Kiddless Mavs find themselves in Hog Heaven

By JAIME ARON / Associated Press

DALLAS - If there was any doubt Dallas' trade of Jason Kidd to Phoenix dealt more with character than talent, the issue was settled Friday by Mavericks coach Jim Cleamons' reaction to the words of his new players.

Cleamons smiled contentedly, bounced his head in agreement and even blurted out "somebody say amen!" as newcomers A.C. Green and Michael Finley described themselves as team players who put winning over individual accolades.

"I'm going to do whatever I can to try to help show the guys you need to work every day to get the job done, there's no shortcuts," said Green, a 12-year veteran. "I'm going to do that because that's what I'm all about."

Those were the words that moved Cleamons to make the church-like exclamation. Here's what Finley said to trigger a big smile across his new coach's face:

"I really take pride in my defense. I don't like to be scored upon. Offensively, whatever I do is going to be a bonus," said Finley, an all-rookie selection last year.

The Mavericks also received Sam Cassell and a second-round pick in either of the next two drafts as part of the deal that sent Kidd and reserves Tony Dumas and Loren Meyer to the Suns late Thursday.

Dallas management made the deal because Cleamons had decided Kidd didn't fit his system, either on the court or in the locker room.

While Cleamons insisted the key to the trade was getting three starters for one, he dropped enough hints to make it obvious other factors were involved.

"I was asking for one guy to step up to the table and buy into what I'm trying to do. Now, lo and behold, I get three guys. I'm happy," said Cleamons.

The Mavericks already were thin on veterans, and the few they had lacked championship experience. Green and Cassell have two championship rings apiece.

Derek Harper, signed in the offseason to bring a steady hand to the team, said he's excited to have more players who understand what it takes to be successful in the NBA.

"I think we need more maturity," Harper said. "I think the toughest thing in this league is to rebuild with all youth. You need stability to keep things going."

Green and Finley arrived in town for a mid-afternoon news conference that began shortly after practice ended Friday. Cassell wasn't expected until Saturday because he was taking care of personal matters in Phoenix.

Nonetheless, Cleamons said all three newcomers would play Saturday night against Seattle. None will start.

Once they get acclimated, Cassell will take over for Kidd at point guard, and Green will start at power forward. Finley will come off the bench to spell shooting guard Jim Jackson and small forwards Jamal Mashburn and George McCloud.

Cleamons raised eyebrows by describing the swap of Cassell, who has never been a full-time starter in his four seasons, for Kidd, the 1995 co-Rookie of the Year and a 1996 All-Star, as "a wash, tit-for-tat."

"If you don't get enamored with the hype and look at it for the true quality, then you might have a different opinion. I just throw that out there for basketball aficionados to discuss," Cleamons said.

There are two big risks involved with these young point guards. The first concern is that Cassell is a free agent after this season. Secondly, there's still the chance Kidd could become a superstar.

To Cleamons, they were risks worth taking.

"The quality and quantity of what's coming in outweighs what left," he said. "If these three guys will come in and do what I know they're capable of doing, then that makes us a better team."