Let's talk roster.

[sike]

Originally Posted by ribosoma

And much less guaranteed money.

BAAAAZING!

[ribosoma]

Originally Posted by sike

BAAAAZING!

Thanks. I'll be here all week! Try the veal.

[Melonhead]

So now howard will test free agency regardless of where he goes this season. Oh boy.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Melonhead

So now howard will test free agency regardless of where he goes this season. Oh boy.

This isn't really news, or even necessarily true. His agent has to say that he will test free agency. Saying that he's promising to re-sign with the Lakers isn't legal.

If Howard does commit to the Lakers beyond this season we'll only hear about it through "sources".

[dude1394]

How does Orlando think,they'll get a better deal than the one I heard Houston was tossing out there. I guess the lure is Bynum, but man that seems like trading one leaky vessel for another.

[sefant77]

Well, if he ends up getting traded to LA at the deadline he will stay there and extend in the summer. The team is too good.

[Simple_Like_That]

I just read in the Espn that AK47 has a chance to sign with the Nets... I think the Mavs should go after him. The Nets don't have more cap space than the Mavs. Go after him.

[iella]

This isn't really relevant to the roster, but I thought it was interesting. From an ESPN series of articles on Jeremy Lin and the contract shenanigans that sent him to Houston:

Sources who were in the room negotiating the collective bargaining agreement say many cap tricks were addressed -- other owners even quizzed Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban at one point about his CBA knowledge, hoping to learn some of his methods -- but the words "poison pill," sources say, were never spoken.

Not knowing the rules is a good way to lose any fight... sounds like Cuban knows the rules the best (which doesn't guarantee wins, but is a good start).

[Five-ofan]

Originally Posted by Simple_Like_That

I just read in the Espn that AK47 has a chance to sign with the Nets... I think the Mavs should go after him. The Nets don't have more cap space than the Mavs. Go after him.

The nets don't have any cap space whatsoever. They shouldn't even have the "room" exception. All they should be able to offer is the vet minimum. The fact that they are paying brook Lopez and kris humphries 27 million a year just makes me giggle

[Ninkobei]

Originally Posted by Simple_Like_That

I just read in the Espn that AK47 has a chance to sign with the Nets... I think the Mavs should go after him. The Nets don't have more cap space than the Mavs. Go after him.

I'm afraid that would give Dallas far too many white guys to be a successful basketball team.

[Bayliss]

MAVERICKS SIGN ROOKIE FORWARD JAE CROWDER
DALLAS— The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed second round draft choice Jae Crowder. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Crowder (6-6, 235) was the 34th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was acquired by the Mavericks on June 28, 2012, along with the draft rights to 24th overall pick Jared Cunningham and 33rd overall pick Bernard James, in exchange for guard Kelenna Azubuike and the draft rights to the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Tyler Zeller.
The Villa Rica, Ga. , native is currently playing for Dallas at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas . He is averaging 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 32.3 minutes while starting his first three games.
Crowder is a four-year player who finished his career at Marquette after transferring from Howard College where he was NJCAA Player of the Year. In his senior year at Marquette , he was named Big East Player of the Year when he averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Bayliss

MAVERICKS SIGN ROOKIE FORWARD JAE CROWDER
DALLAS— The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed second round draft choice Jae Crowder. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Crowder (6-6, 235) was the 34th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was acquired by the Mavericks on June 28, 2012, along with the draft rights to 24th overall pick Jared Cunningham and 33rd overall pick Bernard James, in exchange for guard Kelenna Azubuike and the draft rights to the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Tyler Zeller.
The Villa Rica, Ga. , native is currently playing for Dallas at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas . He is averaging 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 32.3 minutes while starting his first three games.
Crowder is a four-year player who finished his career at Marquette after transferring from Howard College where he was NJCAA Player of the Year. In his senior year at Marquette , he was named Big East Player of the Year when he averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Definitely saw that one coming.

[LonghornDub]

In Vegas (not for summer league). Went downstairs to work out at the gym at the Wynn this morning, and Cuban was on the elliptical. Thought about asking him about Delonte. But I decided to let him work out in peace.

He was working out right by the window. A few gawkers walked by and stared. Weird.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

In Vegas (not for summer league). Went downstairs to work out at the gym at the Wynn this morning, and Cuban was on the elliptical. Thought about asking him about Delonte. But I decided to let him work out in peace.

He was working out right by the window. A few gawkers walked by and stared. Weird.

Hotel dropped AND name dropped... New low!

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Male30Dan

Hotel dropped AND name dropped... New low!

I think to effectively name drop you, actually need to claim some sort of interaction or relationship with the person.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I think to effectively name drop you, actually need to claim some sort of interaction or relationship with the person.

Pretty sure "came downstairs from my hotel" would have sufficed...

[Murphy3]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

In Vegas (not for summer league). Went downstairs to work out at the gym at the Wynn this morning, and Cuban was on the elliptical. Thought about asking him about Delonte. But I decided to let him work out in peace.

He was working out right by the window. A few gawkers walked by and stared. Weird.

Did you ask him why he still has man breasts even though he's on the elliptical all the time?

[BGMaverick9]

These are the questions that need to be asked, because they are being asked:

- Does Vince Carter have a legitimate role on the roster next season?
- Does a stable of Mayo, Roddy and Jones as your backup point guards give you enough?
- What does it tell you that Delonte has not been re-signed yet?
- Do you see Wright being an asset that actually contributes next season?
- Do you see Cunningham being an asset that contributes within the next two years?
- Based on the current roster (including Crowder, not including West and the two other rookies in limbo), what is the position of need: big, shooter or point guard?

[markus1234]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

These are the questions that need to be asked, because they are being asked:

- Does Vince Carter have a legitimate role on the roster next season?

(backup SF)

- Does a stable of Mayo, Roddy and Jones as your backup point guards give you enough?

(Of course. Last time i checked we do not have a 40yo starting PG anymore. Collison can play 38min)

- What does it tell you that Delonte has not been re-signed yet?

(There is absolutely no need for him IMO)

- Do you see Wright being an asset that actually contributes next season?

(backup-backup C)

- Do you see Cunningham being an asset that contributes within the next two years?

(Rookies on the floor when Dirk's career is over, plz.)

- Based on the current roster (including Crowder, not including West and the two other rookies in limbo), what is the position of need: big, shooter or point guard?

(shooter)

[EricaLubarsky]

1) Nowitzki
2) Kaman
3) Brand
4) Marion
5) Carter
6) Crowder
7) Beaubois
8) Mayo
9) Wright
10) Collison
11) Cunningham
12) Dahntay Jones
13) Dominic Jones
---------------------
14)
15)

James, West and Cardinal playing musical chairs for the last two spots?

[sefant77]

There is no need for West on this roster? Seriously?

How about some more (playoff) experience in the backyard/ballhandling? Because with Collison/Roddy/Mayo there isnt much...

[Simple_Like_That]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

These are the questions that need to be asked, because they are being asked:

- Does Vince Carter have a legitimate role on the roster next season?

Backup SG/SF

- Does a stable of Mayo, Roddy and Jones as your backup point guards give you enough?

Oj Mayo will get most of the minutes there.

- What does it tell you that Delonte has not been re-signed yet?

They want to resign him; but he is not a big need anymore.

- Do you see Wright being an asset that actually contributes next season?

Backup PF/C... he is really athletic and has one freak wingspan... with a full training camp he may adjust to be a rim protector and also be thta athletic guy to play agaisnt the versatility lineup we found in the league today.

- Do you see Cunningham being an asset that contributes within the next two years?

Maybe next year. This year he will be DNP most of the time... could also play in DL but has a lot of potential. The future is bright for this kid.

- Based on the current roster (including Crowder, not including West and the two other rookies in limbo), what is the position of need: big, shooter or point guard?

I think you guys need a big(even after sign James)... if you count Dirk as your starter Pf ad Kaman as C then you should go after a backup C that can shot... Crowder impressed me so I don't see any need for another backup SG/SF (like I said before). Maybe try to get Mehmet Okur...where is this guy?

That are my answers to the question.

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

These are the questions that need to be asked, because they are being asked:

- Does Vince Carter have a legitimate role on the roster next season?
- Does a stable of Mayo, Roddy and Jones as your backup point guards give you enough?
- What does it tell you that Delonte has not been re-signed yet?
- Do you see Wright being an asset that actually contributes next season?
- Do you see Cunningham being an asset that contributes within the next two years?
- Based on the current roster (including Crowder, not including West and the two other rookies in limbo), what is the position of need: big, shooter or point guard?

Good questions.

- Vince having a role: I think so. People like to focus on his weaknesses, but who else on the roster can provide the same combination of size and offensive skill on the wing? Doesn't mean he couldn't be moved, especially with Jae looking suspiciously like a guy who might be ready to handle backup SF duties right from the get-go, but, excluding no-brainer type deals, I'd only part with Vince if doing so netted me either a top-notch shooter who's not a huge negative on the defensive end or a clear upgrade at PG on favorable financial terms. If he sticks, I think he's a top-8 rotation player.

- Backup PG: I feel unsafe without a more proven commodity at backup PG. Though even if Delonte re-signs there's going to be a significant adjustment required. Kidd's absent production should be an afterthought given the guys who'll be replacing him, but the loss of his ridiculous bball IQ wil be felt nonetheless. All that said, as a Booby fan, I'll content myself (neither reluctantly nor overly optimistically, I hope) with seeing what he can do this year if the point guard rotation remains as it is.

- Delonte: I have to think contract length is the holdup. But perhaps clarity on the trade front from the Mavs' perspective is also a holdup? I really don't know.

- Wright: When everyone's healthy I think Brandan's likely to only get spot duty and garbage minutes. But with Chris' penchant for missing games I'll be surprised if Brandan doesn't get some turns in the rotation.

- Cunningham: No clue.

- Need: Shooter first. As of right now they simply don't have anyone outside of Dirk whose three-point shooting is a point of emphasis in opponents' game plans. It's the one legitimate hole in the team's makeup. Point guard...there's definitely room for improvement there, but really making an impact beyond simply depth would require a guy like Calderon, and I just don't know that I see a way of getting that done, which leaves Delonte, and I think we need a shooter more than we need him. I would like to see one more big body like Przybilla on the roster, but since there are probably only 2-3 teams in the West playoff hunt that the Mavs might need a guy like him for, I rank that need a bit lower.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Good questions.

- Vince having a role: I think so. People like to focus on his weaknesses, but who else on the roster can provide the same combination of size and offensive skill on the wing? Doesn't mean he couldn't be moved, especially with Jae looking suspiciously like a guy who might be ready to handle backup SF duties right from the get-go, but, excluding no-brainer type deals, I'd only part with Vince if doing so netted me either a top-notch shooter who's not a huge negative on the defensive end or a clear upgrade at PG on favorable financial terms. If he sticks, I think he's a top-8 rotation player.

- Backup PG: I feel unsafe without a more proven commodity at backup PG. Though even if Delonte re-signs there's going to be a significant adjustment required. Kidd's absent production should be an afterthought given the guys who'll be replacing him, but the loss of his ridiculous bball IQ wil be felt nonetheless. All that said, as a Booby fan, I'll content myself (neither reluctantly nor overly optimistically, I hope) with seeing what he can do this year if the point guard rotation remains as it is.

- Delonte: I have to think contract length is the holdup. But perhaps clarity on the trade front from the Mavs' perspective is also a holdup? I really don't know.

- Wright: When everyone's healthy I think Brandan's likely to only get spot duty and garbage minutes. But with Chris' penchant for missing games I'll be surprised if Brandan doesn't get some turns in the rotation.

- Cunningham: No clue.

- Need: Shooter first. As of right now they simply don't have anyone outside of Dirk whose three-point shooting is a point of emphasis in opponents' game plans. It's the one legitimate hole in the team's makeup. Point guard...there's definitely room for improvement there, but really making an impact beyond simply depth would require a guy like Calderon, and I just don't know that I see a way of getting that done, which leaves Delonte, and I think we need a shooter more than we need him. I would like to see one more big body like Przybilla on the roster, but since there are probably only 2-3 teams in the West playoff hunt that the Mavs might need a guy like him for, I rank that need a bit lower.

I asked these questions because they were the ones that are pretty much the line of thinking out of the sources I talked to over the past two days.

I know it's been discussed on MOR over the year last year, but Vince was a guy that probably had to do too much based on the fact there wasn't much available in terms of offensive flow (like Cuban said last night on the broadcast). I do think putting him in a role where he plays 12-15 minutes a night is a spot where he actually has a good chance to succeed. Defensively, he wasn't terrible. I believe he charted out to be one of the better defenders in terms of opponent FG%. I may be wrong on that, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. My questions though with him (which are shared) would be: will another year of service lead to a significant drop in productivity? The team has gotten dramatically younger, so does he actually fit? If you find a deal that's a 1 for 0, you give yourself more flexibility to fix what is potentially ailing the roster. If you can find a deal that fills the need, that's even better.

Definitely agree that they will lose out on the IQ side without Kidd, but the talent clearly works in their advantage this year. I think a lot of it depends on what happens in the trade market with guys like Roddy or DoJo. In the end, I think what you've currently got (Collison, Mayo, Roddy and DoJo) is decent enough to survive. It's pretty much sink or swim time for those last two, so you've got to assess and determine what you ultimately have in them.

West: To me, it feels like the hangup is determining the length of the deal and whether or not he actually works with what they want to do.

Wright: I agree that he's inclined to fill the same kind of role that he did last year. According to people I've talked to, unless he finds a way to bulk up and keep the athleticism, the limitations are still going to remain there with him. That being said, I'm not sure if he's going to actually be much better than what he actually showed last year.

They could try to get creative with Cunningham. I think his role has changed dramatically on how things have transpired after the draft. They wanted to work him more into a point guard role, but you have guys ahead of him that can either do it or you've invested more time and money in them and you have to see what they've got. The same could be said at the two guard position. As it was mentioned earlier, all they have on him is a cap hold. They could hold onto his rights and figure out a way to let him get the development he needs. They would be able to do that and give themselves the roster flexibility.

The only alteration with the last point you made is based on Kaman's injury history and the doubt that can creep in with Wright, I think value in another backup veteran big is there. You do have Bernard, who has gotten better as the Summer League has gone on, but I think letting him work in Frisco works for both parties. There's probably a couple of bigs that make sense on a vet min scale. Honestly, you're just looking for an added insurance policy there. If you're looking for that, you could say just keep Bernard in the mix. That's just a case where I'd like someone with a little more experience involved.

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

I know it's been discussed on MOR over the year last year, but Vince was a guy that probably had to do too much based on the fact there wasn't much available in terms of offensive flow (like Cuban said last night on the broadcast). I do think putting him in a role where he plays 12-15 minutes a night is a spot where he actually has a good chance to succeed. Defensively, he wasn't terrible. I believe he charted out to be one of the better defenders in terms of opponent FG%. I may be wrong on that, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. My questions though with him (which are shared) would be: will another year of service lead to a significant drop in productivity? The team has gotten dramatically younger, so does he actually fit? If you find a deal that's a 1 for 0, you give yourself more flexibility to fix what is potentially ailing the roster. If you can find a deal that fills the need, that's even better.

A bit surprised to hear you give a figure as low as 12-15 mpg. Does that reflect an expectation that Crowder is just going to be too good to not give minutes to right from the get-go?

I do get the concerns about a dropoff in performance, but I'm also not too worried about them because Vince, to me, seemed to suffer as much as anybody from the lockout schedule last year, and that'll be less of a problem this year, not only because the games won't come as quickly, but also because he likely won't have to play garbage minutes this year like he often did last year. Still, his age is a question mark, and if you can spin him for a player who's more of an exclamation point (or even an emphatic period), that's all to the good. I don't at all see him as being in the possible addition-by-subtraction category, though, so a 1-for-0 deal would be pretty disappointing from my perspective.

I also think this year's team, with both rotation centers capable of stretching the defense, should set him up to have an easier time of it as a playmaker, and I'd expect that with a full training camp and a year of familiarity Rick should be able to integrate him into the offense at least somewhat better than often seemed to be the case last year, when they often just used him as a make-do go-to-scorer, which is a role he's just not suited for anymore unless he draws a weak defender or is facing a porous defensive back line.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

A bit surprised to hear you give a figure as low as 12-15 mpg. Does that reflect an expectation that Crowder is just going to be too good to not give minutes to right from the get-go?

I do get the concerns about a dropoff in performance, but I'm also not too worried about them because Vince, to me, seemed to suffer as much as anybody from the lockout schedule last year, and that'll be less of a problem this year, not only because the games won't come as quickly, but also because he likely won't have to play garbage minutes this year like he often did last year. Still, his age is a question mark, and if you can spin him for a player who's more of an exclamation point (or even an emphatic period), that's all to the good. I don't at all see him as being in the possible addition-by-subtraction category, though, so a 1-for-0 deal would be pretty disappointing from my perspective.

I also think this year's team, with both rotation centers capable of stretching the defense, should set him up to have an easier time of it as a playmaker, and I'd expect that with a full training camp and a year of familiarity Rick should be able to integrate him into the offense at least somewhat better than often seemed to be the case last year, when they often just used him as a make-do go-to-scorer, which is a role he's just not suited for anymore unless he draws a weak defender or is facing a porous defensive back line.

I just think the minutes would go down for Vince by the end of the season. That low mark is definitely the low end of the spectrum, but something along the lines of 15 is probably the sweet spot. I just see guys like Mayo and Roddy taking a good chunk of the minutes at the two. A guy like Dahntay Jones is likely going to fit into the equation as an option due to his defense and ability to hit a shot with range. I'm not sure how DJ would actually fit in terms of a 3 but if he does have versatility to that position, that might hurt Vince even more. If you have guys like Jones and Crowder who can bring some toughness on the defensive end of the floor and the team has better options on offense, that kind of makes Vince a guy that could sit. We saw last year they absolutely felt they needed more offense so they sacrificed Marion's minutes for Vince.

As a trade asset, I find it hard to believe there wouldn't be an adequate market for him. The salary number is low and the stretch provision would allow that hit to be even lower in the long run. I would be surprised if they did deal him that it would be a 1 for 0 situation, but it still is an option.

The versatility the additions bring make him fit into a role that would have been perfect last year. He showed that he could carry the load in spurts, but he had to do much more than that last year and it eventually led to a dud. That's not really his fault, but it is what it is. You saw that he can only do so much and it's ideal to keep it at a reduced level. He'll be an option, but there are options that might make him more of a scattered weapon.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Male30Dan

Pretty sure "came downstairs from my hotel" would have sufficed...

You work at McDonald's or something? I've seen higher rates at the La Quinta by DFW airport. This place is nothing special.

But hey, I hear they have some great specials right now over at ExcaLOLibur. Maybe that's more your speed.

Originally Posted by Murphy3

Did you ask him why he still has man breasts even though he's on the elliptical all the time?

Symptom of undersized t-shirts, no doubt.

[markus1234]

Carter is still a nice spot up 3pt shooter (maybe our best), i also liked how he created space for Dirk (transition threes). IMO he will be (at SF) still more valuable than Roddy (at PG/SG) for this team.

[Kante]

Chris "Sources" Broussard said the Mavs were the losers of the offseason: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/maver...this-offseason

So, if he says that i will even better about the offsesaon so far!

[BGMaverick9]

Well, Cunningham signed his deal today. It was mainly expected to happen, but I think there was a thought or two to consider stashing him away for the year and letting him develop.

[BGMaverick9]

Also, I've spoken to two different sources within the organization and they said the team was observing the amnesty moves after Scola to see if any other big men of interest were going to be let go.

[Thomas86]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Also, I've spoken to two different sources within the organization and they said the team was observing the amnesty moves after Scola to see if any other big men of interest were going to be let go.

So do the Mavs have any interest in "Birdman" or Andray Blatche?...

[Simple_Like_That]

Go after Mehmet Okur...he is a vet and should be cheap or expiring I don't know his situation right now... but a frotcourt like this

Dirk/Brand/Wright
Kaman/Okur/James

Look pretty good.

[EricaLubarsky]

We really don't need more center depth. Kaman, Brand, Wright and James should be able to handle it and without minutes at the 5, Brand won't get enough minutes to be happy.

Plus I dont really like Okur's game. He's a poor man's Raef LaFrentz. As far as I can tell, he was waived by Portland and no one picked him up off the wire and he's gone without any offers this offseason. He may very well end up unclaimed for next season. Available? Probably. Do we want him? I hope not.

[EricaLubarsky]

Rebounding stats
Howard 38.9
Chandler 30.3
Haywood 28.4
Kaman 28.0
Brand 24.9
Wright 22.1

Rebounding stats (clutch)
Howard 36.1
Kaman 33.1
Haywood 22.2
Chandler 22.2
Wright 17.9
Brand 7.1

Block stats
Wright 10.3
Kaman 7.8
Howard 7.6
Brand 6.5
Chandler 5.5
Haywood 5.2

Block stats (clutch)
Howard 14.3
Wright 8.7
Kaman 8.1
Brand 7.8
Chandler 3.4

Selection of stats for our guys and Chandler/Howard thrown in for good measure. Obviously Howard is the best center in the game so its a good comparison point. All stats look at % of available to rate the players rather than per minute or raw stat line.

[grndmstr_c]

I do think the Mavs could use more center depth - Kaman, who's not exactly in the bruiser mold, being the only big big on the roster - but Okur isn't at all what they're lacking.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

I do think the Mavs could use more center depth - Kaman, who's not exactly in the bruiser mold, being the only big big on the roster - but Okur isn't at all what they're lacking.

The easy choice(s) are two guys that have been linked to the Mavs over the last year or two: Vanilla Gorilla or Fesenko. Both are in the bruiser mold. They're going to be limited on offense but if you're looking for physical guys and ones that can do some work on the glass, those are decent options (especially at the vet min).

[jamaljasonandjimmy]

lets all be mavericks

[jamaljasonandjimmy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwkKqkwd0n0

just for the hell of it

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

In Vegas (not for summer league). Went downstairs to work out at the gym at the Wynn this morning, and Cuban was on the elliptical. Thought about asking him about Delonte. But I decided to let him work out in peace.

He was working out right by the window. A few gawkers walked by and stared. Weird.

He does all of his interviews on the elliptical anyways so I don't think you needed to feel guilty about having him answer a few more questions while exercising.