| A New Beginning Authored by Jeff Stotts - July 6, 2006 - 3:50 pm
I’ve attempted to write this article several times now. As a Mavericks fan the last few weeks have been, well, heartbreaking to say the least. Every time I sat in front of my computer and began writing, the words I typed were either obscene or made me sound as much as a conspiracy theorist as Oliver Stone must have come off to those who read the script for JFK. (Ironically both plots focused on events in Dallas).
I kept starting over because I didn’t want to present myself as raving lunatic or a bitter expletive hurling fan. But then it happened, a single event that changed my outlook on everything. A man I am accustomed to cursing, strode to a podium and said these magical words, “With the 28th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Maurice Ager of Michigan State University.”
Now I don’t think Mo Ager is the savior of this franchise, but he serves as a reminder that life in Dallas does go on.
The 2006 NBA Finals are done. No mulligan. No do-overs. Done. It’s time to start preparing for the 2007 Finals and the NBA Draft was the official launch of the new season. With the addition of Ager, an “Avery Johnson” guy and solid selection, I have regained that excitement and eager anticipation that Bennett Salvatore had taken from me in weeks past. (Oops there’s that Oliver Stone in me…)
Training camp is months away and in the coming weeks free agents will be signed and some players may be traded. Mark Cuban will write on his blog and probably get fined and yes, life as a Mavericks’ fan will begin again.
So for all those out there still suffering from the sad and unfortunate events that we have all endured, remember the most beautiful thing about sports is that it can make one promise that many things in life cannot: There is always next year and fortunately next year is now. |
