Real quick as I'm busy trying to track down all the NBA news (so no in
depth Thomas bashing).

Kurt Thomas has reneged on the verbal agreement he made with Dallas and is
heading to New York (he was on a plane last night) to sign a 2 year,
$3,625,000 contract (their average excemption).

As a result, Don Nelson got on the phone and signed free agent John (Hot
Rod) Williams to a 3 year, $5,775,000 contract (the Mavs' average
excemption).  In Williams, the Mavs get an experienced veteran who can
solidly play center.  With Thomas gone, the majority of power forward
minutes will be split between Samaki Walker and A.C. Green and the
majority of center minute will be split between Williams and Shawn
Bradley.

As expected, Dallas signed Dirk Nowitzki to a 4 year contract worth $5.56
million.  The 4th year of the contract is at Dallas' option.  The Mavs
also signed 2nd round picks Ansu Sesay and Greg Buckner and re-signed Ace
Custis to non-guaranteed contract.  The three players will have to win a
roster spot to remain with the team once the season starts.

Don't forget the Mavs are hosting an open and free practice at Reunion
tonight starting at 6 pm.

The league released the schedule for the season.  Here's the Mavs'
schedule.


patricia


----

1998-99 Dallas Mavericks Schedule

All times Central.
All game broadcast on KLIF 570.

TV: Fox = Fox Sports Southwest
    39 = channel 39 KXTX


Preseason Games
January
Jan 30   Saturday   7:00   Phoenix

February
Feb 1    Monday     8:00   @ Phoenix


Regular Season Games

February
Feb 5    Friday     9:00   @ Seattle
Feb 7    Sunday     8:00   @ Golden State
Feb 9    Tuesday    7:30   Utah
Feb 11   Thursday   7:30   Houston
Feb 12   Friday     8:00   @ Denver
Feb 14   Sunday     2:00   @ Vancouver
Feb 15   Monday     9:00   @ Portland
Feb 17   Wednesday  9:30   @ LA Lakers
Feb 19   Friday     9:30   @ Golden State
Feb 20   Saturday   9:30   @ LA Clippers
Feb 22   Monday     8:00   @ Phoenix
Feb 23   Tuesday    7:30   Atlanta
Feb 25   Thursday   7:30   Denver
Feb 26   Friday     8:00   @ Utah
Feb 27   Saturday   7:00   Sacramento

March
Mar 2    Tuesday    7:30   LA Clippers
Mar 4    Thursday   7:30   San Antonio
Mar 5    Friday     8:00   @ Utah
Mar 7    Sunday     8:00   @ Sacramento
Mar 9    Tuesday    7:30   Phoenix
Mar 11   Thursday   7:30   Orlando
Mar 13   Saturday   7:00   Vancouver
Mar 15   Monday     7:30   Portland
Mar 17   Wednesday  6:30   @ New Jersey
Mar 19   Friday     7:00   @ Detroit
Mar 20   Saturday   7:00   Sacramento
Mar 22   Monday     7:30   LA Lakers
Mar 24   Wednesday  7:30   Houston
Mar 26   Friday     7:30   Denver
Mar 27   Saturday   7:30   @ San Antonio
Mar 29   Monday     7:30   Seattle
Mar 30   Tuesday    7:00   @ Minnesota

April
Apr 1    Thursday   7:30   LA Clippers
Apr 5    Monday     7:00   @ Minnesota
Apr 7    Wednesday  6:30   @ Miami
Apr 10   Saturday   7:00   Golden State
Apr 13   Tuesday    7:30   San Antonio
Apr 15   Thursday   7:30   Minnesota
Apr 16   Friday     9:00   @ Phoenix
Apr 17   Saturday   7:00   Portland
Apr 20   Tuesday    7:30   Phoenix
Apr 21   Wednesday  7:30   @ Houston
Apr 22   Thursday   7:30   @ San Antonio
Apr 24   Saturday   9:00   @ Sacramento
Apr 26   Monday     7:30   Chicago
Apr 27   Tuesday    7:30   Vancouver
Apr 29   Thursday   7:30   @ Houston

May
May 1    Saturday   7:00   Golden State
May 3    Monday     9:30   @ LA Lakers
May 4    Tuesday    9:00   @ Seattle