Here is a selection of some of the best quotes from Monday's Mavericks Media Day from players and coaches.
Rick Carlisle
On supporting pregame player demonstrations:
"Mark and I had a discussion with the team today about the issues with anthem protests, etc., and we had a really discussion about it. Mark gave his views, and we’re going to be 100 percent supportive of our guys with whatever they decide to do."
On the roster turnover:
"What's more exciting than seven new guys? It's new blood."
Dirk Nowitzki
On the team's defense:
"We should be able to have a great defensive lineup -- once I'm out.''
On Kevin Garnett's retirement:
"KG and I had a few battles just because he was so intense, and he was a competitor, the fiercest competitor. He always wanted to win, always wanted to get an edge on you early. He tried to intimidate you at times, but that was just his style. I have nothing but respect for him and what he did for this league.
Harrison Barnes
On his new teammates:
"I like this locker room. I think this is a group of high-character guys."
On Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest:
"In terms of his message, I support what he's standing for. The persecution of black people is never an easy topic to talk about. It makes a lot of people uncomfortable, and there does need to be change about that. I'm definitely in accordance with him on that."
Andrew Bogut
On Playing with Dirk:
"I'm going to try to get him as open as I can. ... When they're physical with him, I'll be physical with them."
On Wanting to play in Dallas:
I like Texas. I’ve always liked Texas. I like Dallas. Just the organization, I think, is always in the top when I hear from someone, guys like Richard Jefferson, guys I’ve played with. They speak so highly of the organization and the way it treats its players, how professional everyone is here. They really go out of their way to help you, so that was critical to me.”
Wesley Matthews
On expectations:
"I'm not going to say what seed we're going to get. I just know we're going to work. ... We're not going to back down."
On being all the way back from his Achilles injury:
"I'm going to be better than I was in Portland.''
