Who get's spot #15?

[purplefrog]

Jonathan Givony
NBA Training Camp Watch: Southwest Division
October 9th, 2006

By Jonathan Givony

A look at the training camp rosters of all five Southwest Division teams, with an eye on open spots on each roster, and the potential favorites we might see emerge.

Dallas Mavericks

Guaranteed Contracts:
Maurice Ager
Greg Buckner
Austin Croshere
Erick Dampier
DeSagana Diop
Devean George
Devin Harris
Josh Howard
Anthony Johnson
DJ Mbenga
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
Dirk Nowitzki
Jerry Stackhouse
Jason Terry

Partially Guaranteed:
Jose Juan Barea ($25,000)
Pat Carroll ($110,000)
Ndudi Ebi ($90,000)

Non-Guaranteed:
Darius Washington Jr.

Analysis: The Mavericks brought four players into training camp to battle for the 15th and final spot, after giving Pops Mensah-Bonsu a fully guaranteed contract. Unlike some owners out there, Mark Cuban doesn’t have a problem doling out some cash to ensure that his team’s training camp gets their pick of the free agent crop; to the tune of $225,000. Jose Juan Barea got $25,000, Pat Carroll got $110,000, and Ndudi Ebi got $90,000. Darius Washington Jr. didn’t get anything. Despite the proportion of money the players got, its tough to declare a favorite early on, as the Mavs are basically stacked at every position that their training camp invites play. As you may have figured out by now, we like Barea, but being behind three excellent point guards in Jason Terry, Devin Harris and Anthony Johnson isn’t easy.

[fluid.forty.one]

I heard Carroll is looking pretty good

[Windmill360]

Jose Juan Barea. He brings hustle off the bench and he is very very fast. He can even keep up with Harris step for step and his cuts to the rim are outstanding.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by purplefrog

we like Barea, but being behind three excellent point guards in Jason Terry, Devin Harris and Anthony Johnson isn’t easy.

Well, there might be a need for a 3rd string PG if Terry excels at the 2 - Barea has the most raw talent of the bunch... Plus, he'll need a couple years to develop (which would give us time to open up some spots)...

[nashtymavsfan13]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Well, there might be a need for a 3rd string PG if Terry excels at the 2 - Barea has the most raw talent of the bunch... Plus, he'll need a couple years to develop (which would give us time to open up some spots)...

Right. I think we should just take the best player with the most upside of these four, regardless of position. I'd take JJB.

[sandeepgm]

Originally Posted by nashtymavsfan13

Right. I think we should just take the best player with the most upside of these four, regardless of position. I'd take JJB.

i have a feeling its going to be washington though we got many combo gaurds.

[Drbio]

My money is on JJB then Carroll.

[fluid.forty.one]

Since they don't really need the spot they should just let a fan travel with them as their 15th player every year lol. Don't give them any money, but free room and board. A different fan every year.

Me first.

[chumdawg]

JJB is a rare talent, and he must be kept at all costs. Doubtless he won't contribute this year and maybe even next, but he is probably our point guard of the future and we must do everything possible to keep this guy aboard.

[#1MavsFan]

What about ebi? I still think ebi has the best chance but JJB is right there as well.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by #1MavsFan

What about ebi? I still think ebi has the best chance but JJB is right there as well.

Ebi wouldn't be able to play in the D-League because it's his third season - I have a feeling we'll take one of the other guys so we can develop them with more than just junk time...

[joebobbill]

I've yet to see JJB play, but the photos of him standing next to Mav players don't encourage confidence. At best, he is 5'10". With apologies to Avery Johnson (5'11"), I don't want Dallas to play under 6' guards. If JJB is to make the team, he had better demonstrate a deadly 3 pointer which he only uses with 3 seconds left and down by 2. It is hard for me to imagine an undrafted rookie demonstrating the potential for such skills, but I'll watch his play with interest.

Steve Nash, 6-3, 195
Allen Iverson, 6-0, 165
Chauncey Billups, 6-3, 202
Gilbert Arenas, 6-4, 210
Tony Parker, 6-2, 180
Chris Paul, 6-0, 175
Jason Kidd, 6-4, 210
Baron Davis, 6-3, 215
Mike Bibby, 6-1, 190
Sam Cassell, 6-3, 185
John Stockton, 6-1, 175

[snoop]

Originally Posted by #1MavsFan

What about ebi? I still think ebi has the best chance but JJB is right there as well.

Ebi looked so bad at fan jam. Maybe he was nervous or something but I was expecting alot more. Barea looked good as did Washington who is fast like Barea but is a worst passer but better shooter. Carroll needs to be a great shooter b/c he looked as if he lacked athletic abilty.

[Five-ofan]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

JJB is a rare talent, and he must be kept at all costs. Doubtless he won't contribute this year and maybe even next, but he is probably our point guard of the future and we must do everything possible to keep this guy aboard.

chum i love ya man but you are kidding right?

[Darke]

With Devins harmstrings, give me JJB as a little insurance and send him to the D-League (and hopefully Devin will stay healthy and JJB will stay in the D-League the whole season).

[mnmpeanut]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

JJB is a rare talent, and he must be kept at all costs. Doubtless he won't contribute this year and maybe even next, but he is probably our point guard of the future and we must do everything possible to keep this guy aboard.

he's the rare 5-10, 40% shooting, undrafted point guard.

sorry chum, i just don't see the fascination.

[dirno2000]

Based on what I saw this summer, Washington has the best chance to contribute in the league at some point.

My 2nd choice would be Carroll since I don't think you can have enough shooters at the end of the bench.