The Daily Links

But the changes the Mavericks made could be the difference between another Finals trip and a second-round exit. With 14 roster spots filled, the Mavericks have indicated most of the summer work is completed.

... If this seems like tinkering around the edges, a little can mean a lot for elite teams.

Former University of Utah coach Rick Majerus told the Rocky Mountain News that former Ute Keith Van Horn might retire, although at least the Denver Nuggets are interested in signing him, though for a lot less than the $15.7 million he earned last season with Dallas. Van Horn lives in Evergreen, Colo., with his wife and four children.

"That's always a possibility," Majerus told RMN writer Chris Tomasson. "His family is very important to him. It's much more important than the NBA."

Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson told Tomasson the same thing. He said Van Horn "made a lot of money in his lifetime" and retirement is "always an option."

Devean George -- Mavericks

Can do: Play earnest defense. Hit enough jumpers to raise the hopes of his coaches. Pass with intelligence.

Can't do: Avoid chronic foul trouble. Make clutch shots.

Must do: Improve everything he does. Accept being a third-stringer. Cut down on his mistakes.

Prognosis: Much is being made of his championship experience, but his contributions to the Lakers were severely hindered by his habitual inability/unwillingness to be mentally and physically prepared for both games and practices. Still, can be a useful player if not given too much responsibility.