http://tinyurl.com/234usux The trendy theory going around about the Mavericks is that Roddy Beaubois is the X factor, the one player who can be radically different and better than he was last season. All it took was a double-take in the direction of Caron Butler to realize there's more than one possibility when it comes to players who could make a big jump in production and efficiency this season. Visibly thinner in the face and waist, Butler started a season of opportunity and high expectations, both from within and from others, when the Mavericks commenced training camp Monday. Rarely do veteran players have such a better, more defined look to their bodies after an off-season. "He's ready, it's clear to me," coach Rick Carlisle said Monday. "He devoted the entire summer to working in two or three specific areas. One was the weight. Two was flexibility and the ability to drive the ball. And the third thing was overall conditioning. Everyone's going to see a big difference." Carlisle went to Chicago last week for a firsthand look at the new Butler and came away impressed. The 6-7 swingman, who is expected to play more small forward than shooting guard this season, said he dropped around 10 pounds, but rarely have 10 fewer pounds been so noticeable. He's much leaner and he said he notices a difference in the way he feels as well as the way he moves. He also said that, because of the bonus bulk he was toting last season, Mavericks fans have yet to see him at his best. "They got a glimpse in the playoffs, the last three games," he said. "I started hitting a nice rhythm and getting into who I am and my identity. But for the most part, I came in here trying to fit in. And I wasn't really me. "Now, I'm moving around much better. I feel more explosive. Coach came up to Chicago and saw me work out and could see some of the things I was doing. That was great getting that support. "I'm looking forward to a big year." For more reasons than one. Butler is a free agent after the season and while the NBA may or may not face a work stoppage next summer, this is still an important year for Butler. He has the ability to become the clear second offensive option for the Mavericks behind Dirk Nowitzki. "The way the season ended, everybody came back ready to go," said Jason Kidd. "Caron's going to be a free agent next year. So that's a little carrot out there. Guys that play a major role who are playing for a contract, that always helps." When he arrived from Washington just before the trade deadline last season, Butler needed some time to fit in. He wound up averaging 15.2 points after joining the Mavericks. In the six-game first-round loss to San Antonio, his numbers jumped to 19.7 points and almost six rebounds. Through it all, the overriding theme of his season was that his body, which was built for power to begin with, was thicker than it needed to be. So how did Butler, 32, lose the paunch? "Eat[ing] better, that was key," he said. "Diet and getting away from carbs was big. Doing two-a-days and working on a little weight training and bicycling, it takes a lot out of you. I was burning a lot of calories. "I was around an elite group of young men – Dwyane Wade, Gilbert Arenas and guys like that – and we worked hard collectively." And being around Wade, who will team with LeBron James and Chris Bosh in Miami to lead the Eastern Conference favorite Miami Heat, did nothing but convince Butler that the Mavericks should believe that their ultimate goal is realistic. "Winning a championship," he said when asked for a legitimate aspiration for the Mavs. "We're deep. We have the leadership. We have all the components. It's going to come down to defense and continuing to jell as a team, continuing to build that camaraderie on and off the court. "This is a huge year for us. Guys have a bitter taste in their mouths after last season exiting the playoffs early. We're just ready to come out here, compete at a high level and win the title. "Let's get it done." Butler瘦了10磅左右 調整了自己狀態 他預計自己下季表現會更好 --

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