After July 2, when the Mavericks missed out on Deron Williams, every writer and fan of the franchise turned on the panic. They churned out things like “Oh my god, Cuban is an idiot” and “the Mavericks have bombed this so called plan of theirs.”
Lucky for Mavs' fans, Cuban had a plan B. Its turned them into at least a playoff team again.
Starting with the highway robbery trade in Indiana, turning a backup center in Ian Mahinmi into a starting point guard Darren Collison and a solid defensive two-guard in Dahntay Jones. No one saw this trade coming, but with the failed Roddy Beaubois project on the edge of being finished, it definitely made sense.
The most underrated signing this summer maybe the Mavericks signing of Chris Kaman. Easily the most offensively proficient center Dirk has shared the court with, Kaman will draw double teams and allow kick-outs to open shooters. The great thing about this deal is its 1 year/$8 million, meaning the Mavs can resign him at the end of this season if they like him, but does not leave them tied against cashing in on a big free agent next season.
The Mavericks were also awarded Elton Brand off of waivers, after Brand was amnestied by the 76ers. Sure, Brand is 32 and finishing his career. He is also still one of the best low post defenders in the NBA, and will be healthier than in past seasons, now that he will be coming off of the bench.
The two signings that will go under the radar are the re-signing of Delonte West and the free agent signing of O.J. Mayo. While West was good last year, many question his consistency. He was actually a very consistent player for Dallas last year, establishing himself as a solid backup to Jason Kidd.
Mayo is a different story altogether. Drafted in the top 5 out of Southern California, Mayo has struggled to develop into the player many thought he would. He has talent, can shoot from deep and get to the rim easily. Rick Carlisle and his system may be exactly what Mayo needs to develop. His contract has a player option for a second year, and gives the Mavericks a few options from the two-guard.
With the new signings of Kaman, Mayo, Collison, West and Jones along with signing the 3 rookies from the draft Jae Crowder, Jared Cunningham, and 27-year old Bernard James, the Mavericks can still contend. It will be different from any Mavericks team in the last decade, but this group can get the job done.
So even when all of Mavs nation doubted Cuban, myself included...
Maybe Cuban had something up his sleeve after all.
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