Azubuike to sign with Mavs - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Kante · 03-23-2012, 09:10 AM

So, he gets the open spot. Good to have another backup and reliable three-point shooter:

Quote:

The Dallas Mavericks will sign swingman Kelenna Azubuike to fill the roster spot vacated by Thursday's release of Sean Williams, according to sources close to the situation.

Although Azubuike hasn't played since early in the 2009-10 season because of a knee injury, Mavericks officials are intrigued by the progress Azubuike has made in his rehabilitation efforts, sources said.

Azubuike will receive a deal for the rest of this season and a team option for next season and will start his comeback with the Frisco-based Texas Legends, Dallas' D-League affiliate, sources said. He is expected to practice with the Legends on Friday and could play for them as early as Saturday night against the Maine Red Claws at home.

After playing on the Golden State squad that upset Dallas in the first round of the 2007 playoffs, Azubuike averaged 13.9 points through the first nine games of the 2009-10 season under then-Warriors coach Don Nelson when he suffered a season-ending knee injury.

He was later included in Golden State's sign-and-trade acquisition of David Lee from the New York Knicks in the summer of 2010, but Azubuike never played a game with the Knicks and was released Feb. 28, 2011.

Undrafted out of Kentucky, Azubuike began his pro career with the Fort Worth Flyers in the D-League and was regarded as a quality defender and 3-point shooter before his knee troubles. (The Fort Worth franchise has since relocated to Reno, Nev.)

Williams played in only eight games with the Mavericks after leaving his team in Israel to sign with his hometown team on Dec. 21, averaging 3.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 8.1 minutes.

The former Mansfield (Texas) High School standout played in 24 games on multiple assignments to the Mavericks' D-League affiliate in Frisco, averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for the Del Harris-coached Texas Legends.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/...ks-sources-say

Underdog · 03-23-2012, 09:16 AM

Interesting signing - if his knee is fully recovered, then the Mavs FO might've struck gold as a result of out-researching the rest of the league (again...)

j0Shi · 03-23-2012, 09:16 AM

Low risk high reward as always. Never considered him a "quality defender" but I could be biased because he played for the Warriors.

jthig32 · 03-23-2012, 09:16 AM

Hmm. Starting with the Legends and team option for next year makes me think that this is more of a forward thinking move. (Although a team option is a no-brainer no matter what if the player is willing).

You have to think with this season it's going to be hard to incorporate a new player into the system with so few practices. So this may not have any real impact on the team this season.

DevinHarriswillstart · 03-23-2012, 09:17 AM

Nice signing if he is healthy.

iella · 03-23-2012, 09:33 AM

Immediately intrigued. I remember watching this guy at GSW and thinking he was a beast.

markus1234 · 03-23-2012, 09:40 AM

Nice signing...

to make it short:

bye bye DoJo

Roddy and Jet ? how do you like the fire under your butts ?

LonghornDub · 03-23-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

Hmm. Starting with the Legends and team option for next year makes me think that this is more of a forward thinking move. (Although a team option is a no-brainer no matter what if the player is willing).

You have to think with this season it's going to be hard to incorporate a new player into the system with so few practices. So this may not have any real impact on the team this season.

If he's healthy, I could see him making a small impact this year as a spot-up three-point shooter. He's no Peja, but it's always good to have an extra guy like that in the playoffs. Never know when you'll need it. Right, Steve Kerr?

jthig32 · 03-23-2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markus1234

Nice signing...

to make it short:

bye bye DoJo

Roddy and Jet ? how do you like the fire under your butts ?

I would imagine that the Mavs see him as more of a small forward than a guard.

Underdog · 03-23-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

I would imagine that the Mavs see him as more of a small forward than a guard.

Or at least more of a shooting guard than a point guard (which is the role that DoJo has fallen into) - if anything, he seems like more of a threat to Vince Carter's swingman role (if he's a "threat" to anyone...)

I wonder if/how Azubuike's slashing ability has been hampered by his injuries?

j0Shi · 03-23-2012, 10:13 AM

He will likely take away minutes from Carter and Odom, assuming that Shawn slides over to the PF more often.

EricaLubarsky · 03-23-2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

Hmm. Starting with the Legends and team option for next year makes me think that this is more of a forward thinking move. (Although a team option is a no-brainer no matter what if the player is willing).

You have to think with this season it's going to be hard to incorporate a new player into the system with so few practices. So this may not have any real impact on the team this season.

We don't have the active roster spots to bring him in active do we? Even if he was in game shape, it would also be nice to work him back into the game slowly so see how he's recovering in a game situation.

Anyway, my guess that the signing was to appease an agent seems wrong as Michael Higgins only represents Nazr and Ronnie Price in Free agency.

I like the signing a lot as long as the Mavs have done their homework. I agree that it will be hard to work him into the lineup in this season--particularly this late but cheap guys that can be legit starters with TEAM options is always a good deal. Brandan Wright was an excellent signing at the min and we can pick him up another year for the min. Without the player option I could see him getting 3-5mill/yr.

mavs777 · 03-23-2012, 10:22 AM

Very intrigued and yes I do think he will be active when coming to mavs.

I suspect Dojo and YI/Cardinal will be usual non active roster guys. Azubuike had a very good 08-09 year.

jthig32 · 03-23-2012, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

We don't have the active roster spots to bring him in active do we? Even if he was in game shape, it would also be nice to work him back into the game slowly so see how he's recovering in a game situation.

Anyway, my guess that the signing was to appease an agent seems wrong as Michael Higgins only represents Nazr and Ronnie Price in Free agency.

I like the signing a lot as long as the Mavs have done their homework. I agree that it will be hard to work him into the lineup in this season--particularly this late but cheap guys that can be legit starters with TEAM options is always a good deal. Brandan Wright was an excellent signing at the min and we can pick him up another year for the min. Without the player option I could see him getting 3-5mill/yr.

We would easily have the active roster spots right now.

Underdog · 03-23-2012, 10:26 AM

If Azubuike earns playtime, I'd like to see more Carter at the 3 with Marion replacing Odom's minutes as Dirk's primary backup...

jthig32 · 03-23-2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

If Azubuike earns playtime, I'd like to see more Carter at the 3 with Marion replacing Odom's minutes as Dirk's primary backup...

If Roddy keeps playing well, I think that will happen regardless of what happens with Azubuike.

BGMaverick9 · 03-23-2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

If Azubuike earns playtime, I'd like to see more Carter at the 3 with Marion replacing Odom's minutes as Dirk's primary backup...

I think that's the initial plan.

jthig32 · 03-23-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

I think that's the initial plan.

So BG...if Odom's play doesn't come around, do you think there's a chance he finds himself completely out of the rotation come playoff time?

Because if the plan is for Azabuike to contribute at all, it would seem that the Mavs are preparing for that possibility.

EricaLubarsky · 03-23-2012, 10:42 AM

I love the signing. I'll say it again. Other than always having to google his name to spell it right, Azubuike is nothing but upside. He's been commended for his hard work off the court, has always been an efficient scorer and has been a pretty good energy guy. Before the injury he was a legit starter in the league averaging 14/5 and a career 46% guy thats been 40% from 3. If he comes back at 90% of that, he's a steal.

Love love love the 2 year vet min deals with team optioned 2nd years. If he is a flop we drop him. If he returns to his 14/5, efficient-scoring ways and earns a 3-5million dollar deal from his play? We just exercise our option and keep him at less than a mill. Not only could it be a steal (Brandan Wright is going to be one of those guys that could get a huge raise on the open market but a guy we can secure for another year for the min and end up with some bird rights), he's got the kind of contract we'd love to have if we go after a couple of the big-name free-agents. Its hard to nab those quality starter-caliber players for that cheap unless you draft them or develop them internally from undrafted players (which can take a few years). Nabbing a quality vet at a price like that can only help us if we do sail over the cap again next year.

MavsFTR · 03-23-2012, 11:03 AM

Great signing.

Kidd Karma · 03-23-2012, 11:28 AM

A big 6-5. Could be a great signing if fully healthy. We'll see how he does in the D-League. Gives us another shooter and can fill the lane, given his size should do well on the block in the half court game. Team him with DWill next season, gives us a very big backcourt.

Underdog · 03-23-2012, 11:40 AM

Not getting into minute distribution (and assuming we're healthy), I'd like to see this depth chart come playoff time:

Kidd/West/Roddy
Roddy/JET/Azubuike/Carter
Carter/Marion/Azubuike
Dirk/Marion
Haywood/Wright/Mahinmi

rabbitproof · 03-23-2012, 11:47 AM

Nice mid-season for the future signing.

Looking at the two years he played the most, his defensive +/- numbers look middling but it was with the Warriors. If healthy, he'll go nicely with Marion as swingmen. He'll space while Marion cuts. Marion is the top defender but Azu won't be a weak point either.

This also is a sign the Mavs like what they see out of Ian and Wright.

Melonhead · 03-23-2012, 11:52 AM

Pre injury Azubuike.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma1muMt3Q-k

LonghornDub · 03-23-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Not getting into minute distribution (and assuming we're healthy), I'd like to see this depth chart come playoff time:

Kidd/West/Roddy
Roddy/JET/Azubuike/Carter
Carter/Marion/Azubuike
Dirk/Marion
Haywood/Wright/Mahinmi

I find it hard to believe that Marion wouldn't start if healthy.

BGMaverick9 · 03-23-2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

So BG...if Odom's play doesn't come around, do you think there's a chance he finds himself completely out of the rotation come playoff time?

Because if the plan is for Azabuike to contribute at all, it would seem that the Mavs are preparing for that possibility.

The Mavs have to see what they have in Azubuike (I hate spelling that name) first before they can really figure things out. If he's healthy and able to shoot the 3 and defend with some poise, that gives more freedom to work with.

Carlisle said that the hope is that he can help this year. So it definitely sounds like a wait and see process.

As for Odom, the options behind him are very limited, so they have to make it work. Personally, I don't think he was that bad heading into the Lakers game. The energy was improving. The thing that was lacking were the shots going in. He was good at facilitating for guys and showing good poise with blocks. It's just way too up and down with game-to-game analysis. I know he wasn't great earlier, but I did see an uptick after he came back.

mavsfan1000 · 03-23-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I find it hard to believe that Marion wouldn't start if healthy.

Yeah move Carter to the backup 3 and Marion can rest before Dirk comes out of the game. Similar to what Beaubois has done lately switching between the 2 and backup 1.

Murphy3 · 03-23-2012, 12:09 PM

I don't think I'd characterize anything concerning Lamar Odom as up and down. Yes, he has had some very brief ups, but the downs are much more significant than the ups.. The highs aren't that high and aren't that frequent. The lows have endless depth and are extremely frequent.

Sounds like we've got progress.

EricaLubarsky · 03-23-2012, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

The Mavs have to see what they have in Azubuike (I hate spelling that name) first before they can really figure things out. If he's healthy and able to shoot the 3 and defend with some poise, that gives more freedom to work with.

Carlisle said that the hope is that he can help this year. So it definitely sounds like a wait and see process.

As for Odom, the options behind him are very limited, so they have to make it work. Personally, I don't think he was that bad heading into the Lakers game. The energy was improving. The thing that was lacking were the shots going in. He was good at facilitating for guys and showing good poise with blocks. It's just way too up and down with game-to-game analysis. I know he wasn't great earlier, but I did see an uptick after he came back.

I really didn't mind his offense, even if the numbers weren't there. He drove a lot and got a lot of layups-- just missed them. He seemed genuinely angry with himself. I don't like to see that on the court because it seemed to impact the next possession, but at least he showed he cared. Had those 3-4 layup attempts gone in, the box would have looked better. It was just one of those games where no one was making shots that they usually did. If it wasn't a trend for him, he'd probably get a pass from people but its been the norm. Still, I liked the commentators that said they judged a shot on its way up and not based on its result. If you judged only the selection of shots based on aggression, location and position, he'd have fared well.

His defense also wasn't optimal and sometimes lacked intensity (in addition to his brain farts) but it is an improvement for him.

clutch#41 · 03-23-2012, 12:17 PM

looks like we found terry's replacement in 2012

41mvp · 03-23-2012, 12:21 PM

great pick.Mark well done!!!

grndmstr_c · 03-23-2012, 12:28 PM

A little surprising, but it still makes good sense. He was rotation caliber before he got injured, and Dallas hasn't really had anybody with a prototypical SG frame all season, so bringing him in will be good for roster balance.

xavier · 03-23-2012, 12:29 PM

Not Important! What is though is finding a way to get rid of Lamar and getting a center asap this offseason, atleast to me nothing else matters.

Underdog · 03-23-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I find it hard to believe that Marion wouldn't start if healthy.

I actually meant to put Marion as a starter at the 3 - gonna blame my phone for that one (stupid little screens...)

Kidd/West/Roddy
Roddy/JET/Azubuike/Carter
Marion/Carter/Azubuike
Dirk/Marion
Haywood/Wright/Mahinmi

Rick41 · 03-23-2012, 12:30 PM

I like this.

mavs777 · 03-23-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

I actually meant to put Marion as a starter at the 3 - gonna blame my phone for that one (stupid little screens...)

Kidd/West/Roddy
Roddy/JET/Azubuike/Carter
Marion/Carter/Azubuike
Dirk/Marion
Haywood/Wright/Mahinmi

I'd still like West to start when he is healthy, Roddy's defense has regressed the past couple of weeks.

Kidd/West/Roddy
West/Jet/Roddy
Marion/Carter/Azubuike
Dirk/Marion
Haywood/Wright/Mahinmi

mavsfan1000 · 03-23-2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavs777

I'd still like West to start when he is healthy, Roddy's defense has regressed the past couple of weeks.

Kidd/West/Roddy
West/Jet/Roddy
Marion/Carter/Azubuike
Dirk/Marion
Haywood/Wright/Mahinmi

We had no trouble starting games. It was our bench that got us into trouble. See the Laker game. And Roddy's defensive slippage probably has to do with his increased minutes. Keep him under 20 minutes a game and he'll put in much more effort defensively. The same could be said for West, Terry, and Kidd. None should have to carry too much of a load.

Underdog · 03-23-2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavs777

I'd still like West to start when he is healthy, Roddy's defense has regressed the past couple of weeks.

West should probably be the ONLY guy who backs up Kidd - I don't trust Roddy at the 1 nearly as much as I do at the 2. Plus, I don't know if there'd be enough minutes left for West at shooting guard with Roddy, JET, Carter and possibly Azubuike eating up playtime...

ottawasucks · 03-23-2012, 12:42 PM

We all saw how key knockdown 3 point shooters were last year. This could be a momentum pickup.

nowhereman · 03-23-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutch#41

looks like we found terry's replacement in 2012