Western Conference. (NBA).(brief notes on professional basketball teams and players)

Midwest Division

DALLAS MAVERICKS: F/C Raef LaFrentz, one of four new Mavs acquired in a deal with the Nuggets, is a better fit for the team's style than PF Juwan Howard was. LaFrentz can run the floor, is 13th in the league in 3-point accuracy and is second in blocked shots. Adding another perimeter threat will give coach Don Nelson even more lineup flexibility for his run-and-gun offensive style. New sixth man PG Nick Van Exel also is an upgrade over PG Tim Hardaway. Van Exel has the quickness to penetrate; Hardaway's aching knees made it difficult for him to drive, and he had become almost exclusively a 3-point shooter. The acquisition of Van Exel and PG Avery ...