The Mavericks couldn’t be happier with the first half of Yogi Ferrell‘s 10-day contract, writes Dwain Price of The Star-Telegram. Signed out of the D-League after an injury to Pierre Jackson, Ferrell was immediately inserted into the starting lineup in tough matchups against the Spurs and Cavaliers. He scored nine points against San Antonio, then played Kyrie Irving to a standoff as Dallas won both games. “He’s on pace to have one of the greatest 10 days of all time,” said teammate Harrison Barnes. “He’s just playing with so much heart. And offensively and defensively, he’s had some tough match-ups. But he’s brought it every single night and the guy is giving us a chance.”
There’s more tonight out of Dallas:
- Ferrell is almost certain to remain with the team after his 10-day deal expires, according to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Dallas has the option of giving him a second 10-day contract, then must either waive him or sign him for the rest of the season. With the rash of injuries to Mavericks point guards this season, Sefko believes Ferrell will stay around, at least for insurance purposes.
- The Mavericks should be able to find a serviceable center for next season if Andrew Bogut is either traded or leaves as a free agent, Sefko states in a separate story. Over the past few seasons, they have used Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembert, Chris Kaman and Elton Brand, and Sefko is confident that someone like that will be available this summer, particularly as teams move to smaller lineups.
- Quincy Acy‘s new two-year deal with the Nets will save the Mavericks some money, tweets Bobby Marks of The Vertical. Dallas signed Acy in July, but waived him in November with $1,050,961 in guaranteed salary. The contract he signed Monday with Brooklyn will bring that amount down to $593K.