Mavericks keep options open in GM search; roster notes on Flagg, Middleton and Lively
Slug: mavericks-gm-search-and-roster-updates
Dallas Mavericks chief executive officer Rick Welts and team president Ethan Casson said Thursday the club is in no hurry to appoint a full-time general manager, but hopes to have a hire in place before the June NBA draft.
Assistant governor Michael Finley and vice president of basketball operations Matt Riccardi are working as co-interim GMs and remain candidates for the permanent role. Finley, speaking at the Mavs Ball on Thursday, said he feels ready to lead.
“I’m everything that Dallas is about,” Finley said. “I played here through good times and bad, and I know what the fans are looking for. I’d love to guide this franchise into the future and toward championship contention.”
Riccardi said the dual responsibilities have been straightforward. “All we care about is what’s best for the organization,” he noted. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Riccardi is respected for his experience, relationship building and lack of ego.
The Mavericks are also evaluating external executives who have previously overseen basketball operations departments.
Flagg’s Rookie of the Year campaign
Guard Max Christie and head coach Jason Kidd endorsed forward Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year honors Friday. Flagg, last summer’s No. 1 overall pick, ranks among the league’s top five rookies in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. “He’s playing the game at the right level every night,” Kidd said, adding that Flagg has exceeded heavy preseason expectations. Flagg’s primary competitor for the award is former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel.
Middleton open to staying in Dallas
Veteran forward Khris Middleton, 34, considered a February buyout to join a contender, but ultimately remained with Dallas, which holds his Bird rights. Middleton recently said he is “for sure” interested in re-signing this summer. “I love the city of Dallas,” he said. “I like where things are headed here, so we’ll see what happens.”
Lively progressing after foot surgery
Center Dereck Lively II, sidelined since December by right-foot surgery, reported steady progress. “I went from a scooter, to two crutches, and now I can walk with a cane,” he said, stressing that medical scans—not how he feels—will determine his timeline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
