Nick Calathes, G, 6-5, Florida State (second round) -- Taken by Minnesota at No. 45 and then acquired by the Mavs, who have been fans for some time. He could gain seasoning next year in Greece.

Ahmad Nivins, F, 6-9, St. Joseph's (second round) -- Taken with the 56th pick, the Mavs hope his experience as a four-year college player will translate into immediate spot help on the blocks.

FREE AGENT FOCUS: Speculation continues to suggest that G Jason Kidd will return to Dallas next season and that if he doesn't, he won't leave the Mavs high and dry, meaning if he decides to play elsewhere in 2009-10, he'll help the Mavs out by agreeing to a sign-and-trade.

PLAYER NEWS:

--F Dirk Nowitzki is finally talking about the bizarre case of his former fiancee Cristal Taylor, who now sits in a Texas prison. Nowitzki told the German magazine Der Spiegel that he knew "nothing" of Taylor's criminal past. Nowitzki also said that now that the drama in his personal life has dissipated, he hopes to get his mind back on basketball by playing for Germany in the European championships in September.

He had plans to get married this summer.

--G/F Jerry Stackhouse is now the piece that will measure how the Mavs' offseason will be judged. It's widely believed that Stackhouse, who missed just about all of last season with a right foot injury, has played his final game in Dallas. He has one year left on his $7 million contract, but only $2 million is guaranteed, making him a very attractive expiring contract.

The Mavs need immediate help at several positions, including Stackhouse's old spot at shooting guard. The Mavs have dangled Stackhouse since early last season, but have yet to pull off a deal.

--G Antoine Wright is in the midst of an important offseason of training and development as he heads into his fifth NBA season and last under contract with the Mavs. He's due $2.1 million next season and will need to improve his perimeter shooting to make a bigger impact on the Mavs next season, with an eye toward remaining with the franchise and cashing in on a larger contract.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Josh Howard (left ankle/wrist surgery) will continue to rehab with the Mavs and is expected to be at full strength for the start of training camp.

--G J.J. Barea (left shoulder surgery) will continue to rehab with the Mavs and hopes to play for the Puerto Rican national team in August in the FIBA Americas tournament.