Cassell might be a fit with Mavs next season - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

kriD · 02-22-2006, 06:36 AM

MAVERICKS NOTES

Cassell might be a fit with Mavs next season

By DWAIN PRICE
Star-Telegram Staff WRITER

DALLAS - If the Mavericks fail to re-sign Jason Terry, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, they could logically replace him with Sam Cassell.

The starting point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, Cassell also becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1. And it's no guarantee that he'll stay in LA or that Terry will remain with the Mavs.

"I'd like to stay in LA, but who knows," Cassell said Tuesday. "I'm playing basketball, and I feel good."

Known for his brash style, Cassell won NBA titles with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and '95, and was one of the guiding forces when the Minnesota Timberwolves came within two victories of advancing to the 2004 NBA Finals. That same season, Cassell made his only All-Star appearance and teammate Kevin Garnett was the league MVP.

The Timberwolves traded Cassell to the Clippers last summer, and his play helped Elton Brand reach his first All-Star Game this year.

"I understand what it takes to be successful in this game, and I know how to push a guy who's a bona fide player and push him over to that high level," Cassell said. "Kevin Garnett was the MVP; Elton Brand is a consensus All-Star now. I showed him the way, and, now, he'll be an All-Star the next five years in this league."

Cassell, who earns $6.18 million this year, says that Terry also has All-Star skills and that he should he paid accordingly.

"JT is going to try to demand a whole lot of money, which he should," said Cassell, who played 16 games with the Mavs in 1996-97. "I think he's earned it with everything he's doing.

"He's done some tremendous things for the Mavericks."

The Mavs could view Cassell as having better point guard skills than Terry, who is paid $7.5 million this season. The Mavs' belief that second-year point guard Devin Harris has absorbed enough to become the team's No. 1 playmaker is one of the reasons the Mavs might be so high on Cassell, who is averaging 17.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season. Terry, 28, is averaging 16.3 points and 3.9 assists per game.

Cassell, though, said that, even at age 36, he's not ready to play second banana to anyone.

"As long as I'm healthy, I'm going to play two more years at a high level," Cassell said. "I'm not going to play any backup to anyone and be on the bench and just rot away.

"I know I've still got it, and I know how to win. And the most important thing is I'm a hell of a leader."

Dampier slipping

In the Mavs' rating system, center Erick Dampier was in the high 100s last season. This season, he's in the 50s.

shaw-xx · 02-22-2006, 06:59 AM

If Mavs lost DA, Cassell would be a nice choice. But if lost Jet, Cassell wasn't enough for the team.

nowitzki_prophecy · 02-22-2006, 08:29 AM

I'd take cassell as my starting point,i'd take him over terry.
More points,more assists,better percantages,better perimeter defense.
But it might be pretty dumb changing an important position on a team that's currently leading the west.
I'd still do it though,if cassell signs for the MLE.
oh,and Devin is not nearly as stable as he should be to start on this team.

Bookit · 02-22-2006, 09:24 AM

Cassell is old. Dallas won't let Terry get away.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 09:53 AM

Not a big point but this was Brand's 2nd all star game. I would like cassel if we lose jet but i doubt he would take a reduced role. BTW he is NOT better than jet defensively. That isnt a praise of Jet defensively its just how bad cassell is.

sixeightmkw · 02-22-2006, 10:08 AM

If and only IF we lose Jet, I would get Sam, but I want Jet right now, so get him tied up for a few years.

George Gervin · 02-22-2006, 10:13 AM

Sam is a horrible defender.. I think he would be a great 6th man type player but as already mentioned would he accept that??

nowitzki_prophecy · 02-22-2006, 11:09 AM

6th type of player?he's averaging 17/6.5 on good percantages... Thats more than what terry can give us...
Cassell would be a good pick for a year or two untill DH gets mature enough to old the first string PG,right now he is not even close.not at the calibre of this team anyway...

Bookit · 02-22-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nowitzki_prophecy

6th type of player?he's averaging 17/6.5 on good percantages... Thats more than what terry can give us...
Cassell would be a good pick for a year or two untill DH gets mature enough to old the first string PG,right now he is not even close.not at the calibre of this team anyway...

Uh, Cassell is OLD. He can't play many games without losing his jumpshot. It happens. Ask Darrell Armstrong. Cassell's numbers will crater soon. His point is that limited minutes would help Sam. But he has a good point. Will Cassell accept a lesser role or will his ego get in the way? BTW, Jet has many more years left in his legs.

nowitzki_prophecy · 02-22-2006, 12:02 PM

So far,cassell has missed one game this season,averaging 35 minutes on the 1 he didn't.
You dont sign cassell for a 6 year contract,and you dont need Jet for another 6 years.
You need a PG for 1-2 years untill Devin can take over,you dont want him stepping on his toes.

Make that 18\6.5,my bad.

sike · 02-22-2006, 01:34 PM

"In the Mavs' rating system, center Erick Dampier was in the high 100s last season. This season, he's in the 50s."

I wonder how much playing 20 minutes has to do with this?

orangedays · 02-22-2006, 01:36 PM

I like the argument that Cassell would provide us with a 1-2 year buffer for Devin and it can't be denied that the alien has game. The only thing I don't like about bringing him in is the idea of having a temporary ringer come in to catalyze a championship run. There's a big question of chemistry and whether or not his game will mesh well with what we've created over the past 2 seasons. Will he be another Doug Christie (less Mrs. Christie)? Look at the Shaq/Kobe/Malone/Payton Lakers, the Shaq/Payton/Williams/Walker Heat - my gut just screams "NO!" when it comes to bringing in an over-the-hill player (especially a PG) to play a large role in an already-clicking system. The Clips got very lucky trading Jaric for Cassell but I think Sam's only got another year under his belt before he runs outta gas. If he comes here I see him ending up in the same role as Payton on the Heat, a good vet to have around but...eh.

sike · 02-22-2006, 01:38 PM

I WANT DEVIN NOW!...or next year!

(and not the same way that U2 "wants devin")

Jet Terry · 02-22-2006, 02:57 PM

Cassell is a selfish player and forces up bad shots. Terry is better than in about everything. Actually last night the Clippers did better when Cassell was out of the game. His defense is horrible also. Harris is not ready to start despite his flashy game. The reality is he can't hit a jump shot and that is a need on this team.

Arne · 02-22-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet Terry

Terry is better than in about everything.

In about everything, except for scoring, passing, 3pt and FT-percentage, ballhandling (more assists-per-turnover) and rebounding.

u2sarajevo · 02-22-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sike

"In the Mavs' rating system, center Erick Dampier was in the high 100s last season. This season, he's in the 50s."

I wonder how much playing 20 minutes has to do with this?

That remark about Dampier slipping is false. Actually, high 100's is lower than the 50's. Avery made the remark about his rankings of NBA players. So, according to Avery, Dampier is one of the top 60 players this year as opposed to last year when he was ranked 150+.

nowitzki_prophecy · 02-22-2006, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arne

In about everything, except for scoring, passing, 3pt and FT-percentage, ballhandling (more assists-per-turnover) and rebounding.

Dont forget experience,playoff experience to be percise.

Arne · 02-22-2006, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nowitzki_prophecy

Dont forget experience,playoff experience to be percise.

Oh, and titles won...

mavs_own · 02-22-2006, 03:19 PM

I hope not. I don't want a 99 year old PG that looks like ET.

Ninkobei · 02-22-2006, 04:30 PM

There is no next season yet. it doesn't exist. we have to win the championship in order for time to continue being created!

Jet Terry · 02-22-2006, 05:34 PM

Cassell is a good fit for retirement. The guy was good 2 years ago but aged rapidly since than.

Drbio · 02-22-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet Terry

Cassell is a good fit for retirement. The guy was good 2 years ago but aged rapidly since than.

Fair question: Would this be because you are a JET fan?

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 07:26 PM

I'll be pretty po'd if we let jason walk for cassell. I like cassell but he is NOT in our future and he will NOT sit on the bench.

I'm not sure jason will either long-term, but right now he's better than harris anyway so the need isn't there.

alby · 02-22-2006, 07:46 PM

It all depends how JT performs in the playoffs boys.. just like the rest of our team, it really does depend on how we do in the playoffs...

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 08:19 PM

Cassell is old news...If we let Jason walk, I'd rather hitch my horse to devin and bring in a second stringer.

Sam is a stopgap at best, not interested.

Drbio · 02-22-2006, 08:22 PM

I think it is more reasonable to say it all depends on how much Jet wants to be here. If he wants to be here he won't ask for some crazy annual salary. If he doesn't want to be here he will ask for the moon. Cuban isn't going to pay him huge money and he knows it.

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drbio

I think it is more reasonable to say it all depends on how much Jet wants to be here. If he wants to be here he won't ask for some crazy annual salary. If he doesn't want to be here he will ask for the moon. Cuban isn't going to pay him huge money and he knows it.

I honestly don't like that reasoning. I don't begrudge anyone getting what the market determines is the price for their services. Now if they then start whining about it, etc., then to heck with 'em. This makes it sound like Jason shouldn't do what is in his best interests.

Mavs won't have the same compunction if they get an offer for him.

Jet Terry · 02-22-2006, 08:45 PM

Why didn't Dallas try to make a deal with him by now? Why risk the chance of losing him for nothing? Cuban needs to wake up.

sixeightmkw · 02-22-2006, 09:01 PM

I am sure they will sign Terry soon. I wouldn't worry about it

rakesh.s · 02-22-2006, 09:36 PM

cassell over terry any day of the week..

last night's game made it clear that Dirk cannot be relied upon to hit a game winner or a go ahead jumper..it was the same story in 2003 when the mavs lost to the kings in the playoffs.

Cassell has the killer instinct.

orangedays · 02-22-2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rakesh.s

cassell over terry any day of the week..

last night's game made it clear that Dirk cannot be relied upon to hit a game winner or a go ahead jumper..it was the same story in 2003 when the mavs lost to the kings in the playoffs.

Cassell has the killer instinct.

He may have a killer instinct but the question remains: will he have the game to back it up over the next 2 seasons to make him a worthwhile investment?

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rakesh.s

cassell over terry any day of the week..

last night's game made it clear that Dirk cannot be relied upon to hit a game winner or a go ahead jumper..it was the same story in 2003 when the mavs lost to the kings in the playoffs.

Cassell has the killer instinct.

Really...looking at his playoff stats...he's got the wilting instinct. Just like folks are accusing Keith Van Horn of having.

Unlike Jason Terry/Dirk who's playoff stats go UP in the playoffs. Get that weak crap outta here.

Jet Terry · 02-22-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rakesh.s

cassell over terry any day of the week..

Embarrassing to see Cassell get outplayed by his backup. When Cassell went out of the game the Clippers actually started playing defense. How strange.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 10:39 PM

Jet you are a Jet fan obviously and i love Jason terry and i would prefer keeping him but at best their is a small gap in cassells favor right now. At worst cassell is ALOT better. They both suck at D and cassel is better on O. BTW rakesh one game proves dirk cant hit a clutch shot??? I hope to god you are kidding. As far as "clutchness" Jet and cassell are about a wash.

Jet Terry · 02-22-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Five-ofan

Jet you are a Jet fan obviously and i love Jason terry and i would prefer keeping him but at best their is a small gap in cassells favor right now. At worst cassell is ALOT better. They both suck at D and cassel is better on O. BTW rakesh one game proves dirk cant hit a clutch shot??? I hope to god you are kidding. As far as "clutchness" Jet and cassell are about a wash.

Anyone with Bradley in their avatar loses respect automatically. lol As for this subject how is Cassell better offensively? He is really slow now. Yes 2 years ago Cassell was the better player but come on. He is playing in slow motion and most of his shots are from 2 point range while Terry hits 3's. I'll take 3 points over 2 anytime.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 11:06 PM

You might wanna check the stats on the 3pt thing. Oh wait you dont believe in stats. I agree that stats arent everything but come on man. Cassel is a better scorer and passer. That pretty much encompases offense especially since he is shooting better 2.

Thespiralgoeson · 02-22-2006, 11:08 PM

Cassell's old.

Jet Terry · 02-22-2006, 11:09 PM

Where are your stats? Don't forget the 3 point stats since almost half of Terry's shots are from 3 point range. Cassell scores more points because he takes more shots. Terry is much more efficient. 41% from 3 is like 61% from 2 btw.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 11:23 PM

You continue to make me argue against players i like because you are an idiot but alas.... Sam cassel is shooting .427 from 3. That is what i was reffering to. He does take less of them than Terry BUT to say "he scores more because he shoots more isnt exactly true and Terry is much more efficient is complete bs. Sam is taking 1.2 more shots per game than jet and avging 2.3 more ppg. Sam is avg 1.22 pps and Jet is avg 1.21 pps. Seeing that that would be the only possible advantage jet has and sam is still better even by only a tiny margin you really just continue to be stuck on stupid.

sixeightmkw · 02-22-2006, 11:25 PM

It is not a matter of who has better stats or who takes more shots in the paint, or whatever. It is about age. Casell is old as stated above. Who knows when he plans on retiring. Who knows if his body will hold up for another year or 2. If we lock up Terry for say 4 years, that would put Jet in his early early 30's by the time his contract was up. That is 4 years of the Terry Harris combo which seems to be working pretty good now. If we get casell, thats one year of a Casell Harris combo, but after that, who knows.