Lets go over the moves for the 2009 offseason so far:
#1: Drafting BJ Mullens
This is the one move I like. Before the draft I was afraid they were going to draft another white French guy by the name of Roderick Beaubois, but thank goodness they took a talented black Center from Ohio State instead. He has all of the tools and athleticism to thrive in the NBA, much like Greg Oden has for the Blazers. Roderick has struggled in summer league and proven to be injury prone, while Mullens has played in every game. Just look at the inside presence of Mullens there on the picture to your left. No wonder the Buckeyes had such a nice season last year.
#2: Resigning Jason Kidd
Kidd may be a flashy superstar name to acquire in the offseason, but the Mavs again fail to address the basketball IQ of the team. Add to Josh Howard this behind the back passing/alley oop throwing malcontent and just see what happens. We need a solid veteran like Tyronne Lue if we are going to make any noise this season.
#3: Signing Marcin Gortat to an offer sheet for the MLE (mid level exception).
What are these guys thinking. Another 4 points per game white Euro stiff. Didn't we get enough of this with Loren Meyer. Not only that, but we gave him 5 years instead of 4. This makes a huge difference, obviously.
Then they got absolutely taken by the genius of Magic general manager Otis Smith who matched the offer sheet signed by Donn Nelson. The Magic prove again to the Mavericks that brains win out over money. They now have a great backup center and solid power forward to go along with stalwart inside post player Dwight Howard. Gortat clearly has skills that the Mavericks need and they will sorely need to find a viable center like Aaron Gray or Troy Murphy if they want to compete.
#4: Signing Shawn Marion
Again, they have a quality power forward in Jerry Stackhouse that they waive for no good reason and sign this guy. As if we needed more midrange jumpshooting. This guy has never done anything in his career and the only reason he has put up career averages of 18 points per game and 10 mostly defensive rebounds is because he can jump really high. He will get manhandled down low and will have a tough time keeping up with the quick moving Von Wafer's of the world. Because of a glut at the shooting guard position, Marion will likely slide down to Small Forward, where he is clearly too small to keep them away from the rim. Another
#5: Releasing Brandon Bass to the Magic
Why would we let go of the only guy with the length and athleticism to compete down low in the Eastern Conference? My goodness. We were offering him 4 years and he wanted 5. I would've given him 6 because it doesn't matter how many years you give someone a contract since they are non guaranteed anyway. What a waste of a tremendous asset. While undersized, his tenacity and 3 point shooting ability will be sorely missed and Donn Nelson should seriously have his job questioned for such a terrible decision.
#6: Signing Lamar Odom
We already have a Center in Gortat, DONNIE. COME ON. What a waste of the bi-annual exception.
In conclusion, this team has had a dissapointing offseason so far. They likely will only win 55-60 games this year and I'm not going to lie, I'd be surpised if they even get to the Finals. I can't wait until this season starts! and then is over. Because then maybe we can finally start our long awaited rebuilding process by trading away Dirk. I don't know about you but I've had just about enough of watching him shoot 15 footers. Everyone knows that you have to score inside buddy.
Go Mavs!
good take on the sports
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