By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
The Dallas Mavericks kicked off the NBA season with Media Day at American Airlines Center on Monday.
The media were treated to anecdotes of player summer vacations, goals for the season and team aspirations; the latter of which remains to win a championship.
“The goal is the same thing as last year,” said Anthony Davis. “Nothing has changed for me. The goal is still to bring a championship here. I’m happy to be there. I want to win here.”
Davis, who had eye surgery this summer to repair a detached retina, revealed he will have to wear protective goggles for the rest of his career on doctor’s orders. “I’ve been wearing them this summer, while working out, trying to get used to them,” he said.
Point guard Kyrie Irving, recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March, said his offseason rehab has been going well but there is no timetable.
“I’m on schedule. Every day I feel stronger and more confident,” he said. “I’m just focused on getting back fully healthy so I can help this team the way I know I can.”
The NBA’s No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who is only 18 years old, showed enthusiasm and energy as he begins his first NBA season.
“Being surrounded by players like Kyrie and AD is a dream,” he said. “I just want to keep improving every day and help the team win.”
The team later left for Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada where they will hold their Training Camp on the campus of Simon Fraser University from Tuesday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 3.
Dorothy J. Gentry is sports editor for Texas Metro News. She is an award-winning journalist with a degree in communications/journalism from the University of North Texas. She teaches English and Publications/Journalism in Irving ISD. She is a Dallas native.
