DALLAS -– Because he is so familiar with coach Rick Carlisle’s system, Troy Murphy was the perfect fit for the Dallas Mavericks.
Thus, the Mavs signed the 6-11, 245-pound power forward to a one-year contract Friday in hopes that he can help stretch opponent’s defenses and also help the Mavs out on the boards.
“I think I can spread the floor, add some shooting and some rebounding as well,’’ Murphy said after this morning’s shootaround at American Airlines Center. “I’m ready to go.
“I’m still learning the plays and I'm just taking it as it comes.’’
Murphy played for Carlisle in Indiana after he was traded to the Pacers from the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 17, 2007. In 42 games that year with the Pacers, Murphy averaged 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Also, after Carlisle left Indiana, Murphy played three seasons with the Pacers under Jim O’Brien, who is now an assistant coach with the Mavs. So, Murphy has a couple of tutors he’s familiar with who can quickly help steer him in the right direction.
“That’s the reason we got him,’’ Carlisle said. “He’s familiar with what we’re doing and he can rebound and he can shoot the ball, so there are things that are valuable things for us.
“We got a chance to do something with him (Friday) night. We had him in last week for a couple of days and worked with him, so he’s got an idea of what we’re doing.’’
Carlisle said Murphy will dressed for tonight’s 7:30 home opener against the Charlotte Bobcats.
“I don’t know if he’ll play or not play, but he’ll be in uniform,’’ Carlisle said. “He’ll be ready if needed.
“It’ll take him awhile to get in great shape, but he’s always in good shape. So he’ll get ready to play pretty quick.’’
Murphy went through shootaround with the Mavs this morning, and was a bit winded.
“I haven’t practiced or anything,’’ he said. “I’ve been running at the local health club, so I don’t know what that translates to. We’ll find out.’’
Murphy will be asked to stretch defenses much like Dirk Nowitzki does. He also said he had a few teams here and there who tried to pursue him before the season started.
“But I wanted to wait for the right situation and I feel like this is it with coach Carlisle,’’ Murphy said. “I think it’ll be easier just because of that, and the fact that I played for Rick and coach O’Brien before makes it that more familiar and comfortable.’’
-- Dwain Price
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