Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:02 PM)

I literally walked in my house 10 minutes ago after driving back from OKC. We can talk whatever you want from Mavs to Cowboys to SMU hoops - three guys run off and three transfers in. Let's go!!!

Frank (Galveston)

Even though the Mavs have fell short at the end two games in row, do you feel that they have dominated both matchups?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:05 PM)

Uh no. They controlled the first game and fell apart in the final 2:33. OKC controlled the second game, the Mavs pulled ahead at the end and fell apart again with 2:16 left. The Mavs are doing what they've done all season - find ways to lose. I didn't believe there was a magical switch they would flip in the playoffs and it hasn't happened. They have lost 4 games by a total of 10 points in OKC. The Thunder have won 5 of 6. None of that is coincidence. OKC is finding ways to win

Frank (Galveston)

Should Beaubois get any valuable minutes during these playoffs?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:07 PM)

I think Carlisle is one of the NBA's best coaches. If he doesn't think Roddy B needs to play then I'm down with that. He told us Brandan Wright wasn't good in physical matchups and you see what he's provided in this series. Carlisle knows what he's doing. So if he wants to sit Roddy B, it';s cool.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Do you think that CB Morris Claybourne is a Perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:08 PM)

If a perfect fit exists - and I don't know that one does - then it's pretty good. He'll help make everyone better because of his coverage skills. Let's just hope he is what he's supposed to be. Only time will tell, but I loved the pick

Thomas (Texas)

Will the Thunder win the NBA title by beating out the Spurs.?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:09 PM)

I don't think so, which disappoints me. The Spurs will defend and the Spurs are a crafty bunch that might outsmart the Thunder. Plus Pop is the best coach in the league - and that's a big advantage over Brooks.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:10 PM)

That said, they will beat every other team in the West in six games or less.

jr(mp) [via mobile]

why not make jenkins a safety it work for antrel rolle he went from corner to safety allan ball also did it to i think it would be good for jenkins

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:10 PM)

Jenkins is an average tackler at CB and can't stay healthy. He could never ever play safety

gary (Los Angeles)

Is it me or did Jerrah fail again? After Claiborne, I see a bunch of reaches and project players, sincerely. Am I off here??

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:14 PM)

I'm not a draft guru kind of dude. I hadn't seen most of those guys play. I'll at least reserve judgment until I see them in training camp. They tried to fill needs. Based on the players they picked, yes. Now, we have to see if they can play

Deven (Dallas, TX)

Hi Mr. Taylor. Another tough loss last night to OKC. Down 16 points, get back into the game, Dirk being on fire, missing clutch shots down the stretch and falling short. What are your thoughts about the two blown opportunities for the Mavericks against OKC?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:16 PM)

The Mavs are doing what they've done all season. They were 10-13 in games decided by 5 or less and 13-20 on the road. In the playoffs they're 0-2 on the road and 0-2 in games decided by five points or less. They are who we thought they were

Raj (New York)

Who was your pick to win the series: Dallas or OKC? I'm assuming Dallas right?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:16 PM)

OKC in 5

jason (new london tx)

with the first two games so close, it looks like the mavs still have not played their best and it looks like okc cant play any better. is there any chance the mavs can turn this around?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:18 PM)

no. OKC can play a lot better. James Harden has not had a 20-point game and Kevin Durant has made just 15 of 44 shots. The games have been close enough that it wouldn't shock anyone if the Mavs won the next two games. That said, OKC has won 5 of 6 against the Mavs this season. That's more than coincidence

Raj (New York)

What do the Mavericks need to do differently to close games down the stretch against OKC?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:19 PM)

it ain't complicated. Execute better. that's the nature of pro sports - not matter what league. The best teams execute good at the end of the game

parker (new london tx)

so do mark and donnie now think letting tyson and deshawn walk my have been a bad idea?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:20 PM)

It's only a bad mistake if they don't sign Deron Williams. Whether you agree or not - there plan was to let those guys go free so they could sign Williams or Howard. If they don't get one of the two, then it was bad.

Adam (Toronto)

Jenkins really 4th on the depth chart? Seems kinda..dumb, no? He's easily better than Scandrick when healthy

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:20 PM)

who said Jenkins was 4th? I haven't heard that. He's a better player than Scandrick. If he's into it mentally I would expect him to beat out Scandrick for the nickel job

clay (dallas)

last nights loss was completely on carlisle, he has no clue as to how to make adjustments, why was terry even in the game coming out of a timeout when we needed a stop to foul durant, west is our second best defender, did carlisle not learn nothing from game 2 of the finals when terry left chalmers wide open to tie that close game?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:22 PM)

Really? I can't buy that. It was Carlisle's fault that Jason Kidd made one of the dumbest passes he's ever made? Carlisle's fault that Jason Terry made one of the dumbest fouls you'll ever se? Carlisle's fault that Dirk missed two open shots in the final 90 seconds and that Jet missed two others? You're tripping. This team has a lot of flaws, but coaching isn't one of them

nate k. (sioux falls)

what it's dallas going to do with jenkins keep him or trade him.nate

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:23 PM)

Keep him. He's worth more to the Cowboys than the 5th, 6th or 7th round pick they might get for him

Jimmy Dunne (Dallas)

Is Wright intimidated by OKC interior?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:23 PM)

it looks like that to me. He's not going strong to the bucket. He's playing finesse hoops.

Andrew (Houston)

Would Roddy be an option to put on Westbrook defensively? Marion is doing an excellent job on Durant, if you put him on Westbrook then Durant will probably be shooting lights out. I think Dallas needs to take role players out of the game (you can't have Fisher with 11 points and Perkins with 13) and if Westbrook goes off for 40 points, so be it

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:26 PM)

I don't think Roddy has a role in this series. Carlisle doesn't trust him. I think his time in Dallas is done after this season. If you don't trust a three-year vet in the playoffs, then what's the point

DANIEL (THE COLONY)

JERRY JONES SHOULD FIRE HIS SELF AS GM, ANOTHER USELESS DRAFT OF ROLE PLAYERS, NOW HE WANTS TO TRADE JENKINS WHEN SCANDRICK IS CLEARLY THE WORST CORNER ON THIS TEAM

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:27 PM)

Scandrick is signed for 5 years and Jenkins is in the last year of his deal

Donald (Dallas, TX)

really seems that the Mavs could have used Corey Brewer and Rudy Fernandez in such a condensed season. Brewer would have definitely helped in this series.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:28 PM)

Really? I doubt either one would've played more than a couple of minutes a game. They're each role players. Neither one would be a difference-maker in this series

Simon (Dallas,Tx)

What do you make of Mo Claiborne running a 4.5 40 and "blowing off his Wonderlic test? Will he blow off team meetings/film study as well? Im worried about his effort.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:30 PM)

complete overreaction on your part. One has nothing to do with the other. I blew off the SAT because I knew where I was going to school and my grades were good enough that I - in my 18-year-old mind - didn't think the test was that big of a deal. The Wonderlic is one of the most overrated pieces of data at the combine. A standardized test is hardly a good gauge for intelligence. Claiborne, according to those who know him, will be fine

Swish 41 (Coppell, TX)

Do you think that the Mavs have a realistic shot at getting past Round 1?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:30 PM)

nope, and I didn't when the season started

Randy (Shreveport)

Give me an early record prediction for the Cowboys for next season? Dont worry we will not hold you to it!

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:31 PM)

sorry, I don't do predictions before the end of training camp because we have no idea who's on the final roster until then. Be patient.

carlos (laredo)

Dont you think the cowboys should have signed Fozzy Whitaker from Texas?? he is an explosive back that can help with returns where the Cowboys sorely lack production.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:31 PM)

nope. He's just a guy.

Alan (Addison)

You praised the Cowboys decision to move up and take a premier defensive player. Many of the local sports commentators disagree, saying they had too many holes and gave up two or three starters for one guaranteed. What do you say to that arguement?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:32 PM)

There are 6 key positions in FB. QB, RB, WR, LT, CB and pass rusher. Think about who the Cowboys had at those spots when they won Super Bowls whether it was the 70s or the 90s. Anytime you can add an elite player at one of those positions, you do it

Ron G. (Santa Monica)

Hot out of the gates and fizzle at the end was the Cowboys NFL draft. Sounds like their regular season play. What's your take on their draft.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:33 PM)

it didn't bother me. I haven't watched any of those dudes play. You have to trust them and see what happens. Given the DC recent history, that's not a comforting thought

kenny(los angeles) [via mobile]

Taking into account that our stars are in their prime (romo, ware, etc) and the good off season and NFL draft this team just had, how long in your opinion until we compete for a superbowl?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:34 PM)

I'd say 3 years

trey (arlington)

What is going on with the mavs? Are they better than we think or worse? Two close losses. Do they stand a change of making this series even or even winning it?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:34 PM)

They are who they are. They were a 7th seed for a reason

JJ (San Antonio,Tx)

Is the rumor of the Boys moving Jenkins to Free Safety true?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:35 PM)

no

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Do you think that Rangers P Yu Darvish will be the 2012 Cy Young Award Winner?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:37 PM)

I'd say Justin Verlander is still the favorite along with King Felix in Seattle and CC in New York. It's too early. Let's see how he fares after he's been around the league once and the hitters get a feel for him

Mike (NY)

You said you would blast the Cowboys if they traded down to settle. What about the fact they traded up but lost a second round pick?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:38 PM)

I wrote a column about it that you can find on espndallas.com. I liked the aggressiveness of the move. They targeted a dude they liked and they grabbed him. Nothing wrong with that to me

Gobizzle (DC)

Using ESPN's player rankings it seemed liked the cowboys reached at every single spot except for the Claiborne pick. Do you think this is the case or do you trust the Cowboys scouting dept just took a different approach?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:38 PM)

Personally, I don't pay much attention to those because every team has its own board. They draft according to their board - not ESPN's board

Ronin (LA)

It seems that Kellen Moore would have been a great QB to bring in via free agency. He won a lot & was super accurate. I know accuracy is one of the keys that makes Garrett's offense run. He has much more pedigree than McGee. I just thought it was a good fit. Your thoughts.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:40 PM)

He was an undrafted FA, so it's not like he's viewed as the end all be all by any team. That doesn't mean he can't develop into a good player, but Garrett knows QBs. Clearly, he liked the 4 guys on the roster

Dan (Lynch)

Do you think the mavs will get swept?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:40 PM)

nope

kevin (usa)

where is odom going next year

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:41 PM)

who cares? He quit on his talent this season

FriscoMavsMan (Plano)

The Rangers appear to be the class of MLB this year, and its not really close. Is anything less than a championship a dissapointing season?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:42 PM)

That's a pretty high standard. If they lost a 7-game series to the Rays in the ALCS - and it was 1-0 in 15 innings, I wouldn't call it a failure. It has been 30 years since a team other than the Yankees went to the WS three consecutive years. The goal is to get to the playoffs healthy and see how it plays out

Jerry (Dallas)

Are the basketball Gods doing work on the Mavs for finally yielding a Championship team, and then breaking it up for cap space?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:43 PM)

nope. They were a 7th seed for a reason. They're playing to their pedigree

Austin (Dallas)

Better chance of happening? Mavs come back to win this series in 6 or 7 games or the Cowboys make the playoffs this upcoming season.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:43 PM)

cowboys making playoffs

Father Time Bro (Plano)

Can we please talk about why carlisle keeps going to vince carter instead of having delonte in at crunch time? Carter is terrible, he made a few decent defensive plays last night but how many times do we have to see him throwing up an off-balanced garbage jump shot?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:45 PM)

it depends on the lineup he's throwing out there. Sometimes Carter plays 3, which West can't do. When kidd, terry, Carter, Matrix and Dirk are on the court, there's no spot for West

Austin (Dallas)

I believe the Mavs need a lot more from the point guard position. Having Jason Kidd only shooting 3s (no dribble penetration or easy baskets) has hurt the Mavs all year. As much as I love J-Kidd, here's to hoping Deron Williams comes home to Dallas next season. Thoughts?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:45 PM)

there's a good chance he'll be here, but it ain't guaranteed since NJ can pay him $28 million more than the Mavs

Ez 28 (Davis, CA)

Keep Jenkins and go all in for the 2012 season, trade Jenkins pre-season, or trade him during the season hoping he increases his stock? Saying Jenkins cuz he has more value on the block than Scandrick

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:46 PM)

I'd keep Jenkins

branden (philadelphia)

i live in philly but i love the mavericks, would you agree that the refs give westbrook, harden, and durant every call? because durant had 5 field goals yesterday and 26 points

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:47 PM)

good teams overcome refs and perceived poor calls. The Mavs were in the bonus with 815 left in 3Q. Does that sound like Mavs got all the calls? They shot 30+ free throws and had more FTs in G1 than OKC. Let's stop handing out excuses

Ben (Austin)

Hi JJT, Jason Garrett seems to be targeting a lot of his 'right kind' of guys. Do you think that is a sign that deep down he agrees with your past work - the Cowboys have lacked character guys who will find a way to gut out games and make plays at crunch time?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:48 PM)

yes. He's trying to get high energy and high motor guys who will consistently play as hard in the first quarter as he fourth quarter. The right kinds of guys also practice the right way and prepare the right way

Paul (Austin)

JJT, If the season started today, please rank the NFC East teams best to worst.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:49 PM)

phillyNYGDallasWashington

Matt (Stillwater/Allen)

I know that you have been very down on the Mavs, and that you think they will lose in 5 games. But after seeing the first two games would you really be that surprised if the series went 7 games?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:49 PM)

yes. Only 14 teams have ever rallied from being down 2-0 to win best of 7. The Thunder is the better team

Ronnie G. (El Segundo)

I know it's a long season but it looks like Yu is starting to figure out the MLB game. If so, how do you see the rest of the season playing out for him barring injury?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:51 PM)

Mike Napoli says we can't make any definitive judgments about Yu until he has at least 10 starts. As I wrote before the season, when he has his fastball command working he will be lethal because you can't hit his secondary stuff

Gobizzle (DC)

since scandricks has more experience playing slot corner you think maybe thats why Jenkins might be the 4th to come in from now on?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:52 PM)

nope. If Jenkins is healthy, he's a better player. He can win the slot job, if he's all in

Tony (Round Rock)

Will Jenkins pout all season and be bad for the locker room or will his need for his next contract keep him semi in line?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:53 PM)

no idea. We'll have to wait and see. He should play as hard as he can because if he plays well someone is going to pay him whether it's the Cowboys or another club

Frisco (Plano)

Isn't 4.5 slow for an elite corner? I'm not saying he can't play; just that that measurable is pale in comparison other CB's taken that highly.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:54 PM)

he was the No.1 defensive player on every team's draft board.

Jarad (Fort Worth)

What do you see after this season for Delonte West? Any chance he is comng back?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:55 PM)

no one is coming back until the Mavs determine whether they can sign Deron Williams

trey (texas)

is romo better than 91 in the top 100?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:56 PM)

i would think so, but I'm not complaining. They had Tebow in the top 100 and he's one of the most overrated players in NFL history

Bob (Mcafee)

whats your prediction for how the rest of the mavs-thunder series will play out?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:56 PM)

OKC in 5

Lamar Odom (Los Angeles)

I've kind of enjoyed sitting on my couch eating candy and watching this series. Do you think the Mavs miss my presence at all in this series with no clear backup for Dirk?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (4:56 PM)

OKC in 5

Rick (San Antonio)

How many games does Josh Hamilton miss due to injury this year? And do the Rangers re-sign him regardless of how prone he is to injury/relapsing?

JJT

  (4:57 PM)

hopefully not more than20. If he plays 145+ he'll be MVP again

SIMON (DALLAS,TX)

Why is Mo being labeled a starter, why not have a open competition?

JJT

  (4:58 PM)

when your secondary stinks and you get the best cb in college football, the assumption is that he'll start

Ronnie G. (El Segundo)

Enough Mavs talk!! They're done. How bout those Rangers?? They picked up right where they left off. How do you think they're going to handle the Hamilton contract talks now that he's having another MVP season?

JJT

  (4:59 PM)

the rangers are playing great in all facets of the game. So much for the World Series hangover.

JJT

  (4:59 PM)

it has been a great chat. Lots of great questions. Only surprised we didn't have more questions on the rangers. Be blessed.