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Dallas Mavericks: Can Dallas stash Aric Holman in the G league?

By Fred Rooters

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks following the National Anthem prior to taking on the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on March 26, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks following the National Anthem prior to taking on the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on March 26, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks just waived intriguing prospect, Aric Holman, likely hoping to stash him in the G league and developing him for the future

While watching the Dallas Mavericks play the Milwaukee Bucks a few days ago. I saw an unfamiliar face wearing a Dallas Mavericks jersey. Not too long after checking in, the new guy received a pass behind the three point line. He would then go up with a shot that I honestly didn’t think was going in. After watching the shot go, what looked to be 20 feet in the air, fall softly into the basket I thought to myself, “nice shot”. Then a few plays later he did it again. Just as awkward as the last with near identical results.

After a quick Google search I discovered the mystery player was Aric Holman, A 6’10” center/forward from Mississippi State. Holman an undrafted rookie was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers. Holman would later be waived by the Lakers to make space to sign Dwight Howard. Holman was then claimed off of waivers by the Dallas Mavericks in August.

Holman a four year college player seems to fit  Rick Carlisle‘s “experienced youth movement”. Adding to the number of recently acquired Dallas Mavericks that were three or four year college players. This is an often overlooked element of the Dallas Mavericks rebuild.

The Mavericks may not be bringing in the big name young players like the Phoenix Suns or Sacramento Kings are, but the Mavs are putting together a group of very well coached young players. This, in my opinion, gives the Mavericks an advantage over the other teams not in win now mode.

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Aric Holman played four years under Mississippi State coach Ben Howland. A great coach that has taken four different teams to the NCAA tournament. As a senior at Mississippi State, Aric’s scored 9.5 points per game shooting nearly 43% from three point land. Impressive for a 6’10” power forward. Holman lacks the motor to be a great rebounder, but he averaged a respectable 6.2 rebounds per game as a senior. Aric is an efficient inside scorer shooting around 50% from the floor in college.

Aric doesn’t have great touch around the rim, but he uses good footwork to get himself in position. He still has room to improve but he already has a nice shot, and you can’t teach 6’10”. Hopefully he can fine tune his game in the NBA G league and work his way into the Dallas Mavericks rotation.

The Dallas Mavericks seem intent on signing versatile players that can shoot for the new era of positionless basketball. Aric seems to have the potential to fit that mold. He’s long can, play both the power forward and center positions, and knock down the outside shot consistently. He’s also a decent rim protector and rebounder though he could use some bulk so that he won’t get thrown around. Most importantly Aric is a smart and well coached four year college player. Exactly the type player that can flourish under a coach like Rick Carlisle.

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The Dallas Mavericks may have just waived Aric on Tuesday but that doesn’t mean his future for the Mavs is nonexistent. Assuming he clears waivers, there’s a good chance Dallas will send him to the G league and develop his game.

  • Published on 10/16/2019 at 11:01 AM
  • Last updated at 10/16/2019 at 09:59 AM
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