The Dallas Mavericks organization has more to consider this offseason than usual. The moment the Clippers won rights to the #1 draft pick in last week’s NBA lottery, every team had to make adjustments to its offseason approach. Los Angeles has several big contracts it would like to jettison. They’re likely to trade two of these four big names: Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and Zach Randolph.
Here’s a quick look at each player’s 2008-2009 salary:
Baron Davis – $11,250,000
Chris Kaman – $9,500,000
Marcus Camby – $10,000,000
Zach Randolph – $14,666,667
That’s a ton of money for four players, especially considering that two of them play the same position. Throw #1 draft pick Blake Griffin, and you have two many big men.
This is where it gets interesting for Dallas. The Star-Telegram is reporting that Dallas might have a shot at a deal to get Baron Davis and Chris Kaman. Looking at what they spent on Jason Kidd last year, the point guard/center duo come in at almost exactly the same dollar amount as Kidd alone.
A lot of people have big questions about Baron Davis. I think he’s one of the most talented lazy players in the NBA. When he puts in the effort, Davis is scary good. Sure, his shooting has been streaky, but he’s quick, he’s confident, and he’s got that swagger Dallas doesn’t have.
Perhaps the better question is whether Davis can fit into the mentality of the Mavericks team. I say anything is possible, but I’d understand if the scouts and management don’t see it as a fit.
Not to automatically throw Kidd out with the bathwater. As I mentioned in a previous post about Jason Kidd, we probably owe the guy an apology. Kidd was clutch in several games this year. His three point shooting was significantly better than anyone expected. There are still days, though, when Kidd isn’t much of a scoring threat, and that can’t happen if the Mavs are going to compete for a championship in 2010. Add to the problem that Kidd can’t cover point guards on defense and you have enough reason to let him go this offseason if another guard like Baron Davis is available.
Kaman would be a nice addition to the team, especially if it means benching or, better yet, trading Erick Dampier. Trading Damp is probably a pipe dream. Who would want this big lug? But if they do, scrap ‘im quick! Kaman is almost the exact same height and weight as Damp, except Kaman is seven years younger and averaged six more points and one more rebound per game last year. He’s no Dwight Howard, of course, but he’d make a significant improvement to Dallas’ inside presence.
We’ve also heard that the Mavs have taken a look at the #1 French point guard prospect Rodrigue Beaubois and several others in the same position. With Dallas’ late first round pick, it’s hard to imagine them getting starting point guard quality. So at best, Dallas may pick up a backup point guard and try to move JJ Barea. We love Barea around here, but we all wish he could magically grow at least 4 inches to help his game reach the next level.
As always, we’ll wait and watch with much anticipation… hoping the Mavs don’t disappoint us in yet another lackluster offseason.
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