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After spending his first five years with the Atlanta Hawks, Jason Terry is now a happy member of the Dallas Mavericks. For his career, the 6-2, 180-pound guard has averaged 16.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.46 steals per game. InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner met with Terry in Madison Square Garden after Sunday's Knicks-Mavs game for an exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: Let's go back in time and talk about you getting traded to the Mavericks. Were you expecting it?

Jason Terry: Man, it was big. I'm a big video game fan, and I play NBA Live, and I had already traded myself to Dallas prior to the season, at the season's end last year. So it was kind of surprising, but at the same time I kind of jinxed myself into it. I know I'd be moving out of Atlanta. They were rebuilding. So, it's good.

InsideHoops.com: So for the fun of it, while you were still with the Hawks, you put yourself on the Mavs in the game.

Jason Terry: Yeah, I had traded Steve Nash... As soon as Steve Nash signed his contract I traded him. I knew they had a spot available, I just put myself in, and we were just beating everybody (laughs).

InsideHoops.com: How long was it between the time you put yourself on the Mavs in NBA Live and the time you actually got traded in real life?

Jason Terry: It was a month and a half later, then I became a Maverick. And I was ecstatic, just knowing that this is a chance, an opportunity to show the people what I can do on a good team, and how good we can become as a team.

InsideHoops.com: You're both a point guard and a shooting guard, but really more of a shooting guard who also has the ability to play the point. What has the team told you as far as your role on the floor?

Jason Terry: They told me just to be myself and let them adapt to me. So basically I go out there, play hard; I've picked up the system now so I feel a lot more comfortable. Now it's a matter of us jelling together and getting off to a good start.

InsideHoops.com: It must be hard to get together as a team right now considering all the injuries. Like Marquis Daniels, who will probably start next to you, is still out.

Jason Terry: Yeah, Marquis is an intricate part of this team; hopefully we'll get him back later on in the season. But we know what he can do, and his game is easy to adjust to. The big key is for me, Dirk and Finley to get off the blocks early, establish our inside game with Dampier - he's a force inside, and that's something Dallas hasn't had in years.

InsideHoops.com: As far as Atlanta goes, do you have a parting message or thoughts you want to share?

Jason Terry: (Grinning) I can't wait to go back. It's going to be a great Christmas for me. A great Christmas present. We play them on the 22nd, in Atlanta. I'll be looking forward to it.

InsideHoops.com: Any advice to Antoine Walker or Al Harrington, the main new core of the Hawks?

Jason Terry: Enjoy the nightlife (laughs). That's all I can tell them. Enjoy the nightlife, and there are better days ahead.