The Mavericks have signed free agent forward John Jenkins on a three-year deal, according to RealGM's Shams Charania.
Jenkins, the former Vanderbilt shooting guard, was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 23rd pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He's an active wing defender and shooter who had a solid rookie year, playing about 15 minutes in 61 games while shooting 45 percent from the field and 38 percent on three-pointers. However, injuries derailed his sophomore campaign and he hardly ever got on the floor last year as the Hawks blasted to 60 wins. He nearly shot 50/40/90 but only played 24 games in limited time.
This is an insurance move for Dallas as their prize free-agent acquisition, Wesley Matthews, may not be ready to start the season as he rehabs his Achilles injury. Dallas needed some more shooting off the bench and Jenkins can provide that.
Jenkins is a low-risk signing who, along with rookie Justin Anderson, will provide depth for the Mavericks in the backcourt. With Jenkins and Anderson, the Mavericks have two players on the wing that can help spread the floor and be active on the defensive end.
Dallas also signed center Jarrid Famous to a three-year partially guaranteed contract earlier Monday, July 20. Famous stood out on a bad Wizards Summer League Team in Las Vegas this summer. The 6'11" center averaged 12.8 points on 57.7 percent shooting and 8.3 rebounds with Washington.
During the 2014-2015 season, Famous played for the Texas Legends, Dallas' D-League affiliate. In 17 games, he averaged 18.1 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Jarrid Famous is capable of providing a rebounding presence in the middle which is by far the Mavericks' biggest weakness on their roster as it currently stands. Zaza Pachulia is the only legitimate center on the Mavs roster and is a significant downgrade from Tyson Chandler who left Dallas during free agency to join the Phoenix Suns.
With the Mavericks desperately needing help in the frontcourt, more notably the center position, Famous is worth the look and a possible training camp invite.