Dallas Mavericks: Grading The Offseason

Jan 18, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Devin Harris (20) guards Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Wesley Matthews (2) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 127-111. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 31, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

JaVale Joins The Party

If the Mavs were going to take a chance on JaVale McGee, they might as well do it on a two-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum (with the second year being a team option). But even if Dallas now has a passable three-man rotation of Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee and Samuel Dalembert at center…is that really anything to get excited about?

When healthy, McGee is a capable backup. He’s only two seasons removed from averaging 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game for the Denver Nuggets, and has averaged 15.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per 36 minutes for his entire career.

The Mavs went from DeAndre Jordan to Zaza Pachilia and JaVale McGee. Hmm.
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) August 13, 2015

But McGee has also only played a grand total of 28 games since that 2012-13 season, leaving his injury-prone NBA career in doubt. There’s also the issue of gaining Rick Carlisle’s trust, which will be a mountain of a task for a player most known for his frequent appearances on Shaqtin’ A Fool.

A smart coach like Carlisle might be able to find a way to tap into McGee’s athletic potential, but based on what we’ve seen from the injury-prone seven-footer over the last few years, this move might not be anything to get excited about.

Grade: C-

Next: Other Minor Signings

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