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Written Work

Central Track

A selection of my work for Dallas-based website Central Track.

Central Track •

Here's Everyone On Dallas City Council's Phone Number.

Why? Because This Information Is Public Record And Letting Your Elected Officials Know Your Thoughts Is The Best Way To Keep Them In Check.

Earlier this month, Dallasites once again returned to the polls — this time to vote in six city council runoff elections. These votes helped cement the latest Dallas City Council roster — including four new faces — that will sit at the horseshoe at 1500 Marilla Street for the next two years.

Earlier today, those officials were sworn into office at an inaug
Central Track •

Six Of 14 Dallas City Council Races Will Head To Runoffs.

We Know You Don’t Care — Not Even 10 Percent Of Eligible Dallas County Voters Hit The Polls This Cycle — But Dallas’ City Council Elections Ain’t Done Yet.

Well, after all that, Election Day didn’t really bring any sweeping changes to the Dallas City Council.

Most incumbents comfortably held onto their seats at the horseshoe, and most people in the city didn’t care enough to vote. Just over 67,700 voters went to the polls in the City of Dallas, and fewer than 10 percent of all registered voter
Central Track •

2021 City Council Voter Guide: Candidate Signatures, Ranked.

We Ranked All 56 Of Dallas’ 2021 City Council Candidates’ Signatures, As Seen On Their Official Filing Paperwork. Why? Because John Hancock, That’s Why.

With early voting in the 2021 Dallas municipal elections kicking off on April 19 and Election Day formally arriving on May 1, Central Track is dedicating a significant chunk of its bandwidth to covering this year’s city council elections. Why? Because, though voter turnout is historically just gobsmackingly low in these races each election cycl
Central Track •

2021 City Council Voter Guide: Why This Election Matters.

Despite The Power Its City Council Wields, Dallas Historically Ignores Local Elections — Which Is Exactly Why Your Vote Can Make A Huge Difference.

With early voting in the 2021 Dallas municipal elections kicking off on April 19 and Election Day formally arriving on May 1, Central Track is dedicating a significant chunk of its bandwidth to covering this year’s city council elections. Why? Because, though voter turnout is historically just gobsmackingly low in these races each election cycle, th
Central Track •

2021 City Council Voter Guide: Fresh Blood, Guaranteed.

Incumbent Candidates Are Once Again Running For 11 Of Dallas’ 14 City Council Seats. But In These Three Contentious District Races, It’s All New Faces.

With early voting in the 2021 Dallas municipal elections kicking off on April 19 and Election Day formally arriving on May 1, Central Track is dedicating a significant chunk of its bandwidth to covering this year’s city council elections. Why? Because, though voter turnout is historically just gobsmackingly low in these races each election cycle
Central Track •

The Issue With How Dallas Discusses Affordable Housing.

A Proposed, Partially Affordable Housing Facility In Lake Highlands Was Exactly What Dallas Needs. So Why Was The Neighborhood So Outspokenly Against It?

The City of Dallas is facing a housing crisis.

It’s not just that there are too few places for people to live. It’s that rents and home prices continue to outpace the incomes of many in city limits, too.

In order to address the needs of its residents, Dallas City Council has been playing catchup of late, seeking to approve the creation of no
Central Track •

Mark Cuban Sweeps In, Gets Delonte West Off Street.

Long-Rumored To Be Facing Difficult Times, Delonte West Has Entered Rehab After Meeting With The Mavericks Owner At A Dallas Gas Station On Monday.

Since leaving the NBA, former Dallas Mavericks guard Delonte West has fallen on hard times. Most recently, he was seen panhandling on the access road to Central Expressway in North Dallas in a photo that has since gone viral.

Now, though, it looks like he’s getting some help.

According to TMZ, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was able to come to West’s
Central Track •

Is Dallas Ready To Finally Stop Honoring R.L. Thornton?

The Former Mayor And Prominent Ku Klux Klansman Has A Statue In Fair Park And A Highway (One That Literally Separates Black And White Dallas) Named For Him.

Their calls alerting our attention to systemic racism and injustice within American society are ceaseless.

In their wake, statues of Confederate leaders, colonizers, and others figures hailing from the nation’s dark past are coming down. The same is true here in Dallas.

Dallas has seen over 60 continuous days of protests following the dea
Central Track •

The Books Kept On Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson's Shelves.

What Information Can We Glean From The Curated Book Collection That The Mayor Displays On The Bookcase Behind Him In Televised Interviews?

When he isn’t sending glib memos to Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax late on Friday evenings, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson can be found making the rounds on local and national news broadcasts.

In the comfort of his home, he sits in front of a black bookcase and speaks about a range of issues — from catering to Gov. Greg Abbott’s calls to reopen the state to m
Central Track •

Big Whoop.

Great. The Mavericks Barely Made The Playoffs. Honestly: Who Gives A Crap?

So. The Dallas Mavericks are back in the playoffs.

After failing to reach the playoffs last season, it's safe to say that this accomplishment means that the Mavs have met their goal from an organizational standpoint. But while reaching the postseason looks good on paper — and, sure the Mavericks, as a business, will rake in a considerable amount of money during the additional home games that will come as a result of thi
Central Track •

Blurring The Lines.

Speedy Devin Harris Is Pulling Mavericks Out of Mediocrity.

Thanks in large part to a soft schedule, the Dallas Mavericks were able to rack up some much-needed wins in the time since we last spoke.

Now, by no means was it a cakewalk. The Mavericks were just four games over .500 over the course of their 20 most recent games, registering a 12-8 record in the third quarter of the season. It was good enough, though. At one point, the team was able to climb into the sixth seed in the West.

Still,

D Magazine

The catalog of my work for D Magazine.

D Magazine •

The Surreal Experience of Watching the Dallas Mavericks Without Fans

It has been nine months since Mark Cuban checked his phone and we watched his jaw go slack, learning in front of the world that the NBA season would be stopped immediately. On Thursday, basketball returned to the American Airlines Center, a preseason game between the Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Music from Migos, Gucci Mane, and Drake soundtracked pregame shooting routines. Members of the media buried themselves in the glow of laptops. It appeared all very routine — except it wasn’
D Magazine •

A Conversation With Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall About Racism and Protests

As protests over the numerous deaths of Black residents at the hands of police continue across the country, Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall knows that her organization cannot remain silent. Last week, the team held its first Courageous Conversations event to spark a dialogue about systemic racism and discrimination. It included staff members and community leaders, like the heads of the police department and the school district. These discussions are important to Marshall, not only because of
D Magazine •

The Dallas Mavericks Posterize Local Artists

This season, the Dallas Mavericks decided to try something off the court. Twenty local artists got a chance to illustrate a home game through the team’s Posterized series. Clay Stinnett imagined a grizzly bear in Elvis garb fighting a horse and a cowboy. (Mavs vs. Grizzlies, Feb. 5.) Skyler Thiot drew a basketball hoop standing tall over the Dallas skyline. (Mavs vs. Kings, Feb. 12.) Mariell Guzman infused Dallas’ landmarks with bright colors, imagining an upside down Brooklyn in black and white
D Magazine •

A Dispatch From TxDOT's First Meeting on I-345's Feasibility Study

The Texas Department of Transportation’s first public meeting on a feasibility study for the future of I-345 featured placards, a brief presentation, and a state senator—but little information on the project itself. The first of three such meetings, held in the gym of the St. Philip’s School and Community Center in South Dallas, attracted about 200 people. State officials say these are to solicit public comment about the future of the roadway.

TxDOT staffers asked attendees to place a red stick
D Magazine •

A Dallas Artist Has Locked Himself In a Cell For Three Weeks. He Wants Your Attention

David-Jeremiah’s “The Lookout” ends this week, and a closing reception is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, from noon to 5 p.m. The event is at Plant, at 2611 Cesar Chavez Blvd. Unit 8

Cesar Chavez Boulevard takes on another life once you exit downtown’s neon spectacle. This long-neglected stretch between the Cedars and South Dallas is marked by crumbling streets and train tracks that lead to nowhere. And for the past three weeks, across the street from a salmon-pink motel called the Wayside, i
D Magazine •

DART's Cotton Belt Line Comes Into View, to the Chagrin of North Dallas Residents

I rely on DART. Having not owned a car in a decade—a personal point of pride, especially in this city—its services are my primary method of getting around town. While I have learned to enjoy the benefits that DART provides (and there are benefits) I understand why many people shy away from, or outright dismiss, Dallas’ sole provider of public transit services.

The system can be daunting and confusing. If you are trying to get from Point A to Point B with one or more transfers, you need to time
D Magazine •

Disappointing Nights for McBee and Ablon Put North Dallas Up for Grabs

As poll numbers began to come in shortly after 7 p.m., Lynn McBee excused herself from a conversation with supporters at her reserved election night soiree, held at The Network Bar in Trinity Groves, and headed back to a private room to see the results herself.

For McBee, and eight others vying to be Dallas’ next mayor, Saturday was the culmination of months of campaigning, fundraising, and forum appearances. The night would ultimately end in disappointment for McBee and Mike Ablon, another Nor
D Magazine •

Meet the Candidates Running for the Open City Council Seat in District 9

In the weeks after Councilman Mark Clayton announced he would not seek another term to represent the neighborhoods surrounding White Rock Lake, five candidates declared their intention to succeed him.

Paul Sims, the presumed frontrunner and park board member, quickly dropped out. Remaining is Paula Blackmon, a former strategist for mayors Tom Leppert and Mike Rawlings. There is Sarah Lamb, the relative newcomer to town who became known for her opposition to TxDOT’s plan for the intersection kno
D Magazine •

Thank You, Dirk.

It’s almost impossible to imagine the Dallas Mavericks without Dirk Nowitzki. There were 21 seasons, 31,000-plus points, a league MVP, a Finals MVP, and a championship. About as significant a career as you can ask for. He may be the last superstar to play an entire career with a single team: 41.21.1. When he was drafted in 1998, Ron Kirk was mayor and Bill Clinton was president. The Mavericks billed their Tuesday night game against the Phoenix Suns, the final home game of the season, as a celebr
D Magazine •

Jim Schutze and William Jackson Harper—Chidi From The Good Place—Talk Race in Dallas

On Tuesday night, inside an Oak Cliff coffee shop packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people, the actor William Jackson Harper met the man who influenced the writing of his first play. Or, rather, the man who chronicled the version of Dallas that informed his play. Harper, who plays Chidi on NBC’s The Good Place, was born at Methodist Dallas Medical Center a mile north. He is a graduate of Garland’s Lakeview Centennial High School. Jim Schutze is the longtime columnist at the Dallas Observer and th
D Magazine •

Three Years After Leaving Uptown, the MAC Returns in the Cedars This Weekend

For two years, a former Ford dealership on South Ervay in the Cedars was home to one of the city’s most interesting gallery spaces. The un-renovated, red brick buildings and adjacent courtyard that comprised The MAC were a unique backdrop to a variety of exhibitions, artworks, and adventurous programming. However, they also presented countless problems and, as such, the space never quite felt like a gallery. Instead, it had the air of an ephemeral, DIY pop-up venue. Now, more than three years af
D Magazine •

The Texas Tribune Explores Housing Affordability in Dallas

As Dallas’ glossy skyline lit up the night a few miles away, a panel discussion earlier this week in Oak Cliff addressed the specter of the city’s growing housing crisis. The panel, which was organized by the Texas Tribune, explored many of the foundational reasons that the city is undergoing a housing crisis amid its gilded development spree—generational poverty, a lack of housing affordability, transportation, systemic racism.

Moderated by Brandon Formby, the panel, held at Jefferson Ave.’s M
D Magazine •

At NorthPark Center, Courtside: Photographs by Bill Bamberger Shows Humanity Through Hoops

It would be wrong to dismiss the photographs of Bill Bamberger as easily understood. On the surface, his pictures are nothing more than basketball hoops. While the locations and scenery changes, they’re just rims, 10 feet in the air, with a backboard. Yet, the exhibition Courtside: Photographs by Bill Bamberger, now on view at NorthPark Center, is much more. The pictures, and the physical location of the show, delve into our humanity and our relation to place.

Tucked into a little-trafficked fo
D Magazine •

In a Critical Part of Soluna, Array's Art Installations Offered More Than Intriguing Selfie Light

Last week, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra kicked off its annual Soluna festival, which runs for almost a month. The event cast off the confines of the downtown Arts District this year in an effort to engage more with the city. Over the weekend, Soluna’s biggest cross-appeal event, Array, took place at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum, pairing the symphony with legendary rapper Nas. In Canton Hall next door another element of the festival was on display. Installation artists filled the space with lu
D Magazine •

Everyone in Dallas Is Talking About Gentrification. Now What?

Dallas is changing. Cranes fill the skies like Spindletop derricks. New construction rises throughout the city in their wake. In neighborhoods, older housing vanishes under the treads of heavy machinery, replaced by multistory condominiums and flavorless Texas donuts. To many, this is what progress looks like. It’s the embodiment of a growing city on its way to establishing itself in the 21st century. Others, however, see it differently. They see a city moving haplessly forward without regard fo
D Magazine •

At the MAC, Citizens of the World Get Played In A Golf Game

If your pockets aren’t deep enough to land a tee time at the new Trinity Forest Golf Club, let another South Dallas location quell your desires. This weekend, in conjunction with Cedars Open Studios, the MAC opens its latest exhibition, A-Hole in One by El Paso-based artist Angel Cabrales. The interactive outdoor golf-inspired exhibition engages viewers both politically and socially as they knock out a quick nine.

The course sprawls out on a portion of the MAC’s grassy courtyard. Participants “
D Magazine •

Reconsidering The Open Space At Lee Park

Part of an ongoing discussion as to what should replace the Robert E. Lee statue at the Oak Lawn park where it once stood, this column follows an inquiry into counter-monuments and their possibilities and a piece on the need for art-minded historical soul searching.

The statue of Robert E. Lee is gone and it’s not coming back. Recently, a week after the city council voted to have it removed, the City of Dallas took down the bronze equestrian statue of the Confederate general, and his accompanyi
D Magazine •

At the Confederate War Memorial, a Protest Devolves Into Shouting Match

Thursday evening, a group of roughly 40 people gathered in Pioneer Park Cemetery, steps away from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where Dallas’ Confederate War Memorial ascends more than 60 feet in the air. The statues of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Albert Johnson, and Jefferson Davis dominate their surroundings; downtown tends to disappear behind the trees. The group, organized by Eric Ramsey and his In Solidarity Movement, was there to protest the existence of Confederate mon
D Magazine •

Let Artists Transform the Old Dawson State Jail

Leaving Downtown Dallas heading west on Commerce Street, beyond Dealey Plaza and on the other side of the inner loop, sits a banal, rectangular building at the foot of the Trinity River’s east levee. Were it not for its northern neighbor, the Lew Sterrett Justice Center across the street, the 10-story beige and brown brick building would dominate its surroundings. Now an afterthought, the Jesse R. Dawson State Jail sits empty, a hollow reminder of the nation’s love affair with incarceration.

Th
D Magazine •

Disconnected City: Ambitious Effort to Rethink Trinity and Downtown Appears Dead

This article is part of series on the Connected City Design Challenge, which sought proposals for rethinking the connection between downtown Dallas and the Trinity River. For more articles about the project, click here.

In 2013, the city of Dallas joined up with three of the municipality’s most well-known cheerleading organizations to link arms and create a vision on how to better link downtown to the Trinity River. They orchestrated a competition called The Connected City Design Challenge. It
D Magazine •

President Bush Melds Reverence With Impact of Policy Through Portraiture

People were quick to judge the paintings of former President George W. Bush. At the time the exhibition The Art of Leadership: A President’s Personal Diplomacy opened three years ago, the first public display of his work, many reviews centered more on the policies and decisions the president made while in office, forgoing discussion on the quality of his paintings. If the paintings were addressed, they were either a tertiary element of the critique or dismissed and mocked outright. Now, the Pres
D Magazine •

Dallas Women's March Attracts Thousands in Show of Solidarity

You’d have thought it was State Fair season—the DART trains on Saturday departing from Mockingbird Station grew sardine-packed with people as they zoomed closer to City Hall. At 10 a.m., thousands met at 1500 Marilla to walk in solidarity with 2.5 million others across the country in honor of women’s rights in the age of President Donald J. Trump.

It’s not clear how many attended the Dallas rally, but, for scale, it was possible to stand at an intersection for half an hour and not see the end o
D Magazine •

How a Chance Connection Helped Save Robert Irwin’s Dallas Sculpture

The sculpture was in such disrepair, even the sculptor gave the city permission to remove it. By 2013, artist Robert Irwin’s Portal Park Piece (Slice), a long dark metal wall that ran through Carpenter Park on the east side of downtown Dallas, essentially cutting it in two, had become scarred by years of neglect, graffiti, and half-hearted graffiti removal attempts. When a new vision for a redevelopment of the park didn’t include Irwin’s piece, Irwin himself granted the city permission to scrap
D Magazine •

The Return of the MAC and the Creation of a New Dallas Arts District

On Friday, the Arts District hosts Aurora, the biannual event that invites video, sound, performance, and light artists to illuminate downtown Dallas with their works. The result is a stunning visual and aural scene that encompasses the length of Flora Street and fills the otherwise empty corridor with people eager to engage in what is arguably the Arts District’s most successful event. But the downtown district isn’t the only setting for Aurora this year. A few miles away, in a neighborhood unt
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Dallas Observer

The catalog of my work for the Dallas Observer.

Dallas Observer •

Strangeways Fights for its Right to Stay Open

When sibling co-owners Eric Sanchez and Rosie Ildemaro announced they were closing Strangeways in October after 12 years, the news hit many like a 10-ton truck. Since then, countless friends and former regulars have passed through the door for the pleasure and the privilege of saying goodbye to the beloved East Dallas bar. Those farewells may be premature, however.Sanchez and Ildemaro are currently in the process of taking legal action to stop the sale of the building. They cite their first righ
Dallas Observer •

Strangeways, One of Dallas' Best Bars, To Close

Heaven knows Dallas is more miserable now. After 12 years, Strangeways , the eclectic bar on Fitzhugh with its fantastic selection of spirits and rotating craft beer, is closing. Over the weekend, the bar announced via social media its last day will be sometime in October.While the neighborhood around it has changed dramatically over the years, Strangeways largely persevered due to its unwavering simplicity. Good drinks, good food and good company were the tenets. But an arrangement to buy the b
Dallas Observer •

Hey, Mavs' Draft Pick Dereck Lively, Here Are the Best Food Spots in Dallas

Dallas is a dining destination. The city has cuisine from around the world, from high-end restaurants to must-try hole-in-the-wall joints. There’s something for everyone. But with so many options, choosing a place to eat can be daunting, especially for newcomers.Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II finds himself in such a predicament. The 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft recently asked his nearly 15,000 Twitter followers for recommendations.The replies poured in, but unfortunately, ma
Dallas Observer •

The Great American Hero is Dead. Again.

After a ballyhooed reopening and rebranding of Great American Hero under the ownership of Jacob Cox and Danny Wilson in September 2022, the beloved Dallas sandwich shop has closed.The lone location in Timber Creek Crossing, at the corner of Northwest Highway and Skillman Street, served its last sandwich in late May.“Our bread maker went out of business right after we opened the new location,” Cox said via text. “With lettuce and turkey and other additional items tripling in cost and volume being
Dallas Observer •

Blackjack Pizza Might Have the Most Underrated Burger in Dallas

More than any other food, Dallas is a city defined by burgers. Ask any North Texan for a burger recommendation — lifelong residents and recent transplants — and they’ll likely rattle off five or six places in quick succession that they swear by unequivocally.A few staple joints usually make people’s lists, guided by personal experience or influenced by publicity from publications like this one. Google the best burgers in Dallas , and recent lists from all the major outlets, including the, rare
Dallas Observer •

First Look: Olivella's Italian Deli in Deep Ellum Pivots to the Lunch Crowd

Everyone knows Olivella’s for its pizza. The Dallas-based franchise has been serving up Neapolitan and Roman-style pies since 2006. Since then, it has branched out from its original location across from Southern Methodist University. Its newest site offers something a bit different, though.Deep Ellum seemed like a sure-fire spot for expansion in September 2022, but it didn’t quite work out that way at first. The late-night crowds clashed with Olivella’s operating hours when it first opened in th
Dallas Observer •

First Look: The Wounded Ostrich in Deep Ellum has Dive-Bar Vibes

Finding a low-key watering hole in Deep Ellum most weekends can be difficult. The vibrant neighborhood pulses from every street corner. In the middle of it all lies a laid-back bar with a quirky name offering a respite from the activity outside. The Wounded Ostrich is a new addition to Main Street, between Crowdus and Malcolm X. Despite being new to the neighborhood, the no-frills venue feels like a well-worn staple. Given its near-dive appeal, it could quickly become a favorite destination on t
Dallas Observer •

First Look: The Great American Hero Reopens in its New Digs

Jacob Cox and Danny Wilson garnered a lot of attention — and praise — when they stepped in to buy Great American Hero last year, keeping the beloved Dallas sandwich shop from closing its doors for good. However, they knew they could not call the colorful building on Lemmon Avenue home forever.Great American Hero served its last sandwich on Lemmon in late August and reopened in its new location near Skillman Street and Northwest Highway in early September. While the yellows, pinks and blues that
Dallas Observer •

In Stores Now: Peticolas Brewing

North Texas beer drinkers rejoice. The long wait is finally over. Peticolas, the beloved Dallas brewery, is making three of its beers available in stores throughout North Texas. This is the first time in its 10-year history that the beerkmaker is branching out and embracing retail distribution of its beer.The decision to sell canned beer beyond the brewery’s walls is something Michael Peticolas, the brewery’s eponymous founder and owner, has always envisioned. But why start now after a decade in
Dallas Observer •

Down The Rabbit Hole for the Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks of Your Childhood Dreams

There’s something comforting about fried mozzarella cheese. Served as an appetizer or standalone dish, it's a staple of Americana and our penchant for fried food. Aside from the delectable gooey interior and crispy, golden-brown coating, fried mozzarella sticks — the good ones at least — also carry a sense of nostalgia.When I was growing up, the local Italian restaurant in my neighborhood served massive, hand-breaded fried mozzarella sticks. I still remember them fondly. Sadly, that attention to
Dallas Observer •

Great American Hero Lives On; New Owners Plan to Expand

Everybody needs a hero. When Dominick Oliverie decided to retire at the end of December after working tirelessly for 47 years, he thought it would be the end of his beloved sandwich shop, The Great American Hero.Oliverie officially closed The Great American Hero’s doors Thursday, Dec. 30, but they will open again. A pair of investors are saving the iconic brand from permanent closure and will keep The Great American Hero going in 2022 and beyond.Jacob Cox and Danny Wilson are the men responsible
Dallas Observer •

One Less Great American Hero; The Iconic Dallas Sandwich Shop to Close After 47 Years

When the calendar rolls over to 2022, Dallas will have lost three of its more iconic restaurants. The first to fall was Wild About Harry’s. The hot dog and frozen custard eatery off Knox Street shuttered in July after 25 years in business. More recently, Cosmic Café, which delighted vegetarian and vegan diners in Oak Lawn since 1992, served its last meal in October. Great American Hero will soon follow them.Great American Hero, one of Dallas’ signature sandwich shops , will close its final locat
Dallas Observer •

First Look: Parry Avenue Barbecue Co.'s Ribs Deliver

Pitmaster Leo Morales boasts that his new barbecue joint, Parry Avenue Barbecue Co. (PABC), serves the best ribs in Texas. His claim comes from a place of confidence — he’s won awards — rather than bravado.On a recent visit to his newly opened restaurant, it was easy to see why he’s so proud of his ribs. They’re worth the hype.The meaty pork ribs are juicy with a flavorful, rich bark with noticeable notes of smoky pepper throughout. A two meat and two sides plate cost $18 — it’s enough to share
Dallas Observer •

Parry Avenue Barbecue Company Readies to Open

Leo Morales is serious about ribs. Not even a thick beard can hide the excitement and toil on his face when he talks about ribs. It comes from a labor of love developed through years of experimentation and cooking. In fact, he’s so proud of his ribs that he's willing to make a bold claim.“I tell everybody around, I feel like our ribs are some of the best you’re going to get in Texas,” Morales says. “I proclaim they’re the best in Texas, but that’s just my confidence. That’s just me.”He doesn’t s
Dallas Observer •

Food Not Bombs Brings Food Pantries to South Dallas Neighborhoods

Free food is now available in a South Dallas food desert. On a recent balmy Saturday afternoon, half a dozen people gathered on the corner of Second Avenue and Scyene Road, a few blocks south of the South Dallas Cultural Center and Fair Park. They were there to set up the second of two free food pantries in the area.The pantry is part of the efforts of the local chapter of Food Not Bombs , an organization that draws its name from a Martin Luther King Jr. quote about military spend outweighing so
Dallas Observer •

The Nine Best Places to Get Boilermakers in Dallas

There are few alcoholic pairings more iconic than a cold beer and a shot. While commonly called a boilermaker, that term technically refers to the process of dropping a shot into a beer and then quickly consuming it. No matter what you call the duo — a shot with a beer back, a two-step, a side-by-side or a boilermaker — it’s an archetypal American “cocktail.”In Dallas, you can order a beer and a shot pretty much anywhere they serve alcohol. What really makes the combination special are the estab
Dallas Observer •

Chubby Dog Farm Changes Hands to Driftwood Meadows

When Karyn and Calvin Medders decided to move closer to family after their fourth grandchild was born last year, it meant putting their farm in East Texas up for sale . Since 2013, the couple has owned and operated Chubby Dog Farm, a renowned supplier of pork to restaurants throughout the state.Multiple inquiries came in when the Medders announced they were selling the farm. Several Dallas chefs contacted them as well as a chicken farmer from New York. However, one potential buyer stood out.Drif
Dallas Observer •

BarNone Aims to Serve Its East Dallas Neighbors

Old Lake Highlands is a sleepy neighborhood. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, it’s known more for its views and proximity to White Rock Lake than anything else. That may be changing.At the intersection of North Buckner Boulevard and Northcliff Drive lies White Rock Center, a small strip mall that sat virtually empty for years. Over time, businesses and restaurants returned, staking out space and filling a void in the community. BarNone is the latest to open its doors, aiming to welcome th
Dallas Observer •

While Trends Continue, Chicken House Remains a Standby

It’s safe to say Nashville-style hot chicken is having a moment in Dallas and the surrounding area. Seemingly every week, a new spot either opens its doors or announces plans to do so.Food trends are nothing new, but they serve as a distraction. With hot chicken garnering so much attention, it can be easy to forget the foundational chicken joints that have sated Dallasites’ craving for crispy yardbird for years.At the intersection of Gaston and North Fitzhugh avenues in Old East Dallas is one of
Dallas Observer •

Dallas City Council Debates, Approves Funding to Get Food Boxes to Residents

On a recent Sunday afternoon, volunteers gathered at Kirkwood Temple CME in the Wolf Creek neighborhood of southern Dallas. They were there with local nonprofit Services of Hope to help register people to vote and deliver 25-pound “Hope Community Food Boxes” filled with healthy food to families in need.Despite the volunteers showing up to work, the organization’s food box program recently found itself at the center of a controversy at Dallas City Hall.How the city of Dallas distributes COVID-19
Dallas Observer •

Restaurateurs Discuss the Hardship of Third-Party Delivery Services

Fed up with his current situation, Omar Yeefoon took to Facebook to express himself. There, the owner of Shoals Sound & Service in Deep Ellum posted his thoughts on what has become a staple industry during the pandemic.“Food delivery apps are pimps,” Yeefoon wrote . “Your favorite restaurants are being trafficked.”Given the ubiquity of food delivery apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub, his comments may come as a surprise. In the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, when restaurants closed
Dallas Observer •

Stan's Blue Note Uses Restaurant Permit To Reopen on Lower Greenville

Before now, the televisions were dark, the patios were deserted, the mason jars sat empty and the regulars stayed home.That all changed Friday.Stan’s Blue Note, the Lower Greenville Avenue staple that opened in 1952, is welcoming customers again.Mid-August, Mike McRae, the proprietor of Stan’s, which is one of five places he operates with business partner Gabe Nicolella, filed for a food and beverage certificate from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. It’s a popular tactic for bars trying
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Forbes

A selection of my work for Forbes.com.

Forbes •

Dallas Mavericks And TEGNA Expand TV Broadcasts Into New Markets

More than a month after the Dallas Mavericks and TEGNA announced a historic over-the-air television broadcast deal, the partners are expanding broadcast distribution into new markets before the start of the regular season.
On Thursday, the Mavericks and TEGNA announced that eight additional stations would broadcast games that were not exclusively televised nationally. They join six TEGNA-owned stations to bring Mavericks games into the homes of some 14 million Texans for free over the air.
“Prov...
Forbes •

Dallas Mavericks And TEGNA Announce Multi-Year Broadcast Agreement

The Dallas Mavericks announced Friday that they reached a broadcast agreement with TEGNA. The multi-year deal will bring all Mavericks games not exclusively televised nationally to approximately 10 million people in Texas for free over the air.
“We are looking forward to giving Dallas Mavericks fans every opportunity possible to watch our exciting team build on the momentum of its incredible run to the NBA Finals last season,” Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont said in a statement. “Our new agree...
Forbes •

Luka Doncic Visits China With Other Jordan Brand Athletes

Luka Doncic and other Jordan Brand athletes, such as Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson and Paulo Banchero, are participating in the brand’s inaugural China Family Tour. The players will tour locations in Beijing and Shanghai while connecting with China's youth.
Doncic and his peers started their Chinese tour in Shanghai, where they visited the Nike Shanghai campus, took boat rides along The Bund — a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai — and met with fans.
After ar...
Forbes •

Bally Sports’ Parent Terminates Contract With The Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks games will no longer air on Bally Sports Southwest. Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of the Bally Sports regional sports networks, is ending its contract with the Mavericks, pending NBA approval. Diamond is also terminating its contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The move to terminate the contracts with the Mavericks and Pelicans came as Diamond continued trying to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Friday, Diamond announced an agreement to continue airing games for...
Forbes •

How The Dallas Mavericks Signed Klay Thompson To A 3-Year, $50 Million Deal

Free agent and four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is taking less money to join the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thompson had four-year contract offers worth more money from other clubs, but the five-time All-Star decided to join the Mavericks, hoping to pursue a fifth championship. Texas’ lack of state income tax also factored into Thompson’s decision. The Los Angeles Lakers were also pursuing...
Forbes •

Dallas Mavericks Sign Naji Marshall To A 3-Year, $27 Million Deal

The Dallas Mavericks are signing forward Naji Marshall, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Marshall agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal to join Dallas.
Dallas will use a significant portion of its $12.9 million midlevel exception to sign Marshall, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports. The signing indicates that the Mavericks will not be able to re-sign free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr.
Re-signing Jones was a top priority for GM Nico Harrison heading into free agency. However, Jones’ move to Klutc...
Forbes •

How The Dallas Mavericks Can Sign Klay Thompson In Free Agency

Veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson appears set to leave the Golden State Warriors in free agency. The Dallas Mavericks have emerged a possible destination for the four-time NBA champion, and the two parties will talk about the possibility of Thompson joining Dallas during free agency’s negotiating period, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Thompson signing with the Mavericks would give the club a potent sharpshooting threat to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. According t...
Forbes •

Dallas Mavericks Trade Tim Hardaway Jr. To Detroit Pistons For Quentin Grimes

The Dallas Mavericks are making moves to bolster their backcourt. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the team traded veteran Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round draft picks to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for shooting guard Quentin Grimes.
Wojnarowski notes that the second-round picks are a 2025 selection via the Toronto Raptors and two in 2028.
Swapping Hardaway for Grimes gives Dallas some financial flexibility. According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, it allows the team to offer Derrick...
Forbes •

Jason Kidd Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension With Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd isn’t leaving Dallas any time soon. The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the organization, the team announced Monday.
“We are excited to have coach Kidd continue to lead our team throughout the coming years with this well-earned contract extension,” Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont said in a statement. “Kidd led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuin...
Forbes •

Daniel Gafford And P.J. Washington Impress In Dallas Mavericks Debuts

It did not take long for the Dallas Mavericks’ newest additions to prove their worth. Two days after joining the team in separate trades, center Daniel Gafford and forward P.J. Washington Jr. came off the bench, helping Dallas blow out the Oklahoma City Thunder, 146-111.

"They were great, they were great,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said in a postgame press conference. “Offensively, defensively, they didn't seem nervous. They were really good. That first quarter, I think [the Mavs] set a f
Forbes •

Charlotte Hornets Trade P.J. Washington To The Dallas Mavericks For Grant Williams, Seth Curry And First-Round Pick

The Dallas Mavericks are acquiring forward P.J. Washington in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for forward Grant Williams, guard Seth Curry and Dallas’ 2027 first-round draft pick, according to multiple reports. The draft pick includes light protections.

This season, Washington, 25, is averaging 13.6 points on 44.6% shooting and 32.4% on three-pointers. He has appeared in 44 games, starting 17, and is also averaging 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 29.4 minutes per game for the bel
Forbes •

Washington Wizards Trade Center Daniel Gafford To The Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks and the Washington Wizards have agreed to the parameters of a trade that would send center Daniel Gafford to Dallas in exchange for Richaun Holmes and draft compensation, according to multiple reports.

Now in his fifth season in the league, the 6-foot-10 Gafford has started 45 games for Washington and averages 10.9 points on 69% shooting, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.2 blocks in 26.5 minutes.

The addition of Gafford will give the injury-plagued Mavericks som
Forbes •

Before Amazon Bought Stake In Bally Sports, Mark Cuban Was Looking For Ways To Expand Mavericks Viewership

Amazon will partner with Diamond Sports as part of a proposed debt restructuring agreement in which Amazon would be a minority stakeholder in the company, Diamond announced Wednesday. Diamond owns Bally Sports whose networks own the broadcast rights to 37 professional sports teams, including the Dallas Mavericks.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, where Diamond Sports filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2023, must approve the agreement first, but it ha
Forbes •

Mark Cuban Sells More Assets To New Dallas Mavericks Owners

Mark Cuban is selling more of his assets to Miriam Adelson and Sivan and Patrick Dumont, the majority owners of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. A company set up by the Sands Corp., Village Walk RE 2 LLC, purchased more than a dozen acres from Cuban directly across Interstate 35 from the American Airlines Center, where the Dallas Mavericks currently play, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Cuban has owned this parcel of land in the Dallas Design District since 2016 and confirmed the sale of the property
Forbes •

Dante Exum Has Rejuvenated His NBA Career With The Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison gambled when he offered guard Dante Exum a contract last summer. The former No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft had played in Europe since 2021, for Barca in Spain and KK Partizan in Serbia, after his NBA career, pock-marked by injury and disappointment, seemingly fizzled out.

In Europe and with the Australian national team during the 2021 Olympics and 2023 FIBA World Cup, Exum rejuvenated his career and caught the eye of Harrison. With the Ma
Forbes •

What Selling The Dallas Mavericks Means For Mark Cuban And The Future Of The Team

Mark Cuban’s sale of the Dallas Mavericks is official. On Wednesday, the NBA Board of Governors voted 29-0 to approve Cuban’s sale of the majority stake in the Mavericks to the families of Miriam Adelson and Sivan and Patrick Dumont, who own and operate the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

The sale of the Mavericks began a new era for the franchise after Cuban helmed the organization for 23 years. Cuban expressed his excitement about the deal Wednesday night, but what exactly is his role with the team now
Forbes •

What The Sale Of The Dallas Mavericks Means For Casino Gaming In Texas

Mark Cuban’s blockbuster sale of his majority ownership stake in the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson and the Dumont family is shaking up the sports world. In a joint statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Adelson and her son-in-law Patrick Dumont, president and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., confirmed that they have “entered into binding purchase agreements to acquire majority ownership and the right to serve as Governor of the Dallas Mavericks.”

Once agreed upon and finalized by the NBA Board
Forbes •

Mark Cuban Selling Majority Stake In Dallas Mavericks To Miriam Adelson

Mark Cuban is selling a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson and the Adelson family, NBA insider Marc Stein reports. The valuation of the sale is in the range of $3.5 billion, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Cuban will keep his shares of the team as part of the deal. He will also retain complete control over the Mavericks’ basketball operations despite Adleson owning a greater than 50% share of the team.

The pending deal must be finalized and approv
Forbes •

Luka Doncic And The Dallas Mavericks Don’t Like The NBA In-Season Tournament Courts

Eye-catching courts have been the talk of the NBA in recent weeks. The league rolled out colorful, striped courts as part of its new in-season tournament. While the courts might be grabbing a lot of attention, not everyone is happy with them.

After getting blown out by the New Orleans Pelicans, 131-110, on the Pelicans' Mardi Gras-themed green and purple in-season tournament court, some of the members of the Dallas Mavericks voiced their displeasure with the floor.

“Outside of all the colors,
Forbes •

Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving Lead The Dallas Mavericks’ Fast-Paced Offense

Winning makes everything better. The Dallas Mavericks notched another victory Sunday night, knocking off the New Orleans Pelicans in the Big Easy, 136-124, bringing their record to 8-2. Kyrie Irving scored 35 points, and Luka Doncic poured in 30 to pace Dallas’ potent offense.

In a departure from previous seasons, the Mavericks are playing faster. They are getting out in transition, knocking down outside shots and leaning on their two superstars to create for themselves and others. It has trans
Forbes •

Luka Doncic On Record-Setting Pace As Mavericks Begin Season 3-0

Luka Doncic is in rare company. Again. As the Dallas Mavericks close out October with a 3-0 record, the Slovenian superstar is putting on a dazzling basketball skill and shotmaking display that has Dallas off to its best start since 2004.

Doncic is now the third player in NBA history to have multiple 30-point triple-doubles through the season's first three games—Oscar Robertson had three in 1961 and Russell Westbrook had two in 2016. He is also the first player to lead his team outright in poin
Forbes •

Dallas Mavericks’ Josh Green Agrees To 3-Year, $41 Million Extension

Josh Green is getting paid. After a breakout year last season, the 22-year-old Dallas Mavericks forward has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $41 million, the Mavericks announced Monday.

Dallas drafted Green with the eighteenth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He is the twelfth first-round draft pick from the 2020 draft to secure a rookie-scale extension. The deadline for extensions for the 2020 rookie class is Monday evening.

“We have seen Josh work extremely hard over his ti
Forbes •

Injuries To Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving Loom Over Dallas Mavericks In Preseason

The Dallas Mavericks could not notch their first win of the preseason Tuesday, falling to Real Madrid. The loss marked the end of Dallas’ three-game globetrotting trek through the United Arab Emirates and Spain. While the loss is enough to cause some concern, the team faces more significant issues.

Luka Doncic logged less than five minutes against his former team Tuesday before checking out and joining fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving on the bench. Irving has missed two games with left groin sorene
Forbes •

Russ Bengston Chronicles The History Of 15 Iconic Basketball Sneakers In New Book

The story of basketball and the story of sneakers are forever intertwined. One cannot exist without the other. That’s the premise that compelled Russ Bengston, the former editor-in-chief of SLAM magazine and long-time sneaker editor at Complex, to write his new book, A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers.

Through thoughtful research and interviews, Bengston artfully chronicles iconic silhouettes like the Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor, Nike Air Jordan, Reebok Pump, and others, birthed and
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Mavs Moneyball

A selection of my work SB Nation's Mavs Moneyball.

Mavs Moneyball •

Mavericks sign and waive Chaplin and Lucas

Roster maneuvers late in preseason and training camp can sometimes appear confusing. The Dallas Mavericks’ signing and cutting of guards Jamir Chaplin and Jarod Lucas is a perfect example.
On Friday, the Mavericks publicly announced the signing of Chaplin and Lucas a little after 1 p.m. Central Time. Less than 24 hours later, the team announced that it had waived both of them.
One day in the NBA. Tough break, right? Well, not so fast. This might be the break both players need to realize their N...
Mavs Moneyball •

Quentin Grimes is getting comfortable in Dallas

When Derrick Jones Jr. decamped for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency this past summer, the Dallas Mavericks had to pivot. Jones Jr. was a key starter, giving the team an athletic two-way presence. Dallas turned around and signed two players to fill the void he left.
The Mavericks signed Naji Marshall and traded Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes. Both transactions became official on July 6. They have played in all three preseason games...
Mavs Moneyball •

Jazian Gortman gives Mavs a scoring spark off the bench in preseason debut

There’s not a lot to glean from the NBA preseason as a whole. However, it is a proving ground for players on the cusp of a roster spot. Dallas Mavericks guard Jazian Gortman is such a player.
Gortman didn’t take long to make an impact in Dallas’ preseason opener and made the most of his sparse minutes. Being a scoring spark off the bench turned heads and garnered him some well-deserved attention.
“Gortman’s tough,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said during his postgame press conference. “I...
Mavs Moneyball •

What to watch for from the Mavs during Summer League

Summer League is upon us. Thousands of raucous NBA diehards will descend on the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of UNLV to watch beautiful chaos unfold on the hardwood for 10 long days.
The Dallas Mavericks begin their five-game campaign in the desert Saturday night against the Utah Jazz. It’s the final game of the day, and fans watching from home should expect to stay up late for this one.
It’s tough to gauge expectations for this iteration of the Summer Mavs. This year’s roster doesn’t...
Mavs Moneyball •

AJ Lawson scores career-high 17 points against the Spurs

AJ Lawson is making the most of his opportunities. The Dallas Mavericks’ two-way wing is seeing additional playing time with a slew of injuries befalling the team. He walked away from Saturday night’s 144-119 win over the San Antonio Spurs, having notched one of the best performances of his career.

He recorded career highs in points, field goals made, rebounds, assists, and minutes played, finishing the game with 17 points, seven field goals made, seven rebounds, and three assists in 30:35 minu
Mavs Moneyball •

Dante Exum erupts for 17 fourth quarter points against Lakers

Dante Exum has been a bright spot for the Dallas Mavericks. In Wednesday night’s 127-125 win over the NBA In-Season Tournament champions Los Angeles Lakers, Exum showed that he can be more than just a role player filling spot minutes. He showed that he can step up and help carry the team in big games.

Exum erupted against L.A. in the fourth quarter. Knocking down shot after shot, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the rest of the Lakers must have felt like they were in Dante’s Inferno. Exum poure
Mavs Moneyball •

Olivier-Maxence Prosper is making the most of his opportunities

Opportunities are coming more regularly for Olivier-Maxence Prosper. On Monday night, the rookie wing played valuable minutes for the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks in the team’s 120-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

While some of Prosper’s increased playing time can be attributed to a slew of injuries befalling the team, he’s proven capable of playing within himself and handling the workload. He showed that same capable poise again on Monday.

“It’s all about being ready and next-man-up mental
Mavs Moneyball •

Derrick Jones Jr. deserves consideration for Most Improved Player

Derrick Jones Jr. continues to impress as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Now in his eighth season at age 26, the veteran journeyman is coming alive. Playing alongside All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas’ starting lineup, Jones looks comfortable and is making head-turning plays.

Known for his athleticism and defense, he has been a force on both sides of the ball this season. He’s the team’s primary wing defender and is helping fuel a potent offense, knocking down open shots from
Mavs Moneyball •

Derrick Jones Jr. has his best scoring game since 2020

Derrick Jones Jr. came alive Monday night. The 26-year-old NBA veteran, now in his eighth season, isn’t known as a scorer. Instead, he’s considered a defensive-minded Swiss Army knife with the ability to guard multiple positions. Last night, he bucked that one-dimensional perception.

Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Jones had one of the best scoring performances of his career. He had 22 points, helping the Dallas Mavericks improve their record to 3-0 with a 125-110 victory on the road.

“For me p
Mavs Moneyball •

Dereck Lively II is set to begin his NBA journey as a starter

Dereck Lively II played one of the best games of his life in the Dallas Mavericks’ preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons. Lively had 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block in 24 minutes of action as Dallas beat Detroit, 114-104. His 14 points were a preseason career-high. It was also the most points he has scored in a game since high school. Too bad none of it counts.

Lively will get a chance to record meaningful statistics and prove himself in the regular season soon enough.
Mavs Moneyball •

Mavericks looking at positives as they depart Abu Dhabi for Madrid

The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up their trip to the United Arab Emirates and play in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 on Saturday. Despite dropping both games to the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to a lackluster effort on both ends, the team is looking at the positives from the trip before it flies to Madrid to take on Real Madrid Tuesday.

“I thought the trip was a positive in so many ways when you look at the health [of the team],” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We leave here healthy and headed t
Mavs Moneyball •

Mavericks hope to get Doncic close to 100% healthy before regular season

Luka Doncic’s health was a primary concern as the Dallas Mavericks began training camp this week. The Slovenian superstar sustained a thigh injury while playing for his home country in the FIBA World Cup earlier this summer.

Initially, Doncic indicated that the injury might be serious, raising the question of what he can and can’t do in camp, especially as the Mavericks underwent two-a-days the first two days of practice. However, as he spoke with the media on Wednesday, he said he’s still unde
Mavs Moneyball •

Jordan ‘Jelly’ Walker is grateful for the chance to compete for a roster spot

Jordan Walker is in the midst of the busiest year of his life. The 23-year-old guard from the University of Alabama-Birmingham helped lead the Dragons to the NIT Championship game in March, signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Dallas Mavericks in June, played in Summer League in July, and became a father for the first time just days ago.

Despite everything already happening this year, there’s still more to come. Walker, who goes by the nickname Jelly*, will compete for a roster spot during tr
Mavs Moneyball •

The Mavericks arrive in Las Vegas seeking personal growth, Summer League championship

The Dallas Mavericks begin NBA Summer League play Saturday afternoon. Dallas will face an Oklahoma City Thunder team loaded with young talent in its opening game in Las Vegas. Unlike in previous years, the Mavericks have a team built around a core of players already under contract.

Dallas is led by second-year guard Jaden Hardy; first-round draft picks Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper; two-way players AJ Lawson, Mike Miles Jr., and McKinley Wright IV; and undrafted guard Jordan “Jel
Mavs Moneyball •

The Mavericks should embrace the chaos and pursue LeBron James

Recent reports indicate that Kyrie Irving contacted LeBron James to encourage the superstar to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and join him and Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks. If true, it’s an unbelievably bold move from the free agent to be, signaling the start of an eventful month for the Mavericks.

Ordinarily, the outlandishness of James joining the Mavs is an idea reserved for click-bait stories from content mill websites. These aren’t ordinary times, however. The reports are credible. As
Mavs Moneyball •

Mavericks workout Dick ahead of possible Dick pick at No. 10

University of Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick had a pre-draft workout with the Dallas Mavericks this week. While the team won’t officially confirm the workout — per team policy, Dallas doesn’t release the names of players it brings in for workouts — Dick recently posted a video from the Mavericks locker room inside the team’s training facility on Instagram.

Dick, the 6-foot-8 shooting guard from Kansas, is a projected lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Mavericks currently hold the No. 10 p
Mavs Moneyball •

The No. 10 pick gives the Mavericks options

Homeowners find themselves at a crossroads in the hit HGTV series Love It or List It. After living in their home for years, they’ve reached an impasse and must weigh the viability of staying in their current home or finding a new one that better suits their needs. Designer Hilary Farr and realtor David Visentin help sway the homeowners one way or the other in a friendly competition.

Farr takes stock of the current home and remodels it to improve its functionality, while Visentin shows them avai
Mavs Moneyball •

The Spurs drafting Victor Wembanyama is a worst-case scenario for the Mavs

Tuesday night’s NBA Draft Lottery was an omen of bad things to come. While the Dallas Mavericks were able to keep their first-round pick, thanks in part to some strategic late-season tanking, they didn’t move up from their pre-lottery position despite having a better than three percent chance of doing so. It’s a tale as old as time.

Because they didn’t move up, Dallas will miss out on selecting teenage French sensation Victor Wembanyama, the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The San A
Mavs Moneyball •

The Mavericks’ failed 2022-23 season is finally over

Despite the spin from the front office and various media members, it was clear early on that the Dallas Mavericks’ season was destined to end in disappointment. What no one predicted, however, was just how much of a failure it would be.

With their 115-112 loss to the Chicago Bulls Friday night, Dallas was eliminated from play-in contention with one game to go in the regular season. It will be the first time the Mavericks have missed the postseason since the 2018-19 season, and it will go down a
Mavs Moneyball •

Christian Wood getting less minutes doesn’t make sense

Christian Wood rodethe bench, watching the Dallas Mavericks squander another double-digit lead. This time it came at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies, who rallied from down 11 points in the fourth quarter to notch a 112-108 win.

Wood helped build the 11-point lead but subbed out with 7:28 remaining in the final frame and the Mavericks up 92-87. He never checked back in. After the game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd explained his approach to managing Wood’s minutes.

“You look at just the de
Mavs Moneyball •

Mavericks collapse to Lakers shows urgent need for both players, coaches to get serious

The Dallas Mavericks lost embarrassingly — again — on Sunday afternoon. The rebuilt Los Angeles Lakers were in town, fighting to improve their seeding. After falling behind by 27 points, things looked grim for the Lakeshow. It wouldn’t matter.

Over 28 minutes, spanning the last few minutes of the second quarter and the entire second half, the Mavericks squandered their lead as the Lakers chipped away. L.A. walked away with a 111-108 win.

There were a lot of factors playing into Dallas’ abysmal
Mavs Moneyball •

‘It’s disrespectful’ — Mark Cuban doesn’t like the latest Luka Doncic mural in Deep Ellum

A new painting in Deep Ellum is causing quite a stir. On the side of St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin, a neighborhood bar and grill, muralist Preston Pannek hung a painting of Dallas Mavericks phenom Luka Doncic. Rather than just featuring a likeness of the Slovenian superstar, it includes a message.

The painting shows Doncic holding a sign over his head that reads, “PLEASE SEND HELP,” with some of Doncic’s recent astonishing stat lines surrounding it. It’s a sentiment that many Mavericks fans have ex
Mavs Moneyball •

Scenes from the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki statue unveiling ceremony

On a chilly Christmas morning in front of the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks, current and former players, fans, and city officials gathered to pay tribute NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. In a 20-plus minute ceremony, the team unveiled a statue honoring the future Hall-of-Famer.

The statue was created by artist Omri Amrany, who worked closely with Nowitzki and Holger Gerschwinder to accurately capture Dirk’s signature one-legged fadeaway jump shot. Inscribed on the base of the statue a
Mavs Moneyball •

Spencer Dinwiddie puts the Mavericks’ loss to the Bucks into perspective

From the outside looking in, the Dallas Mavericks appear to be spiraling. The team completed a winless three-game road trip through the Eastern Conference, losing four-in-a-row overall, and dropped below .500 for the first time since October 29. Now, Dallas is pursuing Kemba Walker to try and help right the ship.

While the Mavericks showed some fight against the Bucks, the loss magnified the team’s struggles. The loss may not sting so much had Dallas not squandered opportunities throughout the
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WFAA

A selection of my work for WFAA-TV, Dallas' ABC affiliate.

wfaa.com •

The story behind the custom sneakers Luka Doncic got his teammate Dorian Finney-Smith's horse for Christmas

WFAA spoke with Finney-Smith and the special edition sneakers' creator, Marcus Floyd, to learn how the horse shoes came to be -- and what makes them so special.

DALLAS — What do you get an NBA player for Christmas? Especially one who has seemingly everything after signing a multimillion-dollar contract extension mere months ago? Well, if you’re his superstar teammate, you find an enterprising, unexpected and singularly unique gift.

"He did a good job of keeping the secret," Finney-Smith told W
wfaa.com •

Mavs' Jalen Brunson: 'I'm confident' despite Summer League struggles

Jalen Brunson, a second-round steal in last month's NBA Draft, isn't letting Summer Leauge shooting struggles affect his confidence.

LAS VEGAS – The Dallas Mavericks appeared elated when they drafted Villanova standout Jalen Brunson in the second round. To a person, the trio of Donnie Nelson, Rick Carlisle, and Michael Finley was surprised that Brunson was still available when the team took him with the 33rd overall pick in this summer's NBA Draft. They praised him for his leadership at the col
wfaa.com •

The whirlwind draft night that landed Luka Doncic (and 3 others) in Dallas

A deal that almost fell through was revived minutes before the Atlanta Hawks' third-overall pick, which was dealt to Dallas in the form of Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic.

Uncertainty filled the air Thursday night. As the NBA Draft got underway, the reporters gathered at the American Airlines Center were abuzz refreshing Twitter. The Dallas Mavericks held the fifth pick and with it a glimpse of the future. Rumors about their interests, intentions, and priorities had swirled since the end of the
WFAA •

Mo Bamba and the Mavs' big man plan: A frenzy of speculation

Mo Bamba makes a lot of sense for the Mavericks at No. 5 in the June NBA Draft, but a development project may not make for the fastest route back to the playoffs.

Mohamed Bamba is the consensus pick for the Dallas Mavericks at No. 5 in this year’s draft. At least that’s an assumption you can make after reading columns from various members of the local media.

Nationally, though, the story is quite different. There, reports say that the Mavs aren’t interested in the freshman center from the Univ
WFAA •

The rebuild is on: Mavs get younger at deadline, look toward future

While the moves didn't make national headlines, they have the potential to help the team build toward the future.

Last week, the Dallas Mavericks made two moves that helped the team get younger. They traded Devin Harris, one of the most respected veterans on the roster, to the Denver Nuggets as part of a three-way deal that netted them Doug McDermott from the New York Knicks and a second-round draft pick from Denver that was originally the Portland Trail Blazers’. They also waived veteran big m
wfaa.com •

Did the Mavs' best center just get called up from the G-League?

Baylor product Johnathan Motley, the G-League's player of the Month, has been called up to help out the Mavericks

Johnathan Motley is quickly making a name for himself. With all eyes rightfully trained on this summer’s NBA Draft Lottery and a potential top-five pick for the Dallas Mavericks, it’s easy to overlook the assets the franchise already has on hand. The Texas Legends, Dallas’ G League affiliate, are one of the best teams on the minor league circuit, with a record of 20-12. Leading the
wfaa.com •

Mavericks victimized by slow starts

The Mavericks have played good basketball lately, but that's despite some of the league's worst first-quarter numbers. Can they fix their sluggish starts?

The Dallas Mavericks have a problem. That’s easy to say about a team with a 15-29 record but the problem, at the moment, is pervasive. It reared its head again Saturday during a matinee match with the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas fell behind early, minutes after the opening tip. By the time the first quarter ended, Los Angeles led by 11 points,
WFAA •

Even the Warriors are noticing Mavs' winning formula

What’s gotten into the Dallas Mavericks of late? If you tuned the team out because of mounting losses, now might be a good time to tune back in.

What’s gotten into the Dallas Mavericks of late? If you tuned the team out because of mounting losses, now might be a good time to tune back in. Right now, the Mavericks are fun to watch. In addition, if that’s not enough, they’re winning games. Dallas won four straight games, its longest win streak of the season, before falling to the Golden State War
wfaa.com •

Dennis Smith Jr. capitalizing on chances in the clutch

"I've been on the floor in crunch time and we've won both," Smith said, apparently laughing. "It's not rocket science."

Dennis Smith Jr. is the face of the Dallas Mavericks’ future. That’s been true since the team drafted him in June. Even though that fact is undeniable, situations haven’t always yielded themselves to his benefit. Perhaps the most noticeable challenge facing Smith is his lack of playing time closing out games. In close games, head coach Rick Carlisle often defers to his veteran
WFAA •

Don't look now, but J.J. Barea is actually really good

Perhaps the reason the Mavs find themselves in games is because J.J. Barea plays like he’s the best player on the team.

Even though they aren’t winning with regularity, the Dallas Mavericks aren’t throwing in the towel. Nightly, they compete, play hard, and make opponents work to beat them. One of the reasons the Mavs are able to push teams is the performance of its playmakers. Harrison Barnes is a consistent workhorse who can score and rebound. Wesley Matthews is a dogged defender with a dange
wfaa.com •

The greatest coach in Mavs history now has 700 NBA wins

It’s almost unquestionable whether Carlisle will go down as the greatest coach in Mavericks’ history.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle won his 700th career game as the Mavs defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-82. Carlisle now ranks 18th all-time in wins. Only two active coaches, San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich and the Clippers’ Doc Rivers, have more.

Carlisle notched his first victory on November 2, 2001 as the coach of the Detroit Pistons. They beat the Memphis G
WFAA •

Mavericks slowly rounding into form as Not the Worst Team in the League

The Mavericks were flat-out awful in the beginning of this season, but after a strong four-game stretch they're poised to play competitive basketball going forward.

Three wins in four games. That’s what the Dallas Mavericks were riding heading into Monday night’s game against the Spurs, a rivalry game they lost narrowly in Tony Parker’s return to the court for San Antonio. For a team that shouldn’t be competing, it’s impressive. While they’re still last in the Western Conference, with a 5-16 re
wfaa.com •

The Mavericks are bad. Do we know why?

The Mavericks are 1-10 early this season - and they're struggling in ways they rarely have before.

The Dallas Mavericks were going to be bad. Everyone knew that coming into the season. A young roster buoyed by a handful of veterans isn’t a recipe for success in a loaded Western Conference. However, they weren’t supposed to be this bad. With an eighth of the season over, the Mavs sit at the bottom of the NBA’s basement, off to a worse start than Dallas team that stumbled out of the gates last ye
WFAA •

On a team full of Boo-Boos, Mavs' Ferrell emerging as Yogi

What’s clear so far is that the undrafted, second-year player has solidified his spot in the rotation.

With four seconds left in the game, Yogi Ferrell grabbed a defensive rebound and raced down the court. The Dallas Mavericks were down two. On the other end, the Philadelphia 76ers blanketed Ferrell’s teammates. In doing so, they left a lane open to the rim. Ferrell attacked. The defense collapsed on him. Driving the lane, Ferrell drew contact as he went for a layup. With time ticking down, he
WFAA •

The Mavericks' fatal flaw: Rebounding

The Dallas Mavericks aren’t off to a great start. Dropping their first few games and facing a daunting schedule, the team needs to start improving and fast. While a number of areas need work, perhaps the most pressing issue facing Dallas is rebounding.

The Dallas Mavericks aren’t off to a great start. Dropping their first few games and facing a daunting schedule, the team needs to start improving and fast. While a number of areas need work, perhaps the most pressing issue facing Dallas is rebou
WFAA •

It's time for expectations to meet reality for Mavs' Dennis Smith Jr.

As preseason play gets underway, all eyes are on Dennis Smith Jr.

As preseason play gets underway, all eyes are on Dennis Smith Jr. The Dallas Mavericks’ first-round draft pick electrified crowds in Las Vegas during Summer League with his effortless athleticism. Now, though, he’ll be facing NBA talent night in and night out. How he responds is everything. While expectations are high, making the leap from college to the pros is anything but easy.

“I’ve rarely seen an athlete like this at the po
WFAA •

Mavs schedule released: Here are the biggest games at the AAC

Are you ready to watch Dennis Smith Jr. in person? Do you want to see him throw down vicious dunks live? Well, the NBA released its schedule, so start marking your calendars. The Dallas Mavericks kick off their season in two months.

The Mavs begin their 38th season at home against the Atlanta Hawks on October 18 and wrap it up April 10 at home against the Phoenix Suns. This season, Dallas will play 11 back-to-back games and have 11 games televised nationally. If you’re looking to attend a game
wfaa.com •

Nowitzki signs bargain extension with Mavs

The greatest Dallas athlete of all time does his team another massive favor.

Dirk Nowitzki is too unselfish. Heading into his 20th season in the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks are working to finalize a two-year deal with their franchise player worth $10 million, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

The deal is structured like the previous one Nowitzki signed last summer. The two-year, $50 million contract came with a team option for the second year. The Mavs exercised that option earlier this summer.
WFAA •

Is it time to bring Dirk off the bench?

Harrison Barnes has surpassed every expectation for the Mavericks this year, and he plays his best at Dirk Nowitzki's natural position. When Dirk returns from injury, it time for the greatest player in Mavericks history to come off the bench?

Harrison Barnes has exceeded the expectations of many thus far this season. Many questioned whether he could excel in Dallas but he has been nothing but superb. So far, he has scored at least 30 points in three games after just one previous 30-point outing
WFAA •

Dirk at Center? It's not as crazy as you think

Last year's Mavericks played extremely well with Dirk Nowitzki at Center. He won't get heavy minutes there - but it's a trick you'll likely see more of in 2016.

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, we know who the Dallas Mavericks’ starting five will be on opening night. That unit will be Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki, and Andrew Bogut. While it’s foolhardy to put much weight behind preseason predictions, it stands to reason that this will likely be Rick Carlisle's
wfaa.com •

Mavs' Parsons flirting with lofty expectations

Chandler Parsons looks healthy and confident - and he's playing his best basketball of the season right now.

Chandler Parsons is playing his best basketball of the season right now. After months of rehabilitation and frustration, he finally looks healthy and confident. Parsons, you may recall, underwent hybrid microfracture surgery on his right knee last May. Despite this, Parsons surprised many when he returned to action in the third game of the season. Even though he's played heavy minutes, e
WFAA •

Rick Carlisle is a table tennis enthusiast

Carlisle follows the world tour because of a friendship with the No. 9 player in the world.

Rick Carlisle doesn't like to divulge much in the way of his game plan in his pregame pressers. He jokes and smirks when he gives answers and refuses to indulge any hypothetical questions lobbed his way.

Information concerning the status of players for the evening's game is voluntarily given up only if mandated by NBA rules and regulations. Carlisle, though, can be a little more forth-coming when it com
WFAA •

Mavs make a deal to keep Devin Harris

On Saturday afternoon, it was reported that the Mavericks and Harris came to verbal terms on a three-year deal similar to the one the team extended to him last summer. That deal was worth approximately $9 million over three seasons.

On Saturday afternoon, it was reported that the Mavericks and Harris came to verbal terms on a three-year deal similar to the one the team extended to him last summer. That deal was worth approximately $9 million over three seasons.

However, a toe injury led to a r
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Assorted Writing

A selection of my work for various employers and outlets.

State Fair of Texas •

One Million Servings Goal within Reach for the Big Tex Urban Farms

Big Tex Urban Farms has been growing fresh fruits and vegetables since 2016. In 2018, the Farms established a goal of providing one million servings of food to its neighbors in the South Dallas community. Now, that goal is in reach.

More than 850,000 servings of food have now been provided to the local community by Big Tex Urban Farms since 2017. That amounts to more than 80,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables. In total, 884,180 servings have been distributed and 81,297 pounds of food have been
FloHoops •

No. 17 Simeon, National Powers Swat Away Area Greats At National Hoopfest - FloHoops

HIGHLAND PARK, Texas -- A quadruple-header clash in a legendary series is in the books, and the first-ever stop in the area for the ARS Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest will be one to remember.


From high-flying dunks to tough defense to host Highland Park pushing No. 17 Simeon, let's take a look at the four-game showcase and how the national powers upended the local greats on Saturday.




One might think Creating Young Minds Academy, the replacement for Grand Prairie, which went 7-21 last s
Daily Review: Film, stage and music reviews, interviews and more. •

George W. Bush turns his hand to painting, but is he any good?

The Art of Leadership: A President’s Personal Diplomacy opened to the public on April 5 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library on the campus of Southern Methodist University in the affluent town of Highland Park, a suburb of Dallas, Texas. While Dallas is familiar with the comings and goings of art exhibitions (the city and region are home to well renowned art institutions), there has never been a show quite like this one. Each of the paintings in The Art of Leadership was painted by George

Celebrating 'Jason Terry Day' - Dallas Mavericks, NBA | The Two Man Game

Tribute to an Aviator: Welcome to ‘Jason Terry Day’

Although Jason Terry only agreed to contract terms with the Boston Celtics a few short weeks ago, he had been outbound from Dallas for months. He auditioned and he campaigned, but only because he knew that the writing was on the wall; it was time for him to go, and time for him to leave the franchise he had helped make whole.

It’s been noted once or twice that the NBA is a business, but in this instance that fact is inescapably true. The deci