Dallas Mavericks: Four Players to target in free-agency
With free-agency approaching, there are a number of key players the Dallas Mavericks should keep their eye on.
With the NBA playoffs starting to wind down, teams can start looking at free-agency and begin to develop plans on how they can positively improve their teams. For the Dallas Mavericks, the answer to finding key players in free-agency is not that hard. The team has a ton of youth and adding key veterans could be the answer to their playoff woes.
Here are four key players for Dallas to observe this free-agency season:
1. Jae Crowder
One player who Dallas has fond memories of is Jae Crowder. The current Miami Hear forward played for Dallas from 2012-2015. During his time here, Crowder was still developing himself as key role player. However, since his departure the small-forward has developed into an established two-way player. He is a key contributor as to why the Heat are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals.
For the Heat this playoff season, Crowder is averaging 12.8 points per game and 6.2 rebounds to go with .400 shooting from behind the arc. A majority of his rebounds are have come from the defensive end. Crowder also played a key role in limiting the production of All-Stars Kris Middleton and Giannis Antetokunmpo. His presences on both sides of the ball would give Dallas a vital weapon that they are truly lacking.
2. Avery Bradley
Another two-way player who could have a solid impact for Dallas is Los Angeles guard Avery Bradley. While he hasn’t had a season like the one he had in Boston, he has proven to be a vital player. For the Lakers this season, Bradley is averaging around 24 minutes. However when given the time, he has proven to contribute. Just look back on New Years Day.
On January 1st, Bradley played 30 minutes and contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Not to mention he only had 1 turnover, something Dallas is still working on. And this wasn’t the only instance Bradley has proven to be effective. Back on February 21st Bradley made the most of his time.
In 29 minutes, the guard had 14 points, three steals, one block and five rebounds. His efficiency on both ends of the court can go a long way when given the time. There is a reason he got a vote for the All-Defensive team this season. Bradley could be a key role player for Dallas and is someone the team should take a consideration for.
3. Montrezl Harrell
The Dallas Mavericks know all to well what type of player Montrezl Harrell is and what he can bring to the table. For the Los Angeles Clippers this season, Harrell was a monster in the paint.
The current six-man award winner averaged a 57.7 field goal percentage down low and 4.5 defensive rebounds. Not to mention Harrell averaged a career high 18.6 points per game this season. His defensive presence down low is something Dallas could highly contribute from. Of the Dallas Mavericks current big men not named Kristaps Porzingis, no one came close to averaging Harrell’s 7.1 total rebounds per game.
While there may be some bad blood against the Clippers Harrell, Mavs’ fans should learn to forgive and forget. His defensive mindset could provide a tremendous upside for the team.
4. Tristian Thompson
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Another big-man who could contribute for the Mavs is Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristian Thompson. With Cleveland in rebuilding mode, Thompson’s veteran stature would be a great fit for the Mavericks.In six seasons for the Cavs, he has averaged a career 9.4 points per game and 8.7 rebounds in under 28 minutes. His best season came this past year where he averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
His tremendous upside and veteran knowledge would pair perfectly with the youthful age of the Dallas Mavericks. With Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis calling the shots, Thompson would fit perfectly in the idea that he could clean up any missed opportunities Dallas fails to convert.
dark. Next. Dallas Mavericks: Four key areas to improve for next season
If the Dallas Mavericks hope to continue making some noise next season, these four players could easily take them to the next level. With the start of NBA free-agency pushed back, Dallas has plenty of time to examine available players and see which ones make the most sense for the team.
- Published on 09/10/2020 at 11:16 AM
- Last updated at 09/10/2020 at 11:16 AM