New Mavs Have Tough Test

Upcoming four games in five nights stretch will test Mavericks' newcomers. Dallas' four opponents have a combined record of 123-88 (.583), with the lone team under .500 being the Miami Heat (26-27). (AP Photo/Don Ryan/LM Otero/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson aren't going to have a whole lot of time to get adjusted as Dallas is going into one of their toughest five days of the season.

After not being able to practice today, because some former Mavs haven't shown up to Washington yet, the three acquisitions (one for-sure starter in Butler and likely starter in Haywood) won't fully practice with their new team until game-day tomorrow.

"It's a situation that's not ideal, but we're going to make it work," said Mavericks coach Rick Carlise, who is in charge of making the new trade work. "These guys will adjust."

The first test comes Tuesday night, 7:00 p.m, in Oklahoma City.

Terry Makes It Easy

Jason Terry had to of known it was coming. So, like a professional, Terry put his pride to the side (yet again) and volunteered his starting position to Caron Butler.

"Me and [Terry], we are familiar with one-another," said Butler. "He's always been like a big-brother to me. He's just making the transition real smooth for me."

Would you expect anything less from (who I believe is) Mr. Mav and the reigning Sixth-Man of the Year?

Kobe Killing Mavs With Kindness

One of the biggest supporters of the recent blockbuster Dallas trade has been none-other than four-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant.

"You put him on a contender and I'm telling you, you're going to love him," said Bryant of Butler. "He's tough as nails."

Bryant also said he hated to admit it, but referred to the Mavs as serious contenders.

I don't believe one thing that is coming out of Bryant's mouth here. I think this is a clear situation where a player is being a bit tongue-in-cheek and trying to give Dallas a big head. Bryant did play with Butler, in L.A. in the 04-05 season, so at least his comments about his former teammate might be legit.

Regardless of what Kobe thinks, basketball in Dallas got a whole lot more interesting with 30 games left in the regular season. Mavericks' fans are eagerly anticipating there first glimpse of the newest Dallas players.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)