Dallas, TX
Adrian Wojnarowski Unofficially Puts Mavs on Notice About Luka Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks have obtained a historic degree of play from three-time All-NBA First-Crew guard Luka Doncic. Regardless of averaging 33.5 factors, 8.7 rebounds, and eight.7 assists by 20 video games, his crew is at present sitting at 10-11 following yet one more letdown loss in opposition to a shorthanded crew, dropping 131-125 to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
With no different recreation scheduled within the NBA on Thursday, the complete focus of the league was on Doncic and the Mavs. What they received to see was a participant whose crew lacks expertise, defensive execution, and inexplicably continues to underutilize their high supporting forged gamers.
Throughout an look on ESPN’s “NBA As we speak” on Friday, Adrian Wojnarowski mentioned the Mavs’ latest roster-building blunders whereas discussing the potential strikes they will make to get extra assist for Doncic.
“They’re restricted within the property they’ve in Dallas to do one thing important,” Wojnarowski defined of the Mavs’ present commerce choices.
All of it begins with how the Mavs misplaced their former second-best participant, Jalen Brunson, for nothing after he stepped up and was the co-pilot for Doncic through the crew’s Western Convention Finals run. As a substitute of constructing towards getting over the hump, Dallas took a serious again seat by misjudging the market.
“It is uncommon {that a} contending crew like Dallas simply permits a participant like Jalen Brunson to stroll out the door in free company,” Wojnarowski stated. “There are a few causes… Brunson would have taken — throughout final season, he was eligible for a $56 million extension.
“Dallas did not need to provide it till after the commerce deadline in case they needed to embrace Brunson in a giant deal to exit and get a higher-level No. 2 participant for Luka. By the point they received again to Brunson, he was prepared to go into free company. They misplaced him for nothing. They misjudged the market on Jalen Brunson.”
Whereas any crew may have some successes, there aren’t any scarcity of errors the Mavs have made which are hurting the crew now. The troubling historical past of draft efficiency and free company pursuits have been highlighted.
“For a company like Dallas that has traditionally and really lately hasn’t drafted very effectively, they’ve gone out in free company and overpaid individuals like Wes Matthews or Chandelr Parsons, they’ve missed huge free brokers,” Wojnarowski stated of the Mavs’ latest roster constructing pitfalls.
“You might have to have the ability to hold gamers like Jalen Brunson, even when you are going to use him like a commerce asset. You have a look at a crew like Jrue Vacation, they have been in search of their third star to they and win a title with, and so they gashed a whole lot of their property to attempt to do it. Dallas is able proper now — they do not actually have a second-best participant.
The foremost transfer the Mavs have made to pair a co-star with Doncic was the commerce to amass Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks. Dallas has since deemed that to be a failure and moved him eventually yr’s midseason deadline to the Washington Wizards in alternate for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. They nonetheless owe their 2023 first-round choose (high 10 protected), limiting their choices for short-term strikes.
“The offers they will do is marginal, they will be margin, perhaps some slight upgrades however it will embrace extra draft picks,” Wojnarwoski stated. “They nonetheless owe the Knicks on Kristaps Porzingis. They thought Porzingis was going to be that side-kick with Luka Doncic, it did not work. Now they’ve Bertans and Spencer Dinwiddie to point out for it.
“You have a look at the crew constructing in Dallas and pay attention, a participant like Luka Doncic, the clock is at all times operating for a company. If hastily you find yourself within the play-in this yr, you lose within the first spherical subsequent yr and also you get deeper in his contract and you do not have a supporting forged, you are worried about maintaining that participant. So all of these issues are in play for Dallas proper now.”
The present trajectory the Mavs are on is bleak barring any main modifications. A lot of their supporting forged has restricted ceilings and are already 30 or older, suggesting continued declines in affect within the short-term. The one different dynamic complement they’ve is Christian Wooden, however he appears at present cemented to a bench position in a contract yr.
It might be troublesome to check Wooden not selecting to take a beginning position if one was obtainable in free company, as is the case for any participant. Brunson departed for the Knicks partly so he could possibly be the orchestrator of the half-court offense contemplating naturally, Doncic will at all times run the Mavs’ offense whereas he is there. That will be one other blunder for Dallas contemplating they parted with the No. 26 total choose to amass him.
Proper now, the clock is ticking for the Mavs to construct an actual contender round Doncic. They don’t have a co-star to pair with him and far of their rotation is crammed with restricted abilities. Different superstars have a number of dynamic abilities they will depend on take strain off them. In the meantime, once more, Dallas has but to embrace Wooden — the one participant who meets that mark.
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Dallas, TX
Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024
As the year 2024 comes to a close, Dallas is ready with all sorts of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve: from classical music to cover bands, from rooftop parties to masquerade balls. Here are the nine most interesting choices to help get 2025 off to a great start.
Gaylord Texan presents Glass Cactus New Year’s Eve Bash
Gaylord Texan in Grapevine will ring in the New Year at their nightclub, Glass Cactus, with performances by cover bands Infinite Journey and Nerd Halen. General admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight, while VIP admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, and early entrance to club that includes a private 15-20 minute acoustic set from Infinite Journey.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents New Year’s Eve
Before the ball drops, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will kick off New Year’s celebrations with an evening of music, conducted by Moritz Gnann. Among the selections will be four compositions from Johann Strauss II, Bernstein’s Divertimento Waltz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and more. The concert takes place at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Waterproof presents Countdown in the Sky
Waterproof, the rooftop lounge at The Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, will present Countdown in the Sky, a night of music and spectacular views. The Couples package includes two VIP entry tickets with front-of-the-line access, one Champagne bottle, one high-top table and New Year’s Eve party favors. Additional packages are available for groups of 6 to 12 people.
Texas Live presents NYE Live!
At NYE Live! at Texas Live in Arlington, guests can welcome the New Year in style with entertainment, food and drink options, and a vibrant atmosphere. There will be live music, entertainment, decor, champagne toasts, and celebrations all night long.
Pegasus City Brewery presents NYE Bash
Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas will present a Monte Carlo/Casablanca/Gatsby style New Year’s Eve Bash for their fourth annual celebration. The evening will feature casino-style games, a performance by the David Washburn Jazz Band, an old-school photo booth, a Mexican food dinner, and a choice of 18 taps with beer, cider, and seltzer, plus wine and champagne, zero-proof options, and sodas. It all ends with a toast at midnight.
Meow Wolf Grapevine presents New Year’s Eve Adultiverse
On New Year’s Eve, reality takes a backseat as Meow Wolf Grapevine presents a special edition of Adulti-Verse. Guests 21 and over can enjoy Meow Wolf’s unique experience in style as the interdimensional soirée features a full-service bar and a performance by Night Shade Burlesque, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Food & beverage will be available for purchase at the cafe.
Catbird presents NYE Met Gala
Catbird, the restaurant and bar at Thompson Dallas, will present a Met Gala-themed New Year’s Eve party, an opportunity for guests to wear over-the-top outfits. The event will transform the lounge into a prestigious and glamorous fashion event, complete with a red carpet, paparazzi, champagne, and special guest DJ Christopher Reid.
The Statler presents Royal Masquerade Ball
While the Statler’s rooftop bar will be hopping, their Grand Ballroom will transform into a Royal Masquerade Ball, complete with extravagant decorations, an open bar, casino games, and party favors. The festivities begin with DJs spinning Top 40 and hip-hop mashups. General admission tickets include access to an open bar and an evening of celebration. Before the ball, guests can dine in The Statler’s private dining space, a three-course dinner featuring premium wine and beer and a chef-curated menu.
Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower will once again ring in the new year by presenting the annual Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower fireworks show. The show will feature a display of over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects, a 259 LED light display, and nearly 300 drones. There is no viewing allowed near the tower; viewing can be done at nearby parties or city streets. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS will broadcast the event, and The Spot (98.7 FM), will simulcast the celebration.
Dallas, TX
These Dallas-Fort Worth bars, restaurants offer refined mocktails
Are you looking for a spot to sip on no-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks in Dallas-Fort Worth? Options aren’t as slim as they once were for Dry January (or a dry or drier lifestyle) as more restaurants and bars add mocktails and other balanced, refreshing concoctions without the booze.
Beyond the Bar in Richardson
This was D-FW’s first no-alcohol bottle shop. Find unique zero-proof beverages of all sorts when you stop in.
101 S. Sherman St. B, Richardson. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Community Beer Co. in Dallas
The Dallas brewery can pour NA beers. The sprawling venue, which changed locales in recent years, also has a robust food menu. Grab a table outside when it’s sunny.
3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Doughbird near University Park
There’s a zero-proof section at the recently opened restaurant in Inwood Village, near the intersection of Inwood Road and Lovers Lane. Find a cheery blackberry rickey, made with mint, blackberry jam, fresh lime, and fizzy water, or southern peach tea, comprised of clover honey, peach and sparkling yuzu sour.
5560 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas.
HG Sply Co.
Consult the “non-spirited” section of HG’s menu when stopping in. Mocktails with a healthful twist – think twists like beets or turmeric – are a point of emphasis at nutrition-conscious restaurant.
Multiple locations.
Ida Claire in Addison
Find six mocktails during Dry January at Ida Claire. Those include the Like a Virgin, with pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, blackberry, agave and soda, and Dazed & Confused, which includes Pamos THC spirit, pineapple, lemon, blueberry simple syrup and yuzu lime soda. The beverages are available all day through Jan. 31.
5001 Beltline Rd., Dallas.
Ladylove Lounge & Sound in Bishop Arts
Skip to the elixirs section of the cool lounge’s menu for a some surprising, well-balanced non-alcoholic flavor pairings. The elixirs are also included in Monday-Friday happy hour specials, which isn’t the most typical move.
Open daily. 310 W. Seventh St., Dallas.
Uchi in Dallas
Along with Uchiba and Loro in Dallas and Uchiko in Plano, Uchi has a menu filled with both low ABV and no-ABV beverages. Loro, a Japanese and barbecue fusion restaurant, has zero-proof options that include the spicy cucumber with lime, yuzu and ghost agave.
Multiple locations.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Wings name Chris Koclanes as new head coach, have No. 1 overall WNBA pick in 2025
NORTH TEXAS – Fresh from garnering the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings now have a new leader.
Chris Koclanes, known as a defensive and player development master, has been named the Wings’ next head coach.
Currently an assistant coach at the University of Southern California, Koclanes is replacing Latricia Trammell, who was dismissed in October after compiling a 31-49 record over two seasons. The Wings finished 9-31 last season.
Curt Miller, the Wings’ executive vice president and general manager, applauded Koclanes for his leadership, communication and basketball IQ.
“Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars,” Miller said in a news release. “He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches.
“Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward-thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.
“In addition to his proven on-court skill, Chris possesses values that align perfectly with the Dallas Wings, including a shared focus on positively impacting the community and developing our players off the court.”
Miller touted the “many incredible things” on the Wings’ horizon, including a new arena, state-of-the-art practice facility and its selection of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
“… We are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball,” Miller said.
Koclanes has previous WNBA experience with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.
“I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office, and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community,” Koclanes said in the release. “I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”
He kicked off his career in basketball operations and video coordination at William & Mary and St. Joseph’s.
A formal news conference announcing Koclanes is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Reunion Tower in Dallas.
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