I don't have any game reports.  I did see the Mavs-Pacers game
last Thursday, but it was long enough ago that hopefully it will
become a distant memory.  It was one of the worse games I have
ever seen (both teams).  And the second quarter, minus the last
two minutes, was the worst quarter I have _ever_ had the
displeasure of witnessing.  Blah.

More bad news for Minnesota: with the last lost to the Mavs, the
T'Wolves became the first team to lose a season series to the
Mavs since the '91-'92 season (Houston, Denver, and Minnesota
lost the series to the Mavs that season).

Before last night's lost to Indiana the Mavs didn't have the
claim to one of the "worst" titles - "worst road team".  For a
short time, Sacramento had a worse road record than Dallas.  With
the Dallas' loss, the two teams have identical road records.

Former Mav Derek Harper bought space in the Dallas Morning News
to print an open letter to the city of Dallas on February 13.  In
full:
                            DEREK HARPER
                            NEW YORK CITY
Dear Mavericks Fans:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere
appreciation for the support that you have given to me throughout
my career.  It is impossible for me to adequately explain how
much this has meant to me and my family.  I know that few players
are fortunate enough to enjoy the type of relationship with their
fans that I had and I am truly thankful for that.

The Mavericks have always been an extension of my family.  Just
like any family, we have had differences, but we sincerely care
for one another.  Don and Linda Carter have always been our most
enthusiastic fans, and never quit on the players in difficult
times.  Norm Sonju has been unwavering in his support to me, both
on a personal and on a professional level.  I am proud to call
Norm my friend.  Rick Sund's hard work and dedication had us
poised for a championship run before we had that unbelievable run
of bad luck.

By far, the most difficult experience of my career was leaving
the City of Dallas.  Even though I anticipated being traded, I
was unprepared when the day actually came.  Though I was clearly
elated to have the opportunity to win a championship, I was
deeply disappointed that I would end my career without bringing a
championship to Dallas.

I have great confidence in the future of this team.  Jamal and
Jimmy are certain stars in this league.  The rest of the team is
better than maybe even they think now and, with a little
confidence and some additional young talent, this situation will
quickly turn around.  I know that you are disappointed now, I
certainly was.  But don't give up on these guys.  They need your
support as much as I did early in my career and, over time, I'm
sure that they will earn your respect.

Mr. and Mrs. Carter and the Mavericks fans deserve a winner, and
it is only a matter of time.  Thanks for the Memories.

                              Keep the Faith and God Bless You,
                              Derek Harper, #12


What a classy guy!  Go Knicks!

Repeats from my NBA nibbles post:

2/19 Dallas' director of scouting Keith Grant visited with Roy
Tarpley in Greece.  Tarpley is performing very well and is
apparently staying clean.  Tarpley and his agent have _slightly_
softened their stance of Tarpley not playing again in Dallas. 
But it is more likely an attempt to improve relations with the
Mavericks instead of a willingness to play for the Mavs as for
Tarpley to be able to play again in the NBA, assuming
reinstatement, he has to go through the Mavs (the Mavs will own
his rights for three years).  An additional problem from the Mavs
point of view is that Tarpley's base salary for salary cap
purposes will be less than $800,000 making a quality trade even
more difficult (in addition to not being able to get equal talent
due to Tarpley's drug problem history).  The NBA has received a
letter from Tarpley requesting reinstatement.  The next step in
the reinstatement process is for Tarpley to fill out a
questionnaire of about 15 pages.  The Mavs are sending someone to
assist Tarpley in the paperwork.  Then the NBA will review the
case and questionnaire to determine whether or not to grant
reinstatement.  The process should take about three months. 
Tarpley will complete his current contract with his Grecian team.

2/19 NBA VP Rod Thorn informed Dallas that he was upgrading a
foul by Doug Smith that occurred in the 4th quarter on Dale Davis
(Ind) to a flagrant foul one.  The officials at the game did not
call the foul a flagrant foul.  He also informed the team that
they were being fined $7,500 - matching the fine assessed to
Randy White for throwing a punch at Vlade Divac (LAL).  The NBA
has a new rule this year of dual fines designed to deter
fighting.

2/22 Dallas was mathematically eliminated from the Midwest
Division title chase when San Antonio defeated Minnesota, despite
the fact that Dallas beat Detroit the same day.

2/15 Dal signed Lorenzo Williams (F-C, 10-day).
2/23 Dal signed Lorenzo Williams (C-F, 2nd 10-day).
2/23 Uta signed Darren Morningstar (C, probably 10-day).


patricia