Mavericks Free Agent Possibility
With the Dallas Mavericks finishing at .500 for the first time in 14 years (1999), it’s clear that they may need some help this year through free agency. Mark Cuban is continuing to promote his philosophy that the team’s time is now. Mark is notorious for being a bit brash and is one of the NBA’s most outspoken owners, but this time I think he is right. The Mavericks franchise superstar, Dirk Nowitzki, put in another stellar performance this year by putting up 17 PPG and 7 RPG. At the age of 34, it is clear he is no longer capable of single-handedly carrying a team throughout the playoffs, but he is still a key contributor on any playoff team. With rumors swirling that Dirk is willing to take a pay cut, now is the time for the Mavericks to make a blockbuster move. Looking at the Mavs depth chart, it shapes up like this for the time being:
Dallas Mavericks Depth Chart – 2012-13 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
| Collison | Mayo | Marion | Nowitzki | Kaman |
| James | Morrow | Carter | Brand | Wright |
| Beaubois | Crowder | James | ||
Now, clearly this isn’t a bad team, but it isn’t a team that raises many eyebrows. That is why I think the Mavericks should pursue Center Andrew Bynum.
Overall plan – I feel that the Mavericks need to take advantage of this weak draft and make a strong draft selection that can contribute from the start. You can see that they are weak at PG and SG. Darren Collison had a disappointing year after he kicked off the season with a super start. OJ Mayo could be on his way out of Dallas, but I would recommend them resigning him. I see a good fit being Syracuse PG Michael Carter-Williams (Mavericks possess the 12th pick). MCW brings a lot of things to the table for a point guard and can contribute (and possibly start) at the beginning of the year. He brings size and court vision but will need to improve his jump shot to be truly effective. This leaves a lot of cap space to pursue Bynum. Bynum was a dominant big with the Lakers when he played, but he missed this season for the 76ers due to injuries (or so they say). I have never been huge on Bynum, but I do feel like he is a good fit after having played in the Western Conference. The Mavs are perfectly set up with good-character veterans who can keep him under control. On the court, he and Dirk would prove to be a dominant combination. This is somewhat similar to the current Utah Jazz situation. With Dirk being able to knock down jump shots, he would spread the floor and allow Bynum to operate in the paint where he is most comfortable. I see Dirk having 2 more truly good seasons left in him before the Mavericks blow it up. With some talented rookies and Bynum as a seasoned veteran, this could be a dangerous team for quite some time.
Other options
Jarrett Jack – He would be more highly considered if not for the fact that he has openly expressed interest in staying with the Warriors. A true breakout season arose from him this year while backing up Steph Curry.
J.J Hickson – The Blazers’ big man had a strong season in which he averaged a double-double. This would be a quality, financially smart move for the Mavs.
Tony Allen – An amazing defender and stellar athlete, Allen is a specialist of sorts. I see him staying with the Grizzlies past this season, but if not, you can definitely look for the Mavericks to be in the race to sign him.
By Jackson McNally
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