Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks aren’t in the playoffs for the first time since 2000, so we have to find something to fill the time this spring. Might as well keep up with the players from the Mavs’ title team who are scattered throughout the postseason. We planned to have updates as long as Mavs championship alums were alive in the playoffs, but frankly, Ian Mahinmi alone doesn't merit it. Ian Mahinmi is the last member of the Mavericks’ championship team left standing in these playoffs.

Ok friends, time to get your prediction hats off the shelf and securely on your heads. The Indiana Pacers are up on the New York Knicks 3 games to 2. Do they put it away tonight in Indy, or do the Knicks have a little fight left in 'em? This isn't about who you WANT to win anymore, because that was obviously Indiana (based on your comments). This is about who, back to the wall, you see taking this series. The Knicks got a lucky break with George Hill's concussion, and he's a game-time decision tonight. Jason Kidd, rest his soul, has been a disaster this series. Carmelo Anthony has had moments of 'Melo-ness... and mellow-ness (see what I did there?) Tyler Hansbrough is still the worst. I have nothing of value to add about him except that he's the worst. So who will be the sacrificial lamb facing Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals? Or do we prefer a David/Goliath reference? That seems more hopeful, anyway... We'll chat about the West tomorrow. Poll Is this dumb? Please stop asking me asinine questions about the playoffs and let me wallow. I am desperate for basketball discourse. Carry on. 0 votes | Results

Today, Mark Cuban posted on his Facebook (not sure about Twitter because I don't have one) this: His caption said: "In case Mavs fans are wondering where my focus is this summer #MFFL" This is why I love Cuban and why I will continue to be a MFFL until the day Dirk retires. After that, we'll see... Here's hoping some good free agents come to Dallas! I'm so excited that both Dirk AND Cuban will be on the recruiting team this year... Today, Mark Cuban posted on his Facebook (not sure about Twitter because I don't have one) this: His caption said: "In case Mavs fans are wondering where my focus is this summer #MFFL" This is why I love Cuban and why I will continue to be a MFFL until the day Dirk retires. After that, we'll see... Here's hoping some good free agents come to Dallas! I'm so excited that both Dirk AND Cuban will be on the recruiting team this year...

Earl K. Sneed reports from the NBA combine in Chicago as the Mavs gear up for the 2013 NBA draft.

Earl K. Sneed reports from the NBA combine in Chicago as the Mavs gear up for the 2013 NBA draft.

Earl K. Sneed reports from the NBA combine in Chicago as the Mavs gear up for the 2013 NBA draft.

In the likely event that the Mavericks have to go to Plan B to find a point guard, Jarrett Jack’s name should be at or near the top of the list. There are a lot of things to like about Jack. He’s got a deadly midrange jumper and an effective floater, the kind of shots that come in bunches for guards who run pick-and-pops with Dirk Nowitzki. He doesn’t commit many turnovers. He possesses the kind of mental and physical toughness Rick Carlisle wants from his point guards.

Earl K. Sneed reports from the NBA combine in Chicago as the Mavs gear up for the 2013 NBA draft.

The Mavericks aren’t in the playoffs for the first time since 2000, so we have to find something to fill the time this spring. Might as well keep up with the players from the Mavs’ title team who are scattered throughout the postseason. We’ll have daily updates as long as Mavs championship alums are still alive in the playoffs. Jason Kidd: It’s gotten to the point that Knicks coach Mike Woodson is being widely praised for benching Kidd during the second half of New York’s series-extending Game 5 win over the Pacers.

The NBA Finals 2013 campaign, "Forever is Big," is the first to celebrate current NBA players who are on their way to becoming legends because of successful Finals moments. In this commercial which begins airing Saturday, we see Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki make an incredible signature fade away jump shot in Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. For more Trending topics, visit ESPN's Playbook.