Mavericks make full-court sales pitch to Lewis

Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Mavericks pulled out all the stops in entertaining Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis. The free-agent forward was greeted by a couple hundred well-wishers at the airport, shown to his would-be locker at American Airlines Center housing a LEWIS No. 43 jersey and treated to the sound of faux play-by-play from Mavericks radio voice Mark Followill while he signed for a pack of yelping kids.

"I'm very impressed," Lewis said. "I'm still impressed."

The Mavericks are ultimately looking for a signed offer sheet from Lewis. They are offering their entire mid-class exception, totaling $15 million, for 3-years, but they know that they are a long shot in the Lewis sweepstakes.

The Sonics have the ability to pay much more than any other team and have reportedly offered more than $60 million over 7-years. Houston can offer the same amount ad Dallas, but has the advantage of being Lewis’ hometown.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban said that he wasn’t going to pressure Lewis into a decision. "I'm not even going to try" to get a read on Lewis' intentions.” Cuban said that the “full-court courtship” was merely a meeting to answer Lewis’ questions.

Cuban, though, might have scored one victory already. Asked if leaving Seattle came down to a choice between the Mavericks and his hometown Rockets, Lewis gave the advantage to the former. "I think Dallas has a better organization than Houston," Lewis said.

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Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City, Houston Rockets

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Free agent Rashard Lewis to meet with Mavs

Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News reports that Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis is going to talk to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Lewis is seeking a 7-year deal worth $80-90 million dollars. The Sonics are reluctant to dedicate that much money to a player with the looming luxury tax and are offering a package worth $50-55 million.

It is not known if the Mavericks have a legitimate chance at signing Lewis. The most they can offer is their $4.45 million mid-class exception, which would total $15 million for 3 years.

"Rashard would add a lot to our team," Mavs owner Mark Cuban said. "Obviously having him at small forward and forcing a power forward to guard Dirk [Nowitzki] would be great for us. I don't know if we have a great chance, but when you come down to it, Rashard is the type that wants a chance to win a ring."

If Lewis really does intend to sign elsewhere, the Rockets will probably be considered as well. They also have their mid-class exception and they have the distinct advantage of being Lewis’ hometown. Lewis has said repeatedly that he would love a Rockets homecoming if he doesn't return to Seattle.

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Turkcan wants another shot

Frank Isola of the New York daily News reports that former first-round pick Mirsad Turkcan is looking for another shot at the NBA.

Turkcan, who was chosen with the 18th pick in the 1998 draft by the Houston Rockets and had stints with the Sixers and Bucks, appeared only seven games for the Knicks during the 1999-2000 season before being released. This past season, he averaged 15.6 points for CSKA Moscow last year and believes a good showing in next month's World Championships could land him a job with an NBA team.

"I'm sorry about New York," Turkcan said over the phone from Istanbul. "I don't have any chance to show myself. This is a mistake of (Jeff) Van Gundy. I never had a chance to play in the NBA. I want to come back."

At 6-9, many scouts feel that Turckan is powerful enough to play the power forward position but is quick enough to play the small forward position as well.

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New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets

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