Mavs coach Avery Johnson continues to tinker with a bench rotation that remains in flux beyond Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse.
While Brandon Bass seems to have his role well in hand, averaging 20.3 minutes, Devean George, DeSagana Diop, Juwan Howard, J.J. Barea and Trenton Hassell are scrapping for playing time.
Johnson called Hassell's performance his best of the season and admitted that he hasn't given the veteran swingman a "legitimate chance" to earn playing time, adding that he just needs to stick with Hassell a little bit. So what's Hassell's status regarding the rotation?
"He's in it now, and we'll see what happens," Johnson said.
Entering Saturday's game, Johnson chose not to play the 6-foot-5 Hassell in 13 of the previous 24 games and eight in a row from Dec. 14-29.
Johnson has lauded Hassell for his work ethic and attitude, and has repeatedly said that Hassell will eventually make a significant contribution.
Before Saturday's game, Hassell, considered a defensive specialist, said he hasn't lost hope that he could work his way into the rotation.
"I like this team and I want to win a ring and I want to play," Hassell said. "This seems like my best chance to win a ring right now so I'm going to tough it out and see what happens. I'm happy that Dallas got me from Minnesota and this is where I want to be. I'm a Maverick and I'm happy to be one."
Suggestion box
Avery Johnson clearly has not been happy with the DeSagana Diop's defense, citing primarily a decrease in blocked shots, which has led to a lengthy decrease in minutes. Johnson's suggestions? "Just foul somebody hard, legally. That's a good way to do it," Johnson said. "If you're a big guy and you get the ball inside, just dunk on somebody. There are ways to get more minutes and more attention and all of our guys know how to do it."
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