LayupDrill.com will be breaking down every team in the league, with a brief review of the 2008-09 season, key personnel decisions, draft options,trade options, and overall state of the franchise. Consider this, your favorite teams State of the Union. We continue our offseason coverage with our next team, the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas enters this off season at somewhat of a crossroads, as they, like some other teams out West, have to decide whether to build around their current core of stars, or get an early start on rebuilding, and look to the future.
2008-09 Highlights
The Mavericks first season under Rick Carlisle had a solid 2008 campaign, considering their slow start out of the gate. The Mavs finished 3rd in the Southwest Division at 50-32, and made the postseason with a late surge in the final weeks of the regular season. The development of Jose Barea was certainly a pleasant surprise for Mavs fans, as his ability to play alongside Jason Kidd in stretches gave Dallas matchup advantages in key moments.
Free Agents:
Jason Kidd – The Mavericks would hate to have to repeat history. When Steve Nash walked away from Dallas for Phoenix years ago, the Mavs received nothing in return. Management has come out and said they plan on re-signing Jason Kidd since the middle of the season, however now that he will hit the market, Mark Cuban and company will be bidders for Kidd’s services like everyone else. I think if Kidd is looking for money, he will stay in Dallas. If he is looking for a ring, then perhaps he looks to places like Cleveland, Houston, or Portland.
Brandon Bass – The reserve forward will also receive looks on the free agent market, however Dallas should be able to re-sign Bass, as he has made all indications that he wants to be back in Big D.
First Round Draft Options:
Dallas owns the 22nd overall pick in the NBA Draft, and all mock drafts are projecting the Mavericks looking to bringing in a scorer, such as Terrence Williams from Louisville or Sam Young from Pittsburgh. There has been no talk about any potential deal to move up into the lottery around the Mavericks camp.
Free Agent Options:
The Mavericks have been long rumored around obtaining the services of Suns center Shaquille O’ Neal for a while now, but with the Cavs also expected to make a run at O’Neal, Dallas may lose out there. Mark Cuban needs to take a good long look at his team, and their realistic options heading into next season. The team, as currently built, is probably the sixth or seventh best in the West next year. Dallas needs a dominant post player to play alongside Dirk, as well as some help defending the wing. When the Mavs had the chance to trade Josh Howard last year, they didn’t, and that may come back to haunt them. Rumors floated around earlier this month about a Mavericks/Wizards deal that would send Howard or Jason Terry to D.C for the 5th pick in the draft. If I am Dallas, I would make that deal in a heartbeat.
Terry’s stock won’t get any higher than it is right now, and his remaining $22 million owed over the next two years could help free up some money for free agents next summer. The fifth pick in the draft could also land Dallas a top flight point guard(Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings), or a post player like Jordan Hill.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article, I think the talks are heating up with the Jason Terry thing going to Washington. I think Dallas would love to send Terry to Washington with his $30 million and take back the expiring contracts of Mike James, Etan Thomas and the number 5 pick.
Thanks for the comment brandon. Interesting trade you posted. I think that could help both teams.
Nice Article, i agree with you to send the JET(as much as it pains me) to the Wizards and it is a great trade for both parties. The Mavericks realistic chances to do any major damage in the West next season is very slim…the Mavs should rebuild around Dirk because obviously the trio of Nowitzki/Howard/Terry hasn’t worked and it is time the Mavs head in a different direction. I have a big question with this trade though… Will the Mavs keep their 22nd round pick if they do trade Terry? because if they keep their 22 and get the 5th from the wizards it would be a gREAT deal and i want to slap Mark Cuban if he doesn’t do it.
Thanks for the comment Mike. If the Mavs trade Terry(which right now the rumors are dying down), I think they would keep the 22nd pick, and probably look to add a wing player, like a Sam Young out of Pitt.
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