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Dallas Stocking Up on NBA Vets
By Aaron Phillips | August 9, 2007
There is a lot of speculation that James Posey, PJ Brown, and Chris Webber are all possible candidates to be role players for the Dallas Mavericks. Although I don’t agree with the thought process, as a Mavericks fan, there is nothing else to do except hope for the best.
It’s obvious the Mavs are ripping a couple of pages out of the Spurs, Lakers , and Heat off season strategy – surround the core with some experienced playoff-proven players and hope they gel as a team. I still believe the way to go is to get a big two guard who can get 12-16 points a game, a couple of steals and boards, and make some hustle plays.
The guys that are available aren’t really Mavs material. In other words, too thuggish for the vision Avery is trying to instill into his players on and off the court. Probably the biggest factor why you will not see Ron Artest or Ruben Patterson in a Mavs uniform. This fad in signing ex-allstars to be bench players has not necessarily proven to be a successful strategy.
For example, Chris Webber and Michael Finley - both considered NBA top 20 players once upon a time. Both were all-stars in their own right. Both were the center of their offenses. This worked for Finley who signed with the Spurs a couple of years ago for the mid level exception, but did not work for Webber who signed with the Pistons last year for the veterans minimum.
Obviously, its not about the money for these guys. They make the decision for a chance at the title. The whole idea to me seems cheap and underhanded. Luckily, this is all a gamble for these NBA vets. It’s hit or miss. Ask Karl Malone.
The Mavericks coaching and management vision is clouded by the hype of thinking that signing the old all-stars will put them over the hump. This is the solution the Spurs did - it must work. Miami also did it. They must know what they are doing.
Primarily, it worked for them because their core is better than the core of the Mavericks. Take San Antonio: Duncan vs Nowitzki – Harris vs Parker – Howard vs Ginobli. Fundamentally, the Spurs would be better in at least 2 of the three positions; So, yeah, add some vets. It does work for the Spurs. I just don’t think it works effectively for the Mavs.
Across the board, the Mavs are better than most teams in the NBA. It is those five or six teams that on any given night or any given playoff series could be lights out for the Mavs because they camouflage the Mavs roster with a big name free agent who used to be all-star instead of addressing the problem with a younger, more permanent solution.
Although Donnie Nelson is the President of basketball operations, the decisions for player personnel is ultimately Avery’s. If he keeps operating in this manner, it will lead to his coaching demise. If they win a lot of games and get bounced again in the first round, Mark Cuban won’t be happy and Avery will be in the hot seat. These are the teams the Mavs will have trouble with this upcoming season.
San Antonio – coaching experience – Spurs point guard play is better. Duncan and Nowitzki - really depends on the night but I think Duncan still has the upper hand. Howard has to play well these games.
Phoenix – The Suns play at the pace they want which is fast - better point guard play. So if they are hot, look out! Their downfall is defense and bench depth.
Miami – coaching – Shooting guard production is drastically better on both sides of the ball than the Mavs. Center play - if they are healthy they will be a problem for the Mavs.
Boston – Shooting guard play will be better than the Mavs. Small forward will be more offensively productive than the Mavs. Garnett will probably be better than Dirk on his new team, but a good matchup.
Houston - Shooting guard play will be better than the Mavs if it’s Bonzi Wells, T-Mac or Bob Sura. They are deep at the point w/ Steve Francis, Mike James and Rafer Alston. Shane Batier is solid on both sides of the ball, and you will get better offensive center production with the Rockets.
Denver - They have a year and training camp to gel. They can match up well with the Mavs. They could be a dangerous team for the Mavs with AI, Melo, and K-mart.
Topics: Free Agency, Trade Talk |
