Dallas Mavericks: Charlie Villanueva Has Decent Chance Of Making Roster
The Dallas Mavericks continue to find ways to make their roster look as intriguing as possible in early September.
The Mavs and free agent power forward Charlie Villanueva agreed to terms on a non-guaranteed contract on Monday, giving Dallas another guy who could compete for some minutes in the frontcourt with Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler.
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Villanueva was a solid player in the NBA, once upon a time. A former lottery pick in 2005, going seventh overall, Villanueva has never turned into the impactful stretch power forward many thought he’d become. Instead, he’s averaged 11.5 points per game over his nine-year career and has played on three different teams.
After a career-making year in 2008-09 (16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game), Villanueva had five years in Detroit he’d like to have back, including missing 62 games last season with the Pistons.
Now Villanueva has a chance to do something he’s never done in his career: Play on a contender. That’s the opportunity laid out in front of the former UConn Huskie, now that he’s on the Mavs.
Not only is this is his first time on a contending team and is with the Mavs, but he has a very legitimate chance to make the 15-man roster come Opening Night.
Dallas improved its frontcourt and then some this summer in the offseason. Chandler Parsons was obviously the biggest addition at small forward, but Dirk and Tyson needed some help at power forward and center. That was supposed to come from Rashard Lewis, but that never materialized as Lewis’ contract was voided after Dallas found out Lewis needed surgery on his right knee.
This is where Villanueva comes in. Lewis had a great chance of making the final roster because of his 3-point shooting. When Villanueva is healthy, he’s a solid stretch power forward who could make life tough on opposing defenses. In his first six seasons in the league, Villanueva shot better than 43 percent from 3-point range.
The main concern, as highlighted, is his health. Villanueva’s getting older and has found it tougher to stay on the court. But this could be a classic case of a player needing a new lease on life. Nothing screams, “GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!” like playing your entire career in Milwaukee, Toronto and Detroit.
This will be something new for Villanueva. He gets a chance to provide something the Mavs need, and could’ve gotten from Lewis: 3-point shooting behind Dirk.
That alone gives serious optimism that the Mavs could use Villanueva when the season gets started in October. Dallas more than likely wouldn’t want to keep five players who can play the 4 or 5. It would be unique, especially when there are other positions of need that have to be filled first.
But having a guy like Villanueva could make a difference in how teams match up with the Mavs. You’re not going to see Dirk and Villanueva play at the same time, because screams of disbelief would ring from the city of Dallas at the lack of defense. To best describe it, imagine thousands of Mavs fans screaming like they witnessed a murder.
If Villanueva makes the roster, there’s a good chance it would have to be over Greg Smith. It wouldn’t be ideal getting rid of Smith, but he’s the only one that could be thought of to be cut.
It’s a long shot, but it could be something Dallas needs.