While one familiar face is departing, two more may be returning.
President Bush delivered his seventh and final State of the Union last night, prompting interruptions for applause a ridiculous 68 times, including once for his edgy and courageous stance that “America opposes genocide in Sudan.” (Applause.) By the time Bush’s farewell is fully dissected and his post-speech signing of autographs is appropriately lampooned, two old dudes may be again calling Dallas their new home. (Besides the president, 'course.)
Dave Campo, he of the trio of 5-11 seasons as head coach earlier this decade, interviewed to be the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary coach yesterday. (Applause.) Campo is the team’s second choice -- the Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t let go of Emmitt Thomas -- but he helped Dallas win its three Super Bowls in the 1990s by maxing out guys like Darren Woodson and Larry Brown. Can he be the voice that reincarnates Roy Williams? (Hesitant golf clap.)
And then there’s the hottest NBA trade rumor: Jason Kidd to the Mavericks. (Applause.)
Kidd, who was drafted No. 2 overall by Dallas in 1994 but is now 34, would certainly fit Avery Johnson’s mold of defense, rebounding and sacred ball possession. But at what price? I’ve heard two vastly different scenarios: In one, Dallas steals Kidd from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Devean George (applause), DeSagana Diop (applause), Jerry Stackhouse (murmur) and draft picks (applause). The other sends away Devin Harris (boo), Jason Terry (hiss) and the rights to Keith Van Horn (huh?).
I’m a huge Kidd fan and I’ll never forgive then-interim general manager Frank Zaccanelli for trading him, Tony Dumas and Loren Meyer to the Phoenix Suns for Michael Finley, Sam Cassell and A.C. Green on December 26, 1996, but I don’t think you mess with the current Mavericks’ chemistry. Another implosion this post-season and, absolutely, dynamite the bitch. But considering their 31-13 record and success the last two seasons, doesn’t this nucleus deserve one more try? (Applause.) --Richie Whitt
