ATLANTA -- As part of the Dallas Mavericks’ team that captured the 2011 NBA title, DeShawn Stevenson said the only thing that hurt him was that all of the players weren’t brought back so
they could defend the title.
“I think we could have been in the Finals again with Miami,’’ said Stevenson, who now plays for
the Atlanta Hawks. “But you know it’s a business.
“And with that lockout hurting a lot of people, they had to break it up.’’
It’s a breakup that Stevenson wishes wouldn’t have taken place.
“There’s no hard feelings,’’ he said. “I still love everything about the Mavericks and Dallas.’’
Stevenson said it’s “kind of weird’’ looking over at the Mavs’ bench and seeing almost a total makeover from the team that won it all in 2011.
“I’m thinking you’re going to bring back a couple of key pieces,’’ Stevenson said. “Last year I think a lot of people, I wouldn’t say were mad, but they kind of wanted the team back.
“But it’s the NBA, you see different faces. That organaization over there does things great, so I think they‘ll get some key faces.’’
One of the key pieces missing for the Mavs is forward Dirk Nowitzki, who is out six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery Friday on his right knee.
“He’s one of those players, he’s just awesome,’’ Stevenson said. “So to see him out with a surgery, I just hope everything goes well.’’
-- Dwain Price
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@dwainprice
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