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Tim MacMahon

  (2:59 PM)

Hey, folks, thanks for joining me. Sorry, but I've got to put the chat on hold for about 15 minutes while I work on a breaking news story.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:12 PM)

OK, I'm ready to roll now. Let's talk basketball for the next 45 minutes or so.

terri (plano)

Erik Dampier has been playing better so far this season. I understand that this is a contract year for Erik Dampier but do you think the Mavs will still attempt to trade him either in Feb or during the offseason?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:15 PM)

I think the Mavericks would be willing to listen to offers for Dampier before the trade deadline, but if he keeps playing like he did in LA, they certainly won't be shopping him. He still plays an important role on this team. He's their best interior defender and screener and is the only Maverick built to match up with traditional big men. I can't see Dampier back next season, though. His contract, which is nonguaranteed for next season, will have a ton of value on the summer trade market. He essentially gives the Mavs the flexibility to sign a max player in a sign-and-trade deal, and the team that gets his contract can cut him without paying a penny.

Scooter McGruder (Richardson, TX)

Why, when mentioned big free agent pickups and trades in the offseason, is Richard Jefferson given more love than Shawn Marion? They're not that much different as what they can do on the court and Marion has had a much better start with his new club. Also, why are bowties so difficult?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:17 PM)

Not much of an expert in bow ties, so I'll just address the Jefferson/Marion question. Jefferson is a little younger and has put up better scoring numbers in recent seasons. Plus, San Antonio has won four titles in the last decade. Those are the reasons why the Spurs' blockbuster deal got more attention than the Mavs'. However, that doesn't mean it was a better move. You can easily make the case that Marion is a much better all-around player who will have a bigger impact in Dallas than Jefferson will in San Antonio.

Terry Briggs (Plano)

Why are the Mavs tentative when it comes to making a push for a "big name" player on draft day? Ty Lawson was there for the pickings, Dejuan Blair slipped into the 2nd round - both were guys that would have been there for the Mavs, but they passed instead.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:19 PM)

Lawson went before the Mavs picked, and they tried to trade up into the early second round for Blair but weren't successful. The Mavs believed that Roddy Beaubois had more potential than any non-lottery player in this draft, so they got the guy they wanted. Blair would have been a huge bonus.

Brandy Malloway (Pantego, TX)

Roddy Beaubois can dunk, Jason Terry can dunk. Is there anyone on this Mavs roster that can't touch the rim? Barea?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:20 PM)

Beaubois might actually be the Mavs' best dunker. Of course, that isn't a sign of future stardom. (See Gerald Green, who I believe is playing in China this season.) Barea actually has pretty good hops. Not sure that he's dunked in a NBA game, but he can throw down with ease on the practice court.

Jennifer (Watauga, TX)

When Josh Howard and Tim Thomas return to the team, who takes a seat closer to the end of the bench?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:22 PM)

Quinton Ross and Kris Humphries are the guys getting regular minutes who might be pushed to the fringe of the rotation. However, Ross will get minutes against elite wing scorers because of his defensive ability. And Thomas might be the guy who ends up on the fringe of the rotation instead of Humphries. Thomas' 3-point stroke will give the Mavs bench another weapon, though.

Austin (Arlington, TX)

I really like how Marion has looked so far, but I think the biggest surprise has been the play of Dampier. He actually knows how to roll to the basket so Kidd can feed him the ball. What do you think?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:23 PM)

The fact that Dampier is actually catching the ball and finishing around the rim must be considered gravy. The Mavs need him to continue being active defensively and on the glass.

Kaiser Soze (Arlington, TX)

What's happened to this team's 3-point shooting?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:25 PM)

Not sure I have a great answer to that, but who would have ever thought that Jason Kidd would be the Mavs' most reliable 3-point shooter? That's why they signed Tim Thomas. Dirk doesn't shoot nearly as many 3s as he used to, but if the Mavs run like they plan to, he'll get a lot of good looks in transition. He likes those kind of 3s because he gets to step into them and they often aren't contested.

Austin (Dallas, TX)

Any chance the Mavs could swing a deal for a Dwayne Wade in the offseason? I know it is a ways off, but they will have the Dust Chip!

Tim MacMahon

  (3:27 PM)

Whoa, podnah! Don't know that Cuban and D-Wade could kiss and make up after all the hard feelings from the '06 Finals. Plus, I think your setting your sights a bit high. Forget about LeBron and D-Wade. Think more like Joe Johnson.

Justin T (Valley Ranch)

Will there be a major trade by this team by the trade deadline and if so, any idea of who?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:27 PM)

If the Mavs are playing well, I don't think they do anything drastic before the deadline. If they aren't, anything is possible other than dealing Dirk.

CLMCII (VENUS, TEXAS)

First off Miss the Dallas Morning News thing, was the best thing on there. Ok my Question. Do you think the Mavs will stay with Josh Howard or will they trade him this mid-season. Also why not get AI even if only to use him in a trade at mid season. He has some Value you would think.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:29 PM)

No need to miss the DMN thing. Just c'mon over the ESPNDallas.com on a daily basis. See above for my answer on Howard/trade possibilities. As far as Allen Iverson goes, you're overestimating his value. If anybody wanted him, he wouldn't have gone to Memphis for NBA chump change. After one game, he's already griping about coming off the bench. The Mavs don't need those kind of distractions from a declining player.

Anthony Kahn (Dallas, TX)

It seems like everyone around the league took notice after we swept the back-to-back in LA. Do you think the Mavericks will be content and come out flat tonight, or do you think they truly believe they are contenders, especially with the return of Josh Howard.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:30 PM)

No excuse for coming out flat tonight. The Mavs were embarrassed by their performance in the season opener. They owe the home fans one. And the Jazz are playing the butt end of a back-to-back. They're the team with the excuse.

Feinberg (Hempstead)

what are your thoughts on dropping Josh Howard and replacing him with Rudy Gay in the offseason?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:32 PM)

Haven't discussed Rudy Gay with anyone in the Mavs' organization, so speculation is all I can offer. I think Howard's return is more likely than the Mavs signing a gunner who isn't much of a defender, although Gay is a young guy with explosive scoring ability.

Ryan Barrett (Uptown)

I think JJ Barea is one of the best backup point guards in the NBA despite his size, but would you agree that if we could package him and his small salary along with a larger salary for a guy who could potentially be a starter at the 2, do you think the Mavs would pull the trigger?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:33 PM)

That's something that might make sense if the Mavs can acquire a good shooting guard. Of course, it'd help if Roddy Beaubois would progress to the point where Rick Carlisle was comfortable playing him during a regular season game.

Adam Lan (Richardson, TX)

Did the rest of the league overlook Shawn Marion and not realize he had something left in the tank? This guy can really play and seems to fit in perfectly with this team.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:34 PM)

You also have to remember that this wasn't a good summer to be a free agent, with the economy in the tank and a lot of teams trying to pinch pennies for the Great Free Agent Summer of 2010.

Itzy Ribald (Dallas, TX)

Is that story about Gooden and the slur?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:36 PM)

Yes, it was. Tried my best to get both sides of the story. Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=4619504

Kerry Assa (Dallas, TX)

I have watched every minute of the first 3 games and I can see the writing on the wall already - DREW GOODEN WILL BE OFF THIS TEAM BY THE TRADE DEADLINE! - he shoots every time he touches the ball, turns the ball over, and uses profanities to fans on the road...future doesnt look bright for Andrew Gooden (his real name)

Tim MacMahon

  (3:38 PM)

Rick Carlisle cautioned us not to judge Gooden's first two games by his (terrible) numbers. He pointed out that Gooden was executing his defensive assigments, playing smart, etc. But, if the Mavs decide to dump Gooden, there could be a cost-conscious market for him. His contract can be bought out for $1.9 million before Jan. 10, a big savings from his $4.5 million salary.

Ross (Keller)

Since this is a Dallas website/chat, why is the time still 3 ET/2 CT?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:39 PM)

The Mavs must be big on the East Coast.

Matthew (Dallas)

Hey Tim! Bosh in 2010 at center in a Damp sign and trade? Good fit or no?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:40 PM)

At least one influential AAC voice doesn't think that Bosh would complement Dirk well. The rationale: They're both perimeter-oriented power forwards who like to catch the ball at the same spots on the floor. But it'd certainly be interesting to bring home the Lincoln High legend.

Kevin Padawer (Memphis, TN)

Has the recent play of Kris Humphries moved him up the depth chart ahead of Drew Gooden once Gooden returns from his injured ribcage?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:42 PM)

Don't think there will be a knee-jerk removal of Gooden from the rotation. He's a significantly better offensive player than Humphries, and the second unit in particular needs all the scoring punch it can get.

Zack (fort worth)

What is the latest on Josh Howard, and what can we expect from him this season? 20-25 mins a night?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:43 PM)

Howard's minutes might be limited early, but he's considered a core player. Once he's healthy and in good shape, he'll play 30-plus minutes per night.

Jim Jones (California)

Why has it become a local pastime to rip on the Mavs as much as it is to support them?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:45 PM)

Because they blew their chance at a championship a few years ago, and the local fan base is starved for a champion. There certainly is something to be said for nine consecutive 50-win seasons, an active streak that only the Spurs have matched.

Jeremy Harris (Fort Worth, Texas)

Do you think when Howard gets back healthy that the offense will look a lot better. So far they are way behind the defense at this point.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:48 PM)

There might be a bit of a bumpy transition period, especially since Howard has never played a minute with Shawn Marion. But Howard gives the Mavs another guy who can create his own shot. There aren't many of those guys on this team -- Howard, Dirk, Barea and that's about it. Plus, Howard ought to thrive as a fast-break finisher with Marion filling the other lane.

Philip Postel (Dallas)

Is Dampier going to keep playing well or revert back to form, remember it is a contract year.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:50 PM)

I attempted to gently ask Dampier a similar question yesterday. A paraphrase of his response: He's already really, really rich, so he isn't motivated by money. Of course, he was a 12/12 guy during his contract year in Golden State. I expect Dampier to a solid complementary player for the rest of the season. That's what he's been on a regular basis since he arrived in Dallas, and it doesn't come close to justifying his huge contract.

Nat (University of Temple)

Does Drew Gooden remind you of Donald Hodge? I think he does a pretty good job on the boards, and can shoot from 15 feet. Tit for tat.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:50 PM)

For some reason, I don't think Gooden would be flattered by that comparison.

ryan (burleson tx)

When the Mavs play teams like the hornets with Chris Paul, would the Mavs consider moving Kidd to the 2 guard and bring Beabuis to the point so he can guard Paul, and keep him from penetrating?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:52 PM)

The Mavs had that in mind when they drafted Beaubois. But he needs to make a lot of progress before he's ready to contribute, as amazing an athlete as he is. He'd foul out in about three minutes if he defended Paul tonight.

Jamie Lucas Scott (North Dallas)

Who other than Dirk makes an all-star game performance this year in Big D?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:53 PM)

Dirk will probably be the only All-Star on the roster. Maybe they can get Beaubois in the dunk contest or Jet Terry in the 3-point contest.

Casey (Austin, TX)

Is this the year that the Mavs finally shed the 'soft' tag? Looks like Marion and Humphries mean business on the defensive end.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think anybody who watched the win over the Lakers will be calling the Mavs soft. Really, it's ridiculous to call Dirk soft, too. He proved his toughness by returning so quickly from a high ankle sprain two seasons ago and starring despite personal hell during last season's playoffs. He's a finesse player, but he isn't soft.

hugh (dallas)

Tim, after reading the leaked comments from Donaghy's book, do u think that there is a good chance that the mavs really did get screwed in the 06 finals?...it was pretty obvious that the NBA had way more to profit from with the heat winning

Tim MacMahon

  (3:56 PM)

Those excerpts certainly make NBA officiating open to a lot of questions. But I don't understand why the NBA had more to gain from Miami winning the series. Dallas is a bigger market, and that's often the root of NBA officiating conspiracy theories.

Blake Johnson (Plano)

Is Kidd more comfortable now with an athletic wing Marion on the floor? Why dont we surround Kidd with a few more of these types?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:57 PM)

You're right about needing to surround Kidd with athletic players. That's why it was such a high priority this summer. They made upgrades in that area with Marion and Gooden.

Skillz (Charlotte, NC)

This should be a perfect matchup for Humphries tonight versus the Jazz. They are a very physical team which bodes well for him - does he play more minutes than Damp tonight, especially without Gooden?

Tim MacMahon

  (3:58 PM)

You make a good point. Okur, in particular, is a perimeter-oriented big man whose game pulls Dampier out of his confort zone.

Trey (Farmers Branch)

Hahaha.. wow. There's not a Bat's chance in San Antonio that Wade gets traded.

Tim MacMahon

  (3:59 PM)

Well done.

Jared ((Irving, TX))

Once Josh, Thomas and Gooden are healthy, do you expect Carroll and Roddy to be the inactives? Or would one of the PF/SF like Singleton or Thomas be in a suit?I would think the Mavs might want to deactivate Roddy and send him to the DLeague for a bit.

Tim MacMahon

  (4:00 PM)

Beaubois is likely to catch a few D-League bus trips this season. Check Marc Stein's archives on ESPNDallas.com for a story that elaborates on Beaubois' situation.

pull the goalie (Dallas, tx)

I keep hearing the prediction that the Mavs will settle in somewhere between the 2nd and 4th seeds in the western conference this season. Do you think that's accurate?

Tim MacMahon

  (4:01 PM)

I see the Mavs as a 55-win team, which should be good enough for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. I think the Mavs can win as many games as any team in the West other than the Lakers.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Tim, prediction for tonight's game?

Tim MacMahon

  (4:02 PM)

Expect a solid Mavs win. The Jazz aren't good on the road, and they're playing the butt end of a back-to-back.

David (Austin)

I think that the Mavs need to get younger as soon as possible. I love Dirk but this team that they have assembled has got so many old players. they are not going to win a championship so why are we not looking to the future?

Tim MacMahon

  (4:05 PM)

If the Mavs tear this thing down to rebuild, what makes you think they'll be able to get this close to being a legitimate contender? Look at Minnesota after the T-Wolves traded Kevin Garnett. The Mavs might be a big move or two away from being serious challengers to the Lakers -- never mind the butt-whipping Dallas delivered in LA over the weekend -- but I agree with the plan to try with all their might to win it all while Dirk is in his prime. They might not ever get another player of his caliber. With Mark Cuban's willingness to lose money to win big, don't count out the Mavs over the next few years.

Tim MacMahon

  (4:06 PM)

Thanks for all the questions. Sorry I couldn't get to more. We'll do this again next week. Join me tonight on the ESPNDallas.com Mavericks blog and Daily Dime chat. I'll be live from the AAC for Jazz vs. Mavs.