Charlie Villanueva: Making His Case For A Roster Spot
It may have taken an injury to bring power forward Charlie Villanueva to the Dallas Mavericks, but he is making the most of his opportunity. Villanueva found his way to the Mavs roster in large part due to an opportunity that arose when the contract that free agent forward Rashard Lewis signed with Dallas was voided. A physical revealed that Lewis would require surgery on his right knee and the Mavericks were forced to look elsewhere in free agency.
The first move that Dallas made after terminating Lewis’ contract was adding free agent forward Al-Farouq Aminu to the roster. Aminu brings a unique skill set to the Dallas roster but his strengths lie on the defensive end of the court. Rashard Lewis is a far different player, one who thrives on hitting outside shots at the power forward position when given the opportunity.
While Aminu’s defensive presence fills a specific void, the Mavericks’ were still searching for a forward who could stretch the floor with his shooting ability. On Sept. 23, the Mavericks signed Charlie Villanueva to a nonguaranteed contract. Villanueva (30) was the seventh overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, but the 144 games he has missed over the last three seasons left him with few options as the 2014-15 season drew near.
Early reports from training camp were positive as Villanueva began practicing with the Mavericks’ new-look roster. When Dallas began preseason play on Oct. 7 it was evident why Villanueva had received praise for his efforts in practice. Villanueva wasted little time in displaying his shooting range during the Mavericks’ first three preseason games.
Through the first three preseason games, Villanueva has averaged 10.6 points and three rebounds per game. The Mavericks may have 15 guaranteed contracts this upcoming season, but Villanueva could force Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson into a tough decision if he continues to play at a high level.
Villanueva is reportedly healthy after struggling with ankle and back issues in Detroit. The situation that Villanueva found himself in with the Pistons was far from ideal for any player. The Pistons have been a dysfunctional franchise for years now, plagued by poor play and frequent roster turnover.
Regardless of what caused Villanueva’s career to tail off the last three seasons in Detroit, he appears to be healthy and motivated to prove he still belongs in the NBA. The Mavericks are hopeful that providing Villanueva with this opportunity can transform him back into the player he was when he averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2008-09 season.
If Villanueva were to force himself onto the Dallas roster with a strong preseason, he would only be asked to fill a specific role on the bench. While this may sound like a position that lacks importance, Peja Stojakovic and Brian Cardinal both displayed how vital that role may become in the Mavericks 2011 championship run.
Villanueva has lived up to his billing as an offensive threat through two of the first three preseason games, but if he wants to cement his role on the Mavericks roster he will have to display more than just a sweet outside shot. Dallas will need any power forward on the roster to play adequate post defense while displaying the ability to consistently rebound the ball.
Villanueva has made a positive impression throughout the early part of the preseason, but it will take more than two impressive outings to convince head coach Rick Carlisle and his staff that he deserves a spot on the Mavericks’ final roster. With five preseason games remaining, Villanueva is now a player to watch as he looks to prove to the Mavericks’ front office and coaching staff that he is worthy of a spot on their 2014-15 roster.