DALLAS — After battling against the odds just to make the Dallas Mavericks’ roster going into the 2014-15 season, veteran forward Charlie Villanueva found a way to become a valuable contributor to the team off the bench.
Entering training camp in September on a non-guaranteed contract, Villanueva showcased an ability to provide instant offense during the Mavericks’ preseason schedule. He impressed the Mavs’ front office enough to make the 15-man roster heading into the regular season, showing the skill set that made him the seventh overall pick of Toronto back in the 2005 NBA draft.
The 6-foot-11 big man then made the most of his opportunity, earning Mavs coach Rick Carlisle’s trust in the process while appearing in 64 games this season.