Mavericks debut hard-to-explain digital slap bracelets

The concept is cool, but we’re not sure it will catch on.

Mavs “Augmented Reality Slap Bands": when the '90s meet 2013.

DALLAS — There’s been a common experience for those watching and attending Dallas Mavericks games this season: No one seems to know anyone on the team.

OK, there’s Dirk, Shawn Marion, and regular bench warmer Rodrigue Beaubois, and maybe a few other familiar faces. But, after just waiving backup-backup-backup point guard Dominique Jones, now only three players remain from that 2010-2011 championship team, and six from last year’s squad.

The Mavs can add to fans' knowledge of the team – maybe. They have teamed up with a company called Big PlayAR to create what are being dubbed “Augmented Reality Slap Bands.” What?

There will be 11 slap bands for each Mavs player, and they will be handed out to the first 5,000 fans for free at select home games. Here’s the schedule:

March 15 vs. Cleveland – Dirk Nowitzki
March 20 vs. Brooklyn – Shawn Marion
March 22 vs. Boston – Vince Carter
March 24 vs. Utah – Rodrigue Beaubois & Brandon Wright
March 26 vs. L.A. Clippers – Elton Brand & Bernard James
April 10 vs. Phoenix – Chris Kaman & Jae Crowder
April 12 vs. Denver – Darren Collison
April 15 vs. Memphis – O.J. Mayo

Evidently, these nifty slap bands will sync with smart phones and tablets — via an app called Mavs “Top Off” — to let fans view interviews and highlights of the designated player. And, as a bonus, fans will be able to play virtual games against other slap band-ers for Mavs prizes.

“We’re always excited to give our fans new experiences,” said Mavs owner Mark Cuban in a press release about the new toys. “With this new AR experience, our fans will be able to get a more in-depth look at our players in a fun and unique way.”

Fans probably won’t find anything that’s not already somewhere on the Interwebs. But perhaps some fans weren’t looking – and a techie device might just be enough to make them take a peek.

Still, the effort feels a little late. With less than 20 games left in the season, and with a whole new team next year likely, the slap bracelets may be too much, too late.