The Dallas Mavericks are still trying to figure out the best roster adjustments to make in order to fill the remaining holes. At the moment, most NBA analysts do not have the Mavericks ranked near the top of the very competitive Western Conference which is causing owner Mark Cuban to scramble for help in the third week of free agency. With salary cap space to burn, who takes priority?
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Mavericks are eyeing both JaVale McGee and Josh Smith with contracts, but likely will not sign both. Stein reports there is mutual interest with McGee as the team likes his rim protection and athleticism on the court. The only issue holding them back is his injury history and potential immaturity. Regardless, the Mavericks need defensive help over anything else since they failed to sign players while under the belief that DeAndre Jordan was coming to Dallas. That caused players like Tyson Chandler, Robin Lopez and Amar'e Stoudemire to head elsewhere leaving Dallas empty-handed. McGee is considered the best available.
Having Smith would certainly be a nice option for Dallas, but he might not meet all the needs they have. The Mavericks like Smith for his versatility and ability to come off the bench in relief for Dirk Nowitzki, but there is some downside to him with his inconsistent shooting abilities and defensive decisions. If Dallas simply wants defense, McGee is the better grab moving forward.
The next question for the Mavericks is who gets the nod at the point guard position? The Mavericks re-signed JJ Barea along with bringing on Deron Williams. Both point guards leave a lot to be desired in terms of recent production. In terms of contracts, Barea would get the nod over Williams. According to SportsDayDFW.com, Barea signed a four-year, $16 million contract. Williams earned a two-year, $10 million deal after having his contract bought out by the Brooklyn Nets. Williams is accustomed to being a starter while Barea has had better luck with injuries and was also a key piece to the 2011 championship team. This battle could come down to who players better in training camp and the preseason.
The point guard position will be critical for the Mavericks as both Wes Matthews and Chandler Parsons are coming off big injuries. The Mavericks will need a lot of points from both Williams and Barea regardless of who starts. Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated made the case that Williams can handle a big role despite recent history.
"A bigger, stronger point like Williams who can play off the ball helps in that regard. He'll share backcourt minutes with Devin Harris, J.J. Barea, and Raymond Felton as the situation demands, both in [Wes] Matthews's absence and through his gradual integration into the lineup," Mahoney said, via SI.com. "That kind of role should suit Williams. The 31-year-old guard still drove as a means to initiate Brooklyn's offense last season, but diminished athleticism and shaken confidence killed his effectiveness around the basket. Playing alongside drive-oriented guards (and, eventually, a pick-and-roll creator like [Chandler] Parsons) could make Williams's passing and shooting welcome skills in contrast."