The Dallas Mavericks Have a Plan

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Maverick’s front office, Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson, are very quiet right now which scares many fans.  It seems much of Cuban’s time needs to be focused towards fighting off another law suit, this one by Ross Perot Jr. (yeah, I am kind of confused also).  On the other hand, Donnie Nelson is probably scouting the next Dirk, or perhaps Rigaudeau.

SIDEBAR: Why is Donnie Nelson getting paid to act as the General Manager when everyone knows Cuban makes every decision?  He also claims to not choose sides in the feud between Mark Cuban, his boss, and Don Nelson, HIS FATHER.  But that’s a story of its own.

However, here is an alternative to what the two are doing, and what I choose to believe.  A plan is in place and it involves using the most valuable contract of Greg Buckner, who cannot be traded until September.  Here is some background information first.

I would like to think that since the Mavericks have been very silent since losing out on Gortat to those sly Magic (or dumb overpaying Magic, whichever you prefer); a backup plan is in place and may have already been executed. 

Buckner provides a very useful contract since he is scheduled to make $4 million this year but can be bought out for 1 million.  Does that sound familiar?  Guess who gave Buckner this beautifully written contract? Yes it was your Dallas Mavericks.

Some more insightful background includes that Memphis did not need to include Buckner in the Marion deal but that the Mavs insisted on taking his contract.  The Mavericks had a plan and while maybe some parts of their plan did not occur the way they wanted, the plan still exists.

The Plan:  If the Mavs would have been able to acquire Gortat with the MLE, Buckner’s contract could act as another MLE and financial relief for another team.  However, the table’s turned when we could not acquire Gortat; we now have two MLE’s.  Also, if the Mavs had Gortat on their team, the center position would be responsible for 15 points and 12 rebounds a game and that might be a little low (just playing it safe).  Now it would be a huge improvement if the Mavs could get those kinds of numbers from the center position since we are accustomed to a measly 10 points and 10 rebounds a game on a good day. 

 Since Gortat is gone, we need another center, backup or starter, that can help contribute to Dampier’s efforts.  Enter Samuel Dalembert.  I understand the negatives of trying to acquire Daly, but just be patient and try to understand what I am saying.  Daly is a capable 8 points and 8 rebounds kind of guy and even potentially a double-double threat.  He is athletic, can run the floor well, finish around the basket, block shots, play defense, and even has a little resemblance of a jump hook over his left shoulder.  Be aware that the Mavs went to the finals (and should have won) with a center tandem of Dampier and Diop, while the Celtics won the title with a duo of Perkins and Brown. 

There are two ways this trade can occur, one way is: Carroll (ugly contract, but can shoot the ball and spread the floor for Iggy and Brand), Williams (filler), and Buckner (the prized possession) for Dalembert. 

The other way includes: Williams (filler), Humphries (serviceable PF), Jawai (filler), and Buckner (the pp) for Dalembert.  I am a fan of the first trade because we are able to keep Humphries as a backup PF and Jawai strictly because he is Australian. 

This move will clear some roster spots for us to resign Hollins and Singleton (who has put on an excess of 20 pounds of muscle) while also allowing us to make space for Nivins.  Our lineup would look like,

Kidd/JJB/Boo Boo

Howard/Terry/Ross

Marion/Howard/Ross

Dirk/Marion/Singleton/Humphries/Nivins

Daly/Damp/Hollins/Jawai 

The genius of it all is that we still hold the MLE and the BAE.

Many Mavs fans do not like the idea of acquiring Daly.  While I was in that camp earlier in the offseason, my outlook on this move has changed.  We do not need a 20 point scorer at the center position, we need someone to anchor the defense, score easy buckets on passes from Kidd and Dirk, and rebound the basketball.  Dalembert needs a change of scenery and the Mavericks can provide that for him.

Maybe the trade has already been agreed upon but cannot be official until September when Buckner can be traded.  Is that why the Mavericks have been quiet?  I would like to think so. 

But then again, what do I know? I am just a kid who spends all of his energy stressing about the Mavs and hoping for a championship as if I was on the Maverick payroll.

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