The Mavericks aren’t likely to make a big move in this summer’s free agent market, according to Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News. He sees the Mavs as too far away from contention to be able to lure a big name. Dallas has limited money available heading into the summer and has to worry about re-signing restricted free agent Nerlens Noel. Sherrington sees the Mavericks as having four major needs — firepower, rebounding, defense and a point guard — and thinks that’s too much to acquire in one offseason.
There’s more news tonight out of Dallas:
- The Mavericks have a better chance of finding their point guard through trade rather than the draft, argues Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. The Mavs currently hold the No. 9 pick, and unless they get lucky in the lottery it’s possible that all the top point guards will be taken by then. Sefko says Dallas may be able to get Dennis Smith Jr. or Frank Ntilikina at the ninth spot, but neither will be ready to start as a rookie. He prefers dealing the pick and another player to get a proven point guard, and mentions the Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio and the Hornets’ Kemba Walker as potential targets.
- Keeping their pick could be the worst strategy for the Mavericks heading into the draft, Sefko writes in a separate piece. He sees two options: either trade for veteran help to team with Dirk Nowitzki in what is expected to be his final season or draft the “best player available” and try to improve through free agency and trades. Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague are two free agent point guards who might be available for less than max money.
- Tunisian center Salah Mejri was much more comfortable in his second NBA season, he says in an interview with ESPN.com. After making frequent trips to the D-League as a rookie, Mejri played 73 games for the Mavericks this year, averaging 2.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in about 12 minutes per night. “It’s easier and clearer now because last year was a bit crazy for me,” he said. “Go to D-League, come back from the D-League, play, don’t play, dressing, not dressing … everything was new for me. But I’ve learned a lot. I’m still learning, of course. I felt more comfortable with the season.” Mejri is under contract for one more season at nearly $1.5MM.
Mavs should move the pick for Marcus Smart
Sign and trade Noel for Marcus Smart
If Smart could be had for Noel don’t you think the Sixers would have done it?
The should bring Petteri Koponen from Europe. He is playing in Barcelona and he is one of the best european point guards in Europe and he is in his prime. Dallas owns his rights. If he gets a real chance to show his talents he will surprise many fans.