| What To Do Next Authored by Andrew Theodosi - July 12, 2006 - 4:40 pm
The cream of Free Agency has been decided, Ben Wallace has chosen a new home with Chicago, Peja Stojakovic is moving to New Orleans and of course Eric Piatkowski signed with Phoenix.
Dallas entered the offseason without a big need for anything after just losing to Miami. Some more shooters and a backup to Dirk Nowitzki seemed the most pressing needs. So, what has happened so far in the Mavericks front office?
First and foremost, Jason Terry signed a 6 year/$50 million deal here. Terry, the teams starting point guard has been instrumental throughout his two year tenure in Dallas. Jason Eugene Terry, or “JET” as he is referred to signed immediately after showing his love for the organization. Terry provides the second scoring option with his lethal shooting touch and deadly floater in the lane. "…..And I truly believe in my future we're going to win one [a championship] and bring it home to Dallas." Look for Terry to come out firing next season, with new found determination due to the taste of NBA Finals defeat still fresh on his mind (especially after missing 18 of his last 21 shots in Game 6).
In a somewhat surprising move, the Mavericks did not hesitate to resign Senegalese Center DJ MBenga. Terms of the deal have not been made known to the public, but according to sources it is a multiyear contract. Apparently San Antonio, Phoenix, Sacramento and Memphis were pursuing the raw center. MBenga will be the third string center for Dallas as he is extremely underdeveloped, he is the epitome of “potential.” However, a 7’0 beast with shot blocking instincts and athleticism (black belt in Tae-Kwan Doe) will always have a place in the league. He does not have much of an offensive repertoire, but if he can continue consistently hitting the 12 foot jumpshots then his minutes will increase. Dallas fans have him pegged as our future Amare stopper as he combines strength with quickness, but he needs to control his fouling and not go for every pumpfake. Extrapolating his stats, he averages 9.6 fouls and 5 blocks per 48 minutes
The Mavericks nabbed Josh Howard in the 2003 Draft with the #29 pick, recently they picked 6’5 guard Maurice Ager in hopes he could be another steal. He has performed well in the Vegas Summer League, averaging 20 points on 44% FG and 47% 3PT after the first three games. His defense has been improving and as he gets to know his teammates more, he is becoming more comfortable in trying to shine. (Here is a bio of Ager: http://mavericks.realgm.com/articles/47/20060703/a_pick_for_the_age(r)s/
In a move that shocked many Mavs fans, Dallas traded seldom used guard; Marquis Daniels to Indiana for a large expiring contract in Austin Croshere. One would have thought that the move was setting up for a Mike James signing, but obviously not (he signed with Minnesota yesterday). Daniels was quite clearly in Coach Johnson’s doghouse and this is surprisingly a cap-clearing move. Marquis Daniels has 4 years remaining
$5,880,000
$6,370,000
$6,860,000
$7,350,000 (team option)
Croshere has one remaining year at $7,300,000
Including the option year, Dallas saves $19 million. Not including that year (if Dallas were to decline it) then Dallas only save $11.7 million (roughly)
Now that I briefly covered what the Mavs have been up to since the meltdown against Miami, here are some remaining options. Dallas has their full MLE and LLE this offseason.
The need for a backup power forward is significantly less after Dallas acquired a better version of Keith Van Horn recently, Croshere provides just as an effective three point shot as Van Horn, but he also hustles much more than KVH ever did. KVH seemed to be afraid of boxing out, something that Croshere can do.
Here are some players Dallas are rumored to be interested in:
Bonzi Wells: The short-tempered big guard could definitely be our starting shooting guard. His asking price may be a little high but provides toughness. He averaged 23/12 against San Antonio in the playoffs. He suddenly stepped it up a notch in his contract year, but that could be due to his change of scenery
Reggie Evans: The blue-collar hustling, ball-grabbing (literally), defensive rebound is on the market and is extremely popular among many teams. One of the best rebounders in the league and provides Dallas with post toughness, would be hard to have him and Diop/Dampier in at the same time due to the lack of offense they provide. Many teams will by vying for him, would be hard to get him
Jumaine Jones: Jones made the most of his opportunity in Charlotte, putting up respectable numbers of 10/5 in 27 minutes. His tweener-ness could provide helpful and can stretch the defense with a good, mechanical shot. Good defender who can run in the open court. Could be had for cheap.
DeShawn Stevenson: When your claim to fame is that you were compared to Michael Jordan by NBADraft.net, you know your career hasn’t lived upto expectations. A ferocious dunker, but not much else. Stevenson settles for too many jumpshots and does not give 100% all of the time. Something inside me says Avery could light a fire under him.
Greg Buckner: Buckner has improved his game to include the three point shot, but if acquiring him one should know he is strictly defensive. Often guarded the best offensive player for Denver, could be extremely useful in the Dallas system when we use the two-point guard offense. Like others, could be had for cheap.
Darius Songalia: A bit undersized for a PF, but makes up for it in his mobility and ability to put the ball in the hoop. However, signing him seems a bit redundant now that Austin Croshere has arrived in Dallas. Would not be worth what he wants in cash
Dallas also has a few other free agents from last season.
Adrian Griffin: Needs to be brought back for a small contract, he loves the city and wants to come back – so why not? His offensive game rivals DeSagana Diop, but he more than makes up for it in defense. He often guards the opposing teams best player and was a key part of the movement which led to Dallas going on a 14-0 run. The interest for him doesn’t seem particularly high, could we get away with the veterans minimum ($1.1 million?)
Darrell Armstrong: Veteran PG who will most likely not be brought back, however the Mavericks deciding against renewing the contract of Assistant Coach Charlie Parker opens the door for him to the coaching world. Kind of reminds me of another point guard who is coaching
Keith Van Horn: I’m sorry Keith, you tried your hardest but the chance of Dallas resigning him is extremely minimal.
TRIVIA
Three questions, whoever gets all three correct will get a special mention in my next column. If no-one gets all three correct, the person with the next most will win
1) Which Mavericks have gotten triple-doubles whilst playing for Dallas (here’s a hint; 8).
2) Who was the first Maverick to start in an All-Star Game
3) Who was the first Head Coach for the Dallas Mavericks
Email your answers to me at andrewtheodosi@gmail.com |
