For all the talk of the Dallas Mavericks wanting to make a big move in the NBA draft, GM Donnie Nelson, owner Mark Cuban and new coach Rick Carlisle stayed with just the 51st pick.

They are, per usual, lauding their pick of 6-6 shooting guard Shan Foster from Vanderbilt. If,at the 51st pick,he ever sees the court for the Mavs, he'll be a good pick. Sure the Mavs brass is saying all the right things now about he was target of theirs, can contribute this season, etc.

If he has to play much this season it's not a good sign for the aging Mavs. With only eight roster spots secured, they Mavs could have moved into the first round, all it would have cost was some of Mark Cuban's cash. Maybe the billionaire is feeling the pinch of the tight economy like us regular folks, because he didn't cash in.

The Mavericks are an old team, a team that has failed to develop young players and has few on the roster.

Brandon Bass, at 23, is the youngest player signed for next year, after that it's 28-year-old Josh Howard. Restricted free agent and backup point guard J.J. Barea turned 24 on draft day.

As far as the other players on the Mavs roster, Erick Dampier turns 33 next month, Jason Kidd is 35, Dirk Nowitzki just turned 30, Jerry Stackhouse is 33 and Jason Terry is 31 in September.

What they Mavs need is an infusion of young talent. They are trying to resign DeSagana Diop, 26.

Still, when there is the opportunity to move up and all it will cost is a little of Mark Cuban's money, it's worth the cost, or at least it use to be to Cuban.

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