Spurning was a popular term in Dallas this summer. Not one, but two players verbally agreed to sign with the Mavericks but changed their mind to play elsewhere, leaving Dallas high and dry.
With a lot of cap room, the Dallas Mavericks were determined to acquire big-name free agents this summer. Their wish came true when both Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan agreed to terms with them, and they suddenly looked like a heavyweight Western conference team.
But five days after agreeing to sign with Dallas, Jordan had a change of heart and decided to return to the Los Angeles Clippers right as the free agent moratorium period ended and thus ruining the Mavericks’ offseason.
Fortunately for Mark Cuban and the Mavs, at least Matthews chose to remain with them despite Jordan’s decision. However signing Matthews to a lucrative contract may be a risk, as the six-year player out of Marquette is recovering from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon.
When healthy, Matthews is a terrific perimeter defender and spot up three-point shooter. In Portland, Matthews was considered the glue guy, and it was evident since the team completely collapsed during the playoffs without him.
Adding Matthews will turn out to be a decent move, but the Mavericks had to let go of Monta Ellis, Tyson Chandler, and Rajon Rondo to obtain Matthews and Jordan, but since Jordan spurned them, the Mavericks were left with a gaping hole at the center position. Another player who scrapped his agreement with Dallas to join a different team was Richard Jefferson. Although Jefferson rejecting the Mavericks doesn’t hurt as much, it still takes away from the team’s depth.
To compensate for Jordan’s loss, the Mavericks quickly struck a deal that landed them Zaza Pachulia. Not what Mavericks fans envisioned as their starting center, but Pachulia could supply adequate rebounding and physicality.
A fortunate turn of events for Dallas came when Deron Williams asked out of Brooklyn to join the Mavericks. Williams brings a set of skills the other three point guards on the roster do not possess. Despite regressing over the years, the three-time All-Star is still a worthy play maker and ball handler. He also may occasionally put up high scoring numbers.
With limited talent left in free agency and to fill out the remainder of their roster, the Mavericks executed a hoard of minor moves. They re-signed J.J. Barea and Charlie Villanueva and signed John Jenkins, Jeremy Evans, Samuel Dalembert, and Jarrid Famous.
Barea has certainly earned enough respect and love from the Mavericks organization, as he has been with the team for all but three years of his nine-year career. He is a quick, energetic point guard who is a solid long-ball shooter. He may not be the best pure point guard in the league, but his quickness and craftiness allows for him to break down defenses, which allows him to create for teammates.
Villanueva satisfied Rick Carlisle with his three-point shooting and floor spacing last season. He had a handful of impressive games off the pine for Dallas that has earned him a new contract with the team.
In need of more size, the Mavericks brought back Dalembert. The 6-foot-11 big man is valued for his rebounding and shot blocking, which is exactly what the Mavericks sorely need. Jeremy Evans, who hasn’t had an amazing career thus far, has been signed for his athleticism and length. He provides more frontcourt depth and assurance.
Another insurance piece is Jarrid Famous, a 6-foot-11 big who has played ball all over the world and the D-League over the past four years. Turning their attention to the backcourt, Dallas added John Jenkins who may essentially receive some minutes at the backup two guard position.
During the draft, the Mavs selected Justin Anderson who showed promise during Las Vegas Summer League action by averaging 17.5 points per contest. He is expected to earn a huge role off Dallas’ bench this upcoming season and could become a key contributor.
However despite adding all these pieces, the Mavericks’ offseason has not been pleasant. They lost crucial players from last year’s team and were unable to hold on to DeAndre Jordan during free agency. Of course Jordan’s decision to return to L.A. completely destroyed the Mavericks, and that is the main reason their summer has been miserable.
Early in the offseason, it seemed like the Mavericks were headed for superiority. Now, they may not even land a playoff spot. There is no doubting Mark Cuban’s effort this summer. He definitely tried, but he was faced with a situation that was beyond his control.
Off-Season Grade: D