping players as healthy as possible and taking whatever steps necessary to prevent injury. It’s very interesting to hear them talk about the importance of preparation off the floor for staying in top form on it, especially because we can all see the fruits of theirs and the players’ labor 82 nights a year.

Assistant coaches Kaleb Canales (offense) and Melvin Hunt (defense) give chalk talks and draw up some plays and coverages for the guests.

NBA 101 attendees get a quick coaching tutorial on the ins and outs of the pick-and-roll, switching screens, and more. The NBA game moves insanely quick, so getting a primer and hands-on demonstrations from the minds behind the Mavs is the best way to learn about the game I can think of.

Players are drafted into one of four teams and compete in a 5-on-5 tournament.

Fantasy Camp attendees compete for the championship, playing two 8-minute halves in an elimination-style tournament on the Mavs’ practice court. Assistants even coach the team, and it’s pretty funny to watch the more animated Mavs coaches get involved on the sideline. The best part about the games is there are players ranging in age from as young as low-20s to up in the 60s. Winning is the goal, obviously, but pickup ball on the AAC floor is a treat in itself.

Attendees chat with Sarah Melton, the vice president of basketball communications, who has more must-hear stories than can be told even in 10 hours.

NBA 101 guests are lucky enough to talk with Sarah, one of the best PR directors in the game. She has more stories than can ever be shared, I assure you, having seen it all with the Mavericks, including all the ups and downs since the days at Reunion. If there’s anyone who could tell you exactly what life is like in the NBA, from the games to the practices to the travel and everything in between, Sarah is the one.

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