Keeping Up With Lamar
– Via AOL Sporting News –
Admittedly out of shape in the wake of the lockout, Odom was not the gift that he originally appeared to be. After averaging 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds and shooting 53.0 percent last season, Odom contributed just 6.6 points and 35.2 percent shooting in 50 turmoil-marred games with Dallas. Now, as reported by ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, the Mavericks and Odom have agreed to part ways, with Odom to be listed as inactive for the rest of the season. He will not be bought out, and even if he had been, he would not be eligible for the playoffs if he signed elsewhere.
The Mavericks had tried a number of strategies over the course of the year to lock Odom back into playing shape in time for the playoffs. Odom took time off around the All-Star break to attend to a family matter (reportedly his ill father), and returned to the team later than scheduled, missing 10 days. The team had planned to have Odom play in the D-League to help him regain his confidence, but reversed course on that. At the time, coach Rick Carlisle openly expressed his frustration with Odom.
“When he comes back, we’re going to find out very quickly where things are at,” Carlisle told an ESPN radio station in Dallas in early March. “He’s going to have to show us with his actions and attitude that he’s in. (Mavericks owner) Mark (Cuban) asks a fundamental question with anybody in our franchise, are they in or are they not in? Our fans want to know that Lamar’s in. Our players want to know that Lamar’s in.
It’s not about how many points he’s scoring or rebounds. Those things are a factor. Our fans, our players want to see the guy playing like his pants are on fire and we haven’t seen that so far and that’s got to change.”
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