The Dallas Mavericks are one of the many Western Conference teams trying to keep pace with the Golden State Warriors. The team is trying to hold on tight to a playoff spot and with an easy stretch of schedule ahead of them, the Mavericks could jump in the standings. To help the effort, Dallas is signing the recently bought out David Lee, someone who is earning the praise of Dirk Nowitzki.
According to Scott Souza of the Providence Journal, Lee and the Boston Celtics have agreed to a contract buyout of his $15.3 million expiring salary. The Celtics had been trying to get a trade for Lee before the deadline, but were unsuccessful. The veteran has lost a lot of playing time due to Boston's crowded frontcourt and the Celtics felt it was easier to buy out his contract rather than let him eat up space on the roster.
Shortly after his release from Boston, Lee cleared waivers and ESPN.com reported he signed with the Mavericks. Lee agreed to a one-year deal on a prorated portion of the $2.1 million in cap space the team had. Lee has averaged 14.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in his career, but has only put up 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in limited playing time with Boston. Regardless of the numbers, Nowitzki praised the signing.
"He's a smart player," Nowitzki said, via ESPN.com. "He knows how to play. He can score around the basket, he's a good passer out of the post, he's a good rebounder, which sometimes we have issues with our rebounding, so he should help us there. I just think it's another solid veteran that wants to win."
Dallas has been struggling in the rebound department. The team ranks 17th in the league with just 43 rebounds per game. They have a 48.3 rebound percentage and Lee can help raise those numbers off the bench. Head coach Rick Carlisle admitted it was a tough call on whether to sign Lee simply because the team also had to release John Jenkins as a result. But he believes that adding Lee could be the help the Mavericks need for the remainder of the season.
"It's just strictly a numbers game," Carlisle said, via the team website. "There are some other considerations, but he's been a great asset to our culture and our team. Lee is here and we expect to sign him (Monday). We'll get him ready in the next couple of days. We think [Lee] can play both big positions, some four and and some backup five. I just think he's a quality veteran player who has been in a situation in Boston where they were overstocked and decided to go with younger guys. And we believe he can help us."