Q&A with the Mavs' Shawn Marion

Shawn Marion may be one of the most versatile players in the NBA, but as he sits in a hotel suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean, he's showing off a different kind of versatility: He watches Scooby-Doo on TV, listens to Michael Jackson on the radio, updates his Twitter page from his computer and talks on the phone all at the same time.

"I like to stay busy," Marion said. "I can't stand still."

That's a good way of describing Marion's basketball career the past two seasons. After spending his first eight and a half years in Phoenix, Marion changed teams three times in 18 months -- first to Miami as part of the Shaquille O'Neal trade in 2008; then to Toronto last February; and finally to Dallas as part of a sign-and-trade that netted him a five-year, $39 million deal in the offseason.

As the Mavericks make one more push at a return to the Finals with one of the oldest rosters in the NBA, Marion may be the player who helps them crack into the conversation with the Lakers and Spurs in the Western Conference. Through three games, including a 94-80 win over the Lakers last Friday, Marion was averaging 16.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. It's a stat line reminiscent of his performance with those up-tempo teams in Phoenix.

"He really fits in well with this team," said Mavs point guard Jason Kidd, who was in Phoenix during Marion's first two years in the league. "He still has it and we have to exploit his talents. He can guard [positions] 1 through 5 and can do whatever you need offensively. He's a tough matchup."

While the Mavs were in Los Angeles last week, Marion spoke with SI.com about playing with Dallas, why he's been on so many teams recently and how the Matrix has evolved now that he's 31.

SI.com: Take me through the decision process to come to Dallas. Why did you fell the Mavericks were the right fit for you?

Shawn Marion: It wasn't really a decision. There wasn't but a few teams making moves this summer. That's basically what it boiled down to. I've been wanting to get to the Mavs for [a while], so when the opportunity came up, that's what happened.

SI.com: Did the lack of demand surprise you?

SM: I knew the economy would have an effect, and they say it's going to affect next summer, too. Realistically, a lot of teams are doing what they have to do to clear up [salary-cap] space for players that they'll probably never get. I was just trying to get in the best situation I can.