I caught the Jim Jackson show today and he had some very surprising things
to say about Dick Motta.  When asked if he had spoken with Motta since his
firing, Jackson said no.  He was then asked if he'll go up to Motta Friday
night (Motta is an assistant for Denver).  He responded that he didn't
know.  The host was surprised by his answer; I was shocked.  Jackson has
always been very diplomatic and non-negative towards others in public (he
never really bad mouthed Buckner in public).  Jackson explained that he
had mixed emotions about Motta.  He said that Motta would tell the team
that they needed to keep things in house and under the rug and then Motta
would turn right around and talk with the press.  He implied that some of
the problems from last season were never allowed to fully heal and were
prolonged by Motta's comments and that Jackson did not understand why
Motta did some of the things he did.  Jackson said that he would try to be
a man about meeting Motta, but it would be hard.  When pushed about 
whether or not he would at least shake hands with Motta, Jackson admitted
that he probably would, but said that he had mixed emotions about it.

[Motta has a history of playing head games with his players.  In Rolando
Blackman's rookie year, Motta did not start him for some games as a means
of motivation.  Motta knew that not starting drove Ro crazy.]

I called in the Mavs hour tonight to ask Kidd for his opinion of Motta,
but the host opted to stick to soft balls.

Jim Cleamons said that Mashburn would definitely played Friday, but did
not say how much.

BTW, Mavs radio shows:
  KLIF 570  The Jim Cleamons Show  Tuesdays 8:05 am
            The Jim Jackson Show  Wednesdays 2:30-3 pm
            The Mavs Hour  Wednesdays 6-7 pm
  KTCK 1310  Derek Harper  Tuesdays 8:30 am
Both stations are broadcast on audionet.
KLIF: http://www.audionet.com/radio/talk/klif
KTCK: http://www.audionet.com/radio/sports/ktck
[I have the listing of the sports talk hosts and times at my Mavs' page.]


The paper is reporting that Samaki Walker and Greg Dreiling will start the
season on IR.


patricia