Talent-acquisition season in the NBA is upon us with the draft on Thursday and free agency coming July 1.
What better time for the Mavericks to unveil their latest recruiting tool?
Work has begun on a major renovation of the Mavericks' locker room, weight room and offices at American Airlines Center to bring the facilities into the digital age and take advantage of technological advances.
Other than basic maintenance, the locker room has not been upgraded since the arena opened in 2001.
"The goal was to integrate anything and everything that could give us a competitive advantage," owner Mark Cuban said while taking a break from the set of Shark Tank, where he is filming new episodes.
"We brought in experts from the casino industry to integrate lighting that stimulates energy and a complete renovation of our ventilation system so we could integrate oxygen and more into the air we deliver into the locker room."
Bells, whistles, grade-A air and all the gizmos you can imagine.
It's all going to be in the new home for the players, which is scheduled to be completed before the first preseason game in October.
The sports arm of Gensler, a global design firm that also designed the Cowboys' new facility in Frisco, is handling the redesign of the Mavericks' locker room.
"We're all thrilled," coach Rick Carlisle said. "This is a state-of-the-art renovation that will enhance our situation competitively and make a great player experience even better."
