Bleacher Report - Articles by ani u

Tough Day for The Dallas Mavericks

ani u — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:01:07 -0400

Today started off with news that the Orlando Magic decided to match the offer the Dallas Mavericks made to Marcin Gortat, and the only party happy about that is Orlando's.

They really shouldn't, because they did offer a 10-minutes-per-game backup about $6 million a year to keep him on the bench.

Also,they are over the luxury tax now, and it's going to be difficult to trade his contract to a team and expect to get better talent. Orlando is going to struggle with playing time next year, which will create problems, so as Mavericks' fans, let's hope that happens.

I do trust Mark Cuban will do something for us to forget about this, but for today, that's the main thing on my mind.

When you think the day is bad enough, Rodrigue Beaubois gets injured in the last minute of their summer league game against Phoenix, and he couldn't put any pressure on that leg. Beaubois exploded for 34 points two nights ago, and now to see him hopping on one leg was terrible to watch.

I hope he is fine, because that would be a terrible blow to the Mavericks organization if it is serious.

Let's see how the front office responds to the things that happened today, and hopefully they don't panic and make a stupid roster move.

Memphis Grizzlies: The Surprise Team Out West Next Year?

ani u — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:09:47 -0400

The Memphis Grizzlies have faced scrutiny for the Pau Gasol trade, and the fact that they haven't done well in the past couple of seasons.

But will next year be the year when the young Grizzlies show up and become a playoff team?

They are a young and very athletic group with Gay, Mayo, Conley and new draft pick Hasheem Thabeet.

Conley came into his own in the second half of last season when he didn't have a backup point guard fighting minutes with him. From February to April he averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 assists and 1.7 steals a game. With a good off season, he can improve those numbers greatly.

Gay had sort of a down year from his 20 points per game average he had in 2007-08 season. He still averaged 18 points a game, which is still impressive, but expect him to score about the same next season with Mayo and newly acquired Zach Randolph.

Mayo had a great rookie year averaging 18.5 points, 3.2 assists, and shooting 38 percent from three-point range. Mayo was the runner up for Rookie of the Year last year losing to Derrick Rose. His sophomore season will be more important next year, to see if he was just a one-year wonder, or is he a legit all star player.

Mayo helps spread the floor out on offense, and takes pressure off Conley and Gay on offense.

Zach Randolph is a 20/10 guy, but has had trouble with his teammates and coaches his whole career. He does put up big numbers, but at times tries to play like he is a guard and puts up stupid shots (there are videos on YouTube making fun of him).

Nonetheless, if Randolph can put his act together, and try to play like a team player, Memphis can make really big strides next season.

Hasheem Thabeet brings a defensive presence in the post that Memphis has never had. They won't need him to be a scorer, but to be a hustle player that can shut down the paint on defense.

Expect Thabeet to be an x-factor in games, and the guy who help make stops to build momentum for the team.

If they bring in Allen Iverson, expect him to come and play his heart out to rebuild his reputation as a lethal scorer. He can be that explosive sixth man that would bring energy and excitement to Memphis fans, and I believe he is the missing piece for them to make it to the playoffs.

They have insurance in their front court with Spaniard Marc Gasol, who averaged 11 points and seven rebounds a game. Playing time will be limited with Randolph and Thabeet, but he will still put up solid numbers.

Look out for Darrell Arthur. He came into his own in the second half of the season, and expect him to improve on that coming into next season.

I've read on Web sites, and I've been hearing that Oklahoma City could have a breakout year next season, but Memphis is a team that has some serious talent. If they can play together and not get injured a lot, expect them to make a run to get in the playoffs in a tough Western Conference.

Players To Watch For Mavs Summer League Team

ani u — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:56:22 -0400

While summer league is not as interesting as the real season, it does showcase future stars of the NBA. Here are some interesting prospects on the Mavericks' Summer League team:

Rodrigue Beaubois - The Mavericks first round pick a couple weeks ago, "Roddy" is a 6-foot-2' guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. A speedy guard with great athleticism and an above average jump shot, Beaubois will be able to show his unique skills to the league tomorrow.

Curtis Jerrells - A quick lefty, Jerrells will break down his defenders with his ball-handling. He can also finish around the basket with his strength. Jerrells, from Baylor, is an undrafted free agent, so expect him to let it all out on the court to show teams what they missed on in the draft.

Shan Foster - The Mavericks 51st pick in last year's draft spent last season in Europe. With new forward acquisition Dallas has made, Foster will need to really impress if he wants to be on the roster next season.

Nick Calathes - Calathes was Minnesota's 45th pick this year. He was immediately traded to Dallas. Calathes has already decided to play in Greece next year, but he will compete in the summer league. The 6-foot-6 point guard will be an unique prospect for Dallas down the road, most likely replacing Jason Kidd when he retires.

Ahmad Nivins - Nivins was drafted this year with Dallas' 56th pick. If he doesn't shine, Nivins may end up may up in Europe or the D-League like Foster. People have compared him to P.J. Brown with his hustle and great rebounding skills.

Moussa Seck - Seck, from Senegal, is 7-foot-4. Despite the height, he only ways 220 pounds. Regardless, you can't teach 7-foot-4. It is highly unlikely that he makes an NBA roster, but lets see what happens.

What's Next for The Dallas Mavericks?

ani u — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:33:12 -0400

Dallas Mavericks management promised fans a splash this summer, and they have delivered thus far. Bringing in Shawn Marion, most likely getting Marcin Gortat, and finally letting go of Devean George, Antoine Wright, and Jerry Stackhouse.

But are the Mavericks finished?

Rick Carlisle was on The Ticket and said, "Stay Tuned," so you know Dallas still has something up its sleeve.

We still have Erik Dampier's expiring contract, and plus we just added Greg Buckner's non-guaranteed contract. Both players will most likely be used if Dallas is planning on making another trade this summer.

Another player who might get traded is Brandon Bass. He knows he's not getting the full mid-level exemption from a team, but a sign and trade would increase his salary. But with his BYC, it would be really difficult to make a trade with another team that would be willing to sign Bass for that much.

Fans have talked about Rip Hamilton, Michael Redd, or even Jason Richardson. But does Dallas really need to make another major acquisition to propel its team to the top two teams in the west, if they haven't already?

Just adding another legit scorer to release pressure from Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard would be good enough.

Like Carlisle said, "Stay tuned," so let's see what other tricks Dallas is going to pull.

Is Shawn Marion Headed to the Dallas Mavericks?

ani u — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:43:23 -0400

The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors are discussing a sign-and-trade deal that would send Shawn Marion to Dallas.

The deal is not imminent, but there may have to be a third team to make the salary exchange work. Dallas would most likely have to give up Jerry Stackhouse, who will earn $7 million next season with only $2 million guaranteed. Marion would be making less money if he wasn't acquired through a sign-and-trade, because as a free agent he would likely only get mid-level money.

Marion, 31, averaged 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds a game for the Miami Heat and the Raptors last season. His numbers aren't close to where they were with Phoenix, but placing him with Jason Kidd and other scorers around him, he will be able to slash to the bucket more and have defenses less concentrated on him.

The lineup will be intriguing for Dallas, because the Mavericks may have to put Josh Howard at shooting guard, which is an unnatural position for him. Or are they going to bring Marion off the bench to bring some energy?

Either way, "The Matrix" makes Dallas better, but I don't think it puts us at the top. Dallas will need to make one more key acquisition to make the Mavericks legit contenders out west.

Four Teams Fighting For Frye

ani u — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:26:49 -0400

Phoenix, Denver, San Antonio, and Cleveland are the front runners to land Channing Frye.

Frye, who played for the Portland Trailblazers last year averaged career low in points and rebounds with 4 points, 2 rebounds. Frye struggled to get playing time in Portland due to Portland having too many bigs. Frye has shown with playing time he can contribute, because while in New York for two years he averaged 10.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. Frye is only 26, so there is more potential to come out from him.

Good fit for Cleveland:

he would be a quicker, more athletic post player with a good shooting range to complement Shaq in the post on offense and defense. He would help spread the floor out more, and teams would get a lot of good shots off playing beside Shaq and LeBron, who commands double teams.

Good fit for Phoenix:

in Alvin Gentry's run and gun style of play, Fry would be the perfect fit at power forward to play beside Amare. Both are bigs that can run the floor well, good shooting range, and can finish around the basket. He would start for them, because Earl Clark still needs to develop before getting significant minutes on the court.

Good fit for Denver:

Would automatically be a rotation player, backing up Kenyon Martin in power forward. Kenyon will turn 32 in the middle of next season, plus he is injury prone, so Frye will have chances to start. He's an insurance if anything happens to Martin.

Good fit for San Antonio:

The Spurs need more bigs, plus Frye would be able to start at power forward for them with Duncan at center. Parker, Manu, Jefferson, and Duncan, Frye will be open a lot on offense with those four players needing extra attention for defenses.