Dallas Mavericks: 4 backcourt free agents for the Mavs

DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF/PF

Age: 32

Previous Team: San Antonio Spurs

Key Stats: 21.6 PPG, 6.9 AST, 49.5% FG, 88.0% FT, 26.1% USG

It’s pretty rare a multiple time All-Star becomes an under-the-radar option in free agency, but that is where DeMar DeRozan is at this point in his career. After being traded to San Antonio in the infamous Kawhi Leonard trade, DeRozan has been in afterthought across the lead. That would make sense if DeRozan hadn’t gotten better in San Antonio.

An interesting nugget about DeRozan is that he primarily played as a power forward for the Spurs last season. DeRozan’s game contrasts the current direction of the NBA as 92 percent of his shots were inside the three-point line, but his 52 percent two-point field goal percentage helped him post a 122 offensive rating last season.

The Mavericks have often talked about the need for a second ball-handler to pair with All-NBA guard Luka Doncic but they can’t seem to find one. It’s also possible that the players they have signed and drafted are simply not good enough to take posessions away from him as his proficiency as a pick-and-roll ball handler and as a primary playmaker.

DeRozan, with the ball in his hands, has proven to be an efficient shooter off the dribble and continued to be a good playmaker for the Spurs in that system with several playmaking guards. DeRozan is a good fit on his shooting ability alone, but in a perfect situation he’s a number two option for a championship caliber team.

DeRozan’s player option was $27.2 million, coming off a good season his number likely goes up. The Mavericks could find the money to pay for DeRozan if Tim Hardaway Jr chooses to not accept his player option, DeRozan could nicely fit in the salary cap.