Dirk Nowitzki(B): Fewest games played and lowest PPG since rookie season. It took a while for the big guy to fit into this hodgepodge of teammates. Towards the end of the season he started showing some of the brilliance that has him sitting at 17th on the all-time scoring list. Health permitting, he should move into the top 10 next year, passing Jerry West, Reggie Miller, Alex English, John Havlicek, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. He's on pace to finish in the top 5. Simply the greatest athlete in DFW history. Dirk sounds upbeat about the future and what Cuban is gonna do to bring the team back to prominence. He wants to stay in Dallas forever, is about to be a father, and is ready to recruit for the team. He turns 35 in two months, but still is one of the most impossible guys to guard in the league and with the right mix can be a cog on a championship contender.
Shawn Marion(B): Along with Dirk, the last of the major players of the greatest team ever. He missed 15 games this year, but was otherwise typical Marion. 12 points, 8 rebounds, and glue defense. The defense didn't seem as stifling as in years past, but it's still there. Could be because there weren't as many important moments this year. He keeps himself in tremendous shape, and I feel more than comfortable having him back. He is currently 90th all-time in points, 47th in rebounds, 57th in blocks, and 24th in steals. Quite a career he's carved out.
Vince Carter(B+): I think Vinsanity was the team's best player this year. It's kinda faint praise considering the year the Mavs had, but Carter only missed one game and was a consistent scorer off the bench. He shot 40% from 3 and showed solid defense. He was really the only guy that could create his own shot, and seems to have fit into the veteran leadership mold. Vince is 32nd all-time in points scored, and is under contract with the team for next year. Considering the team wasn't really going anywhere this season, I'm glad we didn't do the proposed trade for Jose Calderon.
OJ Mayo(C-): I dunno, I almost gave him a D because by the end of the year he was so frustrating. But he was second on the team in PPG, shot 40% from 3, and 82% from the free throw line. He showed flashes early with a 40 point outing in Houston and a big late 3 v. OKC. He made a clutch, creative basket to send the Clipper game into OT that seemed to give the team hope. But he was generally poor against the top teams in the West, and showed awful ball control for most of the season. Really bad late in games. He pissed Rick off in the next to last game, and opted out with his player option. I doubt he returns.
Darren Collison(C): I had high hopes, but after a full season of viewing it's pretty obvious he's a backup PG in this league. His decision making, especially late in games, really makes you appreciate Jason Kidd. He's extremely quick, can hit the open jumper, a tremendous free throw shooter, and seems to be a dedicated worker. He never developed a solid pick and roll with Dirk, but I'd like to keep him around in a backup role.
Chris Kaman(D+): The guy really has a decent post game and can consistently hit the 10-12 foot jumper. But he's oft injured, doesn't provide defense, and never seemed to gain Rick's trust. Seems destined to be an NBA vagabond from this point forward, he won't be back next year. Can't even blame the BaD Radio Curse, it just wasn't meant to be. That was a hard show to listen to, props to Sturm for always having to keep it somewhat structured. I don't think Chris is a bad guy, but he was all over the place talking over questions.
Elton Brand(C-): I liked his work ethic, and at times he was productive. But he's just a shell of the player he once was. Too often the elbow jumper wasn't falling, and many times I don't even remember him being on the court. But he played in 72 games? He was just filler on a team trying to fill out a roster, and won't be back next year. It's been a solid career, 64th all-time in rebounds and 26th in blocks.
Brandan Wright(B): The most productive season for the 25 year old, former lottery pick. He's long, has quick hops, and a nice touch. Shot 60% from the field this year. Had a difficult time gaining Rick's trust, as his frame and strength doesn't fit against the stronger players in the league. I really like his potential, and hope the Mavs have him in future plans.
Mike James(C): Brought in because of Collison's late game futility. The 37 year old has carved out a long career with hard work, decent 3 point shooting, and the willingness to drive to the basket. He won't be back, but I like the guy and he gave us solid effort.
Jae Crowder(C+): The rookie 2nd round draft pick is a keeper as a solid role guy off the bench. He showed nice potential, but seemed to wear down as the season progressed. He's not afraid to take a shot, and seems like a jack-of-all-trades type. He's expressed a desire to trim down some so he can be a better and quicker defender.. Cutting the hair would help.
Bernard James(D): I love the Air Force, ergo I love James. But he's just not much more than an end of the bench type that could provide some blocks and rebounds. His service time makes him already a ripe 28 years old. I hope he can bounce around long enough to make enough money for a comfortable life, and no doubt he'll be a hard worker, but he's not a future building block.
Dahntay Jones(D): Came over in the Collison trade, giving up lifetime passer Ian Mahini. He didn't do much and was traded to Atlanta for Anthony Morrow at the trade deadline. His biggest contribution to Dallas was in Atlanta, with Kobe landing on his foot and giving the Mavs a glimmer of hope late in the season.
Rodrigue Beaubois(D): Oh Roddy, such an inconsistent, disappointing talent. Rick never has trusted him. Flashes of brilliance are outweighed by a beguiling lack of game smarts and injuries. When he finally started showing something this year, he got hurt. Roddy's a free agent this year, and it's probably time to move on. Au revoir, Roddy...we'll always have the Golden State game.
Jared Cunningham(F): 1st round pick looks like he has nothing. A supposed defensive stalwart who played 8 games in the NBA, spending most of the season in Frisco. He's under contract for next year, so lets see what an offseason brings.
Derek Fisher(D-): I was always ambivalent with my feelings toward Fisher. Never hated him or anything, despite being a Laker. But his stunt with the Mavs was ridiculous. I'll give him a little benefit of the doubt, as I know he's had some tough times with his daughter. But the 'family issues' kinda ring hollow this time, as he went to OKC shortly after. As the prez of the player's union, I expect a little more accountability.
Eddy Curry(F): Made 56K for 2 games. Dude has no want.
Chris Douglas-Roberts(D): 6 games, 17 points. We hardly knew you. Guys shouldn't have hyphenated last names.
Anthony Morrow(D): Came over in the deadline deal for Dahntay Jones. A 3 point specialist that hardly played. He did tweet about Dirk's greatness after the Chicago game. Cool...He made one 3 as a Mav.
Troy Murphy(D): Ha, yeah he was here...for a bit. His career has gotta be over. Props for carving out a nice living as a solid rebounder with a nice touch.
Dominique Jones(D+): Got to start a few games, I think one was decent. He scored 42 total points in 2010-11, so he gets a lifetime pass...Released.
Josh Akognon, Justin Dentmon, Chris Wright(I): PGs brought in on 10 day contracts. Garbage time, no future with the Mavs. Props to Wright, becoming the first NBA player ever with multiple sclerosis. Rooting for the kid in life.
So that's it. A tough season for the Mavs, really weird not being in the playoffs. I still have high hopes for the future, as I think Dirk can be really good for the next 2-3 years. Gonna be an interesting offseason with guys like Al Jefferson, Nikola Pekovic, and Monta Ellis being on the market. Of course there's also Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Paul is a pipe dream, and I just don't want Howard. I get it, he's potentially a dominating force in the middle, but I just don't like him. I question his desire, his flakiness, and his back...Who knows what the trade market will bring? I'm dreaming of Pek, Dirk, Marion, Monta, Vince, BWright...
No comments:
Post a Comment