Southwest Notes: P. Jackson, Curry, Gordon, Carter

The Mavericks admit that bad luck led to guard Pierre Jackson being released on the third day of his second 10-day contract, writes Earl K. Sneed of The Star-Telegram. Jackson strained his left hamstring Thursday during his first career start and had to leave the game in the second quarter. With Jackson facing a prolonged absence, Dallas elected to waive him Saturday and sign Yogi Ferrell. “This is one of the things when you are a minor league player there are challenging things that come at you all the time, and he’s fought off a lot of them,” said Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle. “He fought off an Achilles tear, he’s fought off some other things. This is just another thing he’s going to have to get through, and then he’s going to be right there again.’’

There’s more from the Southwest Division:

  • Free agent addition Seth Curry has been a pleasant surprise by doing more than scoring for the Mavericks, according to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Curry, who is averaging 10.8 points through 42 games, has also become an effective player on the defensive end.
  • While James Harden continues to post MVP-level numbers, the Rockets‘ success will be determined by the collection of players GM Daryl Morey has assembled around him, writes Paul Flannery of SB Nation. One of the offseason additions was shooting guard Eric Gordon, who has emerged as a contender of Sixth Man of the Year honors. Morey has been pursuing Gordon since 2012, when he signed with the Suns as a restricted free agent and the offer was matched by the Pelicans. Morey made repeated trade offers to New Orleans before signing Gordon as a free agent last summer. “Skill-wise, he’s always been someone we’ve looked at,” Morey said. “He’s so good at so many offensive actions: Spot shooting, off the dribble, good at pick and roll, good passer. We thought he was an underrated defender. And then we got the physical info and it was very positive.”
  • A three-hour preparation routine has helped the GrizzliesVince Carter remain in the league at age 40, relays Michael Lee of the Vertical. Before each game, Carter goes through a lengthy routine that includes shooting, an ice bath, treatment and taping. “I’m still standing,” Carter said. “I’m still competing, playing at this level, doing what I need to do to still be here. I still have a burning desire to compete and be around.”
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