" Dirk Nowitzki sounded like a regular guy, which he is except for the $19-million salary and being one of the best basketball players ever.

He was talking about the trade that netted Lamar Odom and couldn't contain his enthusiasm.

"Excited, I mean really to get Lamar Odom for a trade exception - and I don't even know what that is - so we turned nothing into a great player.''"