The Dallas Mavericks are expected to sign costless-agent point guard Jameer Nelson to a two-year, $5.4 million deal during their meeting with Nelson on Thursday morning. With the news of Rashard Lewis needing knee surgery, the Mavericks quickly shifted their focus on attempting to sign the veteran point guard.
Barring any unexpected last minute changes, the Mavs plan on utilizing Nelson as part of a three-man point guard rotation along with Raymond Felton and Devin Harris. Nelson averaged 12.1 points per game, 7.0 assists, and shot 39% from the field in 32 minutes last season.
It is still uncertain whether Nelson will be the new starting point guard for the Mavs, but all signs are pointing in that direction. Nelson brings a steady hand at the point guard position that can be utilized as an offensive weapon in coach Rick Carlisle’s system. The Mavericks hope with all of their other offensive weapons in their starting lineup, Nelson will be able to increase his three point shooting percentage. Nelson shot a career high 45% from behind the arc in the 2008-2009 season playing with Dwight Howard in Orlando.
The Mavs are clearly not comfortable having Felton as their starting point guard for next season. Mark Cuban stated Wednesday afternoon that the Mavs have no intentions in getting rid of Felton, but their pursuit of Nelson shows that they clearly think they need other options.
The Mavericks can still add two more veteran players for the minimum, and adding depth to their thin front line appears to be next on their list.