MAVERICKS FA OPTIONS
UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:
FREE AGENT POWER RANKINGS: DALLAS MAVERICKS EDITION:
Like many of my articles and lists, I like to try to give context and explain my methodology. This list is not to diminish or rank the actual talent levels of the players, but more-so, how the Mavericks organization should prioritize these free agents. There are a lot of free agents this summer, well over 100, so once teams run into cap issues, there will be several reasonably priced quality players. Essentially, this is a "big board" for the Mavs. The things considered in this list were fit, contract size, interest in joining the team, culture, etc. This article will be an in depth analysis with a preview of how this player could perform on this team.
1. KAWHI LEONARD - 2020-21 Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.9 3PG, 51/40/89 Splits - Kawhi is the crown jewel of free agency. Had Luka not shown Kawhi first hand his improvement over the last two playoff series', he wouldn't even be on the list. He chose to come to LA, he chose Paul George to be his teammate, he forced the hand, and he's back home. These are all obvious obstacles the Mavericks will need to try to help Kawhi forget. Kawhi would be the ultimate fit for the Mavs. We have the cap space to do the deal, he could try to ask LA to include him as a sign-and-trade to get Kristaps, Richardson, or Tim Hardaway Jr so they're not left high-and-dry, while simultaneously freeing up cap space for additional players. Despite how he would fit, ultimately, I think he signs a max extension with LA. Los Angeles is still a premier destination and they will attract the free agents they need to be better than they were last year. As a Mavs fan, you almost dream about the Luka/Kawhi pairing and immediately think of how easy and mailable the roster is to fit the duo, yet as a journalist, you have to be objective. CHANCES: 3/10.
2. CHRIS PAUL - 2020-21 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.5 3PG, 50/40/93 Splits - It has been pretty incredible to see the Renaissance of Chris Paul. He is so much better on a team that's winning. He is much more engaged, gets the offensive involved more, plays harder, and continues to have grit. It is no surprise he was in the top 10 in MVP voting this year and he will likely be an All-NBA 2nd or 3rd team - he might win the title! As a CP3 fan for a long time, this current Suns team somewhat reminds me how good the 2007 Lakers would've been if the Pau/CP3 trade wasn't vetoed. Anyways, I digress. One of the priorities for this Mavs team should be a secondary ball handler. They need a player that can create his own shot, they need a player that can defend, and a player that can take pressure off of Luka Doncic. Paul vastly exceeds all of the check boxes and despite his advanced age, I believe he still has a year or two left in the tank. He is rumored to be opting out of his contract to seek a long-term deal, so if the Suns are not ready to open up their wallet, the Mavs might find themselves with an opportunity to swoop in. CHANCES: 5/10.
3. DEMAR DEROZAN - 2020-21 Stats: 21.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.3 3PG, 50/26/88 Splits - One thing that has always blown me away about DeRozan, is that he's an 83% free throw shooter, but has only averaged over 1 3-pointer per game one time in his career. Regardless, his veteran mentorship would be invaluable to this Mavericks team. He is versatile as a secondary ball-handler, can create his own shot, can kill you in the mid-range, and can guard multiple positions. While he will demand a high price tag, you might be able to convince him to take a more team-friendly contract if it means signing other complimentary pieces to put the Mavericks in a better position to win the title. It would surprise me if he extends his stay in San Antonio, leaving him as arguably the best truly viable free agent for the Mavericks. While he has regressed a bit in San Antonio, the fast pace of the Mavs might be more appealing for him and the prospect of playing with arguably the best young star in the league might rejuvenate him to those All-Star levels. Best case scenario would be signing him via sign-and-trade with Kristaps Porzingis as the contract going back. CHANCES: 8/10
4. JOHN COLLINS - 2020-21 Stats: 17.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.3 3PG, 56/40/83 Splits - Collins is a restricted free agent this summer, so there is a pretty good chance that Atlanta will match any offer for him. He has enjoyed an efficient season, despite his lower usage. Atlanta added a significant amount of depth, but he has grown into a solid role. For the Mavs to get Collins, they would have to sell him that he will be a pivotal role, and not just an upside role player like he is currently. The Mavericks would have to sell him on the narrative that he is not just a starter, but a star player. Atlanta will likely push the same sales pitch, but his fit in the system would be excellent. He could be played as a replacement for Kristaps or alongside him, can be used as a floor spacer, or post defender. Coming from a fast-paced system he should have no problem adapting to this Dallas team. Collins would have to be a free agent centerpiece based on the contract, so there would have to still be several complimentary additions once he is locked up. Based on how his interactions and production has been during this playoffs, he is likely to have convinced Atlanta to match any offer sheet, yet stranger things have happened. CHANCES: 4/10
5. LONZO BALL - 2020-21 Stats: 14.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.1 3PG, 41/38/78 Splits - Lonzo is probably one of the most improved players over last year. This could be due to being in a contract year, it could be due to natural development, who knows. At the end of the day, he's a young, 2-way guard that has developed a consistent shot and can guard multiple positions. The fit would be excellent with the Mavericks and he should be targeted despite being a restricted free agent. With Bledsoe on the roster, Adams' extension kicking in, and the Pelicans being over the cap, they have some really big decisions to make, and Lonzo might be the odd man out. The Pelicans drafted Kira Lewis Jr last year, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has solid ball handling skills, and Lonzo will require at least a $18-20 million per year extension. I don't see a situation where he does not get an offer sheet exceeding his qualifying offer, so should the Mavericks see his value, he would be a major addition to the team. This add also creates a lot of leverage in the Brunson negotiations, as the Mavericks will need to make a decision on his contract as well. CHANCES: 6/10
6. MONTREZL HARRELL - 2020-21 Stats: 13.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 62/00/71 Splits - I'm not too concerned with his production dip. His per-36 is pretty comparable, and even though his scoring per minute went down, his efficiency went up. He is still only 27 and he may be interested in having a permanent starting role after only starting a combine 10 games over the last 4 seasons. While his bench energy has been invaluable to both LA teams, he might want to look for the big pay day after taking a team-friendly deal to chase a ring. What muddies things up is what will the Lakers do with Andre Drummond. They are comparable in age with a completely different skill set. Drummond arguably does more, but Harrell is a better culture guy. He would add a toughness to this Mavs team that seems to be lacking and I think there is another level to his game if he's given the minutes and an elite passer in Luka Doncic. Had the Lakers played Harrell more with LeBron, I think his numbers would have been better. Harrell could very well be brought back by the Lakers, who might cut either or both Drummond and Gasol. CHANCES: 6/10
7. MIKE CONLEY - 2020-21 Stats: 16.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.7 3PG, 44/41/85 Splits - Conley is another one of those guys that would make absolute sense for him to play with the Mavericks, if it were not for him being on the best Western Conference team this year. Conley and Paul are both in a similar situation, so unless contract negotiations go south, it's unlikely that either player will walk. As far as an analysis of how he'd fit, he'd be perfect. He's an efficient scorer, playmaker, and defender, and despite his injury riddled past, still a couple of years younger than Paul. He's a guard that plays bigger than he is, and similarly to Paul, he does not cause a lot of turnovers or forces the play. He's two years removed from a 21 PPG season and he made his first ever All-Star game this year. He has every reason to stay in Utah, especially if they make it to the Finals or win the championship, yet Mavs fans all hope that Luka is as big of a draw as we think. CHANCES: 5/10
8. KYLE LOWRY - 2020-21 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.8 3PG, 44/40/88 Splits - Of the aged, two-way guards available at the top of the free agency pool, Lowry seems the most viable. They already drafted Malachi Flynn, extended Fred VanVleet, and traded for Gary Trent Jr, who they will have to pay. Lowry seems like the odd man out for a team that did not even make the play-in tournament. That additional cap space could be used to fill additional needs - extend Khem Birch who played well at the end of the year, keep money off the books for the inevitable Chris Boucher extension, signing veteran bench players, etc. Lowry would be much better served on a team like the Mavericks, where there is only a limited window to chase a title in Luka's rookie contract. After this year, Luka is likely to sign the largest rookie extension ever, and while rightly deserved, will definitely restrict the flexibility of the roster unless Kristaps is moved. Lowry will likely be the centerpiece add in the off-season to try to lure any veterans to improve the rest of the roster. He is entering his age-35 season, so a 3-year contract is probably what he will be looking for, so while I think he will get that deal, the question is will it be with the Mavericks? CHANCES: 8/10
9. DERRICK ROSE - 2020-21 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.0 3PG, 47/39/87 Splits - Rose is the kind of player that's stats are deceiving. He really rises to the occasion when it comes to the playoffs. His career regular season stats are 18.5/3.3/5.5, whereas his playoff averages are 22.4/4.4/6.5. This most recent playoff season his splits were 48/47/100 in the playoffs. When you look at the Mavs roster, they didn't have that secondary guy that could consistently score outside of Luka. This is where Rose has value. He is a wild card with his injuries, yet if he can stay healthy, Rose would be entering only his age-33 season, and he does add that grit that the Mavs team lacks. It is always good to have at least one player with neck tattoos on your team, and I'd much rather have Derrick Rose on my team than Willie Cauley-Stein. Rose might not be the same player he was during his MVP season, yet the Mavericks do not need him to be. Rose can play alongside Luka or come off the bench, he can defend, and he can make shots in the clutch. He does not shoot a ton of 3's, but this past year he's been efficient when he tries. The Knicks completely fell apart in the playoffs and he might seek a more complete roster. The Mavs' biggest competition for him this summer will be the two LA teams. CHANCES: 8/10
10. ANDRE DRUMMOND - 2020-21 Stats: 14.9 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 49/00/60 Splits - There is a lot of mixed opinions on Drummond. On one hand, it was not too long ago he was 4 out of the 5 rebounding champions for the season. On the other hand, he has been riddled with injuries over the last 3 season, has forced his way out of two teams, and was completely flat when given an opportunity to anchor a winning team with LeBron James. If his stats told the whole story, he'd be a no-brainer addition. He can pass, has quick hands, is still an elite rebounder, and a solid post scorer. His style is more of an old-school style of ball, but the Mavs need someone that can bump with Gobert, Ayton, and Davis. What really divides people is what is he worth. As a cornerstone piece of your franchise, I would not give him that contract, yet as a high-usage, high-upside role player, I definitely see his value. He will likely spend the summer working on his game, getting in better shape, and making the pitch for a big payout. I think he'll definitely be on the Mavericks' radar, but I don't think they ultimately pursue him with a contract. CHANCES: 4/10
11. DUNCAN ROBINSON - 2020-21 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.5 3PG, 44/41/83 Splits - Robinson has emerged as one of the more elite role players in the league. He's a lockdown long-range shooter, has a 6' 7" body from the 2-guard position, and is just entering his prime. Despite being 27, it will only be his 4th season. His style of play and his role would be perfect on the Mavericks. The Heat failed to replicate their bubble production and with Bam Adebayo's extension kicking in next year, they have a decision to make about Dragic, Oladipo, Iguodala, Robinson, and Nunn. It's unlikely the run it completely back and with the continued development of Herro and Achiuwa, it's unlikely that they are able to keep the entire team together. Robinson is a catch and shoot guy that can also create his own shot. He could be a less expensive, more reliable option than Tim Hardaway Jr. Duncan is a restricted free agent, so while he will likely test his value in free agency, Miami will ultimately have the first right of refusal. CHANCES: 6/10
12. SERGE IBAKA - 2020-21 Stats: 11.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.0 3PG, 51/34/81 Splits - Ibaka hurting his back really threw some water on my desire to want to lock him to a long-term deal. As a 7th guy in your roster, I see a ton of value, but even with the departure of Montrezl Harrell, he failed to expand his role. His game has matured over the years from the dunking and blocking machine in his early career, with his range expanding and his passing improving. This Mavericks team could definitely use guys like Ibaka, but this team needs a guy that can play heavy minutes and slow down the elite centers in the league. I'm not totally convinced he's up for the challenge, as he has been non-existent in this playoffs even before getting hurt and not super productive in his minutes of late. He is still only 31, but it's obvious he is not the explosive player he was in his prime. If the Mavs got him on a team-friendly deal, I would not be mad, yet if he is the best player you lock down in this free agency, it would be very disappointing. CHANCES: 5/10
13. VICTOR OLADIPO - 2020-21 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.4 3PG, 41/33/75 - Oladipo is perplexing. I've always been a fan at Oladipo. There were many skeptics with him going 2nd overall after playing in Indiana, his fit was weird with Orlando, and he ended up being traded. He had a good run in Orlando and OKC before eventually exploding onto the scene in Indiana as the centerpiece to the Paul George trade. After that amazing season, he got hurt and was never the same. His ancillary stats did not quite improve, his explosiveness on defense is not quite where it was, and his shot mechanics declined. That being said, he's still a productive player when healthy, but he's a huge gamble. He's only played 85 games total over the last 3 seasons, and during that time has never surpassed 35% from beyond the arc, ever got back to 2 steals per game, has not exceeded 33 minutes per game, and has yet to cross back over the 20 PPG mark. While he may not be the All-Star caliber player he once was, he is a very versatile player, that can guard multiple positions, and can be glue guy for your team. He is still only 29, so if he can rehab well this summer, he could be a renaissance player. CHANCES: 7/10
14. LAURI MARKKANEN - 2020-21 Stats: 13.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.3 3PG, 48/40/83 Splits - I'm not super sold on Markkanen. I thought he was somewhat overrated when he was drafted 7th, and the writing is on the wall that Chicago is unlikely to sign him long-term. The 4's in the league are getting smaller and faster and can do more than Markkanen can. While his efficiency has taken a major leap forward, his defense is detrimental to the point where Chicago started benching him in favor of 32 year old Thaddeus Young. The argument to get him would be that he's a 7-footer that's only 24, that can shoot the 3-ball - Lauri advocates will say that he's not in the right system or that the insufficient coaching is to blame - but the reality is probably that he's just a role player. Due to his peripherals, he will probably get a large contract, which I am not convinced would be in the Mavericks' best interests. If we want a 7-footer that can shoot the 3-ball, they would just try to make things work with the Unicorn. Markkanen does not move the needle for a team and if I were part of the Mavs organization, I would focus on the more veteran players in this class. CHANCES: 7/10
15. TJ MCCONNELL - 2020-21 Stats: 8.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.2 3PG, 56/31/69 Splits - He is a perfect fit for this Mavs team. He is a prolific passer, elite defender, and does not impede on the offensive ability of his teammates. Having a guy that makes his teammates off of the bench is an invaluable addition. He can likely be had on a team-friendly deal and has a lot of Rondo DNA as far as how he contributes. At only 29-years old, he is a player you can lock in long-term and has always produced when given minutes. An incredible stat for him is that in games where he exceeds 30 minutes per game last season, he averaged 13.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 9.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG with 63/43/79 splits. Whether they see him as a starter or a bench guy, I feel comfortable signing him to a long-term deal and playing him big minutes. CHANCES: 8/10
16. TIM HARDAWAY JR - 2020-21 Stats: 16.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 3.0 3PG, 45/39/82 Splits - He runs hot and cold, but he has exceeded his regular season production in both of his playoff series' with the Mavs. He has looked really good at times and seems to be finally putting together some consistency halfway through his prime. His defense never developed, but he's been a solid shooter and shot-creator during his tenure with the Mavericks. The problem with bringing him back is that his role is probably too big. He is not the guy you want trying to take over a game when Luka gets double and triple teamed. There were definitely big shots being made by him during the playoffs, yet there were also a lot of big 3-point shots given up. I really like him as an energy guy off the bench, keeping him on the floor if he's hot, and not feeling bad to sub someone else in if his game is off. Having to rely on him for 30-35 mpg in a tough Western Conference seems like a lost cause. I have no problem bringing him back since he's familiar with the system, the organization, and has rapport with the team, yet the Mavs would need to re-evaluate his role if he were to stay long-term. CHANCES: 10/10
17. SPENCER DINWIDDIE - 2020-21 Stats: 6.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.7 3PG, 38/29/100 Splits - Obviously his injury hindered him from having even a modest sample size. With a potential Finals return looming, he might have an opportunity to showcase his rehab and make his case for a nice payday this summer. Dinwiddie is one of the more underrated guards in the league. He's a 6-5 5 player that can guard both guard positions, is an excellent playmaker, and solid shooter. Unfortunately for Dinwiddie, he's always been slotted behind other elite guards, so we don't actually know his ceiling. As far as fit for the Mavericks, he could be a more under the radar choice. He is a big name guy that's game works well in the system, yet he is not the ultimate solution for a team that still needs consistent shooters. Should the Nets opt to not bring him back, he could be had on a team friendly deal, as it will probably be midway through next year before he returns completely to form. CHANCES: 4/10
18. RICHAUN HOLMES - 2020-21 Stats: 14.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 64/18/79 Splits - Holmes is an incredible per-minute producer. He has improved ever year in the league and is entering free agency at 27 years old, after his career best season. He's a sturdy, stat-stuffing center that plays hard and plays well around the rim. Despite his 1.6 BPG last year, he's not considered an elite defender, yet he does enough to hold his own against the larger bigs. With a solid free throw percentage, it would be nice to see him work toward expanding his range, yet he's been consistently efficient whether starting or coming off of the bench. He's a guy you can feel comfortable with in your starting line-up, or a guy that has sixth man potential if he came off the bench. If you strike out on Drummond and Trez, he would be a steal if he could be had on a friendly deal. CHANCES: 7/10
19. REGGIE JACKSON - 2020-21 Stats - 10.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.8 3PG, 45/43/82 Splits - During the regular season, he's been a solid, back-up point guard that can play well with or without the ball. He can hit corner 3's with efficiency, and is explosive to the rim. During the playoffs, he's a soul crusher, hitting clutch shots and lifting the entire team. His offense outweighs his defensive deficiencies, yet he's exactly what is needed for a fast-paced bench. At 31 years old, he brings a mature, veteran presence to the bench and has that DJ Augustin playoff spark that is necessary for a team with depth. CHANCES: 3/10
20. MITCHELL ROBINSON - 2020-21 Stats - 8.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 65/0/49 Splits - He's an intriguing sleeper free agent this year. Between his injury earlier in the year and the new coaching staff, he almost doesn't fit this system. He's a classic center that has a very high ceiling, is 7 feet tall, and only 23 years old. The upside alone makes him one interesting in the sense that he should cost less than guys like Drummond and Allen that offer similar skillsets. This Knicks team has a lot of cap space to spend, are in a big market, just made the playoffs, and have an All-NBA forward in Julius Randle entering his prime. With not a lot of marque centers available in this free agent class, they may look to either sign and trade for a veteran or try to get him back on a team-friendly deal. He's definitely a guy that is on everyone's radar but nobody wants to bring up to keep his contract value down. Knicks have the first right of refusal so the ball is in their court. CHANCES: 4/10
21. GORAN DRAGIC - 2020-21 Stats - 13.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.8 3PG, 43/37/83 Splits - While he did not have the same success this off-season as he had in the Heat's historic playoff run last year, he still put up solid numbers despite the sweep. He will be entering his age-35 season next year and his value comes in his veteran leadership. After Miami failed to go anywhere this off-season, he could choose to opt out for a long-term deal at a new franchise. In what would likely be his last contract, he could see value in joining a Dallas team that has tried to pursue him for years. He is not in his prime anymore, but can go off when it matters. CHANCES: 7/10
22. EVAN FOURNIER - 2020-21 Stats - 17.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.8 3PG, 46/41/79 Splits - Fournier would be a huge upgrade over Tim Hardaway Jr. He's a more efficient scorer, a better playmaker, and an underrated defender at 6-7 from the guard position. At 28 years old, he's still in his prime and is a good fit next to Luka. His role in Boston was not a good fit, so I see him moving on from them after this season. He will likely command a large salary, so the Mavs will need to decide if they see him as a big enough upgrade over Tim Hardaway Jr before they sign him. A veteran shooter with a consistent outside shot is exactly what the team needs. CHANCES: 6/10
23. ENES KANTER - 2020-21 Stats - 11.2 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 60/25/77 Splits - The Portland center played every game this season. He is a perfect player for this Mavs team, as he does exactly what you need him to do - rim run, get rebounds, and knock down free throws. He is not an elite defender, not an elite scorer, but unless Portland can convince him that they will get significantly better with the same team, he might be looking to get his big payday. He will be entering his age-29 season, and double-double centers are rare. He could be a solid upgrade over Powell, as he's a big body that disrupts shots. While his defensive stats are not high, he does effect the game for every team he's been on. CHANCES: 4/10
24. BLAKE GRIFFIN - 2020-21 Stats - 11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.5 3PG, 42/34/74 Splits - His stats are somewhat misleading because he was completely disengaged in Detroit. It was a bad trade when they originally signed for him, and aside from one explosive year for them, he failed to impress. He may not be a cornerstone to a franchise, but once he got signed to the Nets, his field goal percentage jumped up to 49%, his 3-point percentage to 38%, and his free throw percentage to 78%. His fit would be solid on the Mavericks as an upside bench-player that can create energy, knock down 3's, and be that secondary playmaker. The injury risk is a major concern, but if he's willing to accept a bench role, he could be a crucial piece. CHANCES: 2/10
25. DANIEL THEIS - 2020-21 Stats - 9.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 0.8 3PG, 54/32/67 Splits - Theis is a solid center that can hit 3's, defends well, and does a little bit of everything. He's somewhat undersized at 6-8, but he plays larger. At 29 years old, he could be the gritty center needed in this modern NBA. Theis is your fallback small ball center if you can't sign Trez and he's been consistent over the last couple years with his production. He was an important piece in Boston's playoff run last year, but ultimately got traded to allow Time Lord to grow as a player. He could be a friendly contract that fills the Mavs need for a center, but there are better options immediately available. CHANCES: 5/10
26. DANNY GREEN - 2020-21 Stats - 9.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.5 3PG, 41/41/78 Splits - Every team needs a Danny Green type player. Green probably has some of the most job security of all the role players in the league. Aside from being a high character player, he is one of the best two-way wings in the league. He has a ton of playoff experience, has played with a ton of future Hall of Famers, and provides a calming veteran presence to young teams. His stats do not wow you or jump off the page, but his intangibles would make him a huge sign for this team. CHANCES: 2/10
27. JARRETT ALLEN - 2020-21 Stats - 13.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 62/32/70 Splits - He would be higher on the list if I was more bullish on his chances of actually signing with the Mavericks. The Cavs essentially swapped a 1st round pick for Allen and a 2nd, and with next year's draft expected to allow newly graduated high school player, it is expected to be a competitive draft. That being said, Allen is a great young center that has shown improvement ever year. He has flirted with 3-point range, his defense has improved, and he seemed to be very productive once Drummond was moved. If Allen was an unrestricted free agent, he would be a higher priority, yet with Cleveland likely to match any offer, Allen is more of a dream than a reality. CHANCES: 2/10
28. MALIK MONK - 2020-21 Stats - 11.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.0 3PG, 43/40/82 Splits - Despite being a restricted free agent, I think there is a still a relatively high he moves on from the Hornets organization. His per-minute production has improved every year he's been in the league and a fresh start could really expand his game. After being drafted in the lottery, he has failed to live up to the expectations of an elite Kentucky guard. He is only 23 year old, so there could be a serious buy low opportunity should the Hornets not come to terms with Monk. CHANCES: 4/10
29. PJ TUCKER - 2020-21 Stats - 3.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.8 3PG, 37/34/75 Splits - Poor man's Draymond is a valuable veteran presence that's value cannot be understood with stats. An undersized big, he plays with a chip on his shoulder and affects the game with his defense and grit. He is already 36 years old, so he's entering the twilight of his career, but don't tell him that. When he's not asked to do too much, he's a crucial piece in your roster, but he will likely have his pick at destinations this off-season on a veteran minimum salary. CHANCES: 2/10
30. JAMYCHAL GREEN - 2020-21 Stats - 8.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.4 3PG, 46/40/81 Splits - He has really asserted himself as an important role player in the league. He is not elite in any particular category, but he does a little bit of everything and is very efficient with his offense. His outside shot got cold in the playoffs, yet his overall contribution is a net positive. With Millsap turning 37 before the next playoffs, it is very likely that Green will get resigned and serve a larger role next season - especially with the entire team needing to step up while Murray recovers. Should he make himself available, he could offer a solid two-way wing player at a value price. CHANCES: 4/10
- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]
Comments
Post a Comment