Samuel Dalembert has made his return to the Dallas Mavericks on a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal, multiple sources have confirmed.
Dalembert played for the Mavericks during the 2013-2014 NBA season where he was their starting center, playing 80 total games and starting in 68 of them. In his second stint with the team, he is expected to come off the bench to backup newly acquired Zaza Pachulia.
Dalembert, 34, last played for the New York Knicks, averaging 4.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 32 games. Dallas mainly wants the 6-foot-11 big for his size, rebounding, and shot blocking. The 13-year veteran has been a shot blocking presence throughout most of his career, averaging 1.7 blocks per game.
The Mavericks are still trying to desperately recover from the aftermath of the DeAndre Jordan saga. Jordan placed an enormous void at the center position when he spurned the Mavs to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and left Dallas with limited talent for a replacement.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Dallas has not ruled out the possibility of adding JaVale McGee. They are willing to hand out over 15 guaranteed contracts and let the players battle it out for a roster spot before the start of the season.
The problem with McGee, as reported many times before, has been his health concerns. Over the last two seasons, he has managed to play a combined 28 games due to ailing knee issues. If McGee could prove to the Mavericks that his health won’t be troublesome, then he will more than likely notch himself a deal.
Nonetheless, the Mavericks' hunt for depth at the five position is still ongoing. Aside from Dalembert and the likelihood of signing McGee, they most recently signed big man Jarrid Famous to a partially guaranteed contract and are currently discussing a deal with center Salah Mejiri.