"It becomes almost like a circus," Gooden said. "If you don't get a win, it becomes fun to watch (for outsiders). Either you're the undefeated team or you're the defeated team. I've been there before and it's not fun."

--Dallas' D-League affiliate lost its general manager a year before starting play when Del Harris accepted an assistant position on Kiki Vandeweghe's coaching staff in New Jersey.

"Our first NBA call-up and we don't even have a (team) name yet," said Donnie Nelson, the Mavs general manager and owner of the D-League in nearby Frisco. "It's only fitting that it's Del Harris. He's been a trailblazer and innovator throughout his decorated career."

Nelson said he's leaving the D-League GM job open in case Harris wants to return after this season. In the meantime, Nelson will handle those duties along with coach Nancy Lieberman and team president Spud Webb.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is a great opportunity for (New Jersey) players to be a taught the game from a guy (Kiki Vandeweghe) who was a great player and is a great teacher. Del Harris is as good as it gets when it comes to experienced guys in this league. They're in good hands going forward." -- Coach Rick Carlisle, on the Nets' new coaches, who both once worked for the Mavs.