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NBA: The Best 2016 Free Agent For Every Team

By Ryan Blackburn

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks – Hassan Whiteside

An interesting target for Mark Cuban to keep the Mavericks relevant while Dirk Nowitzki is still on the roster would be Hassan Whiteside. With solid wing players in Wesley Matthews and Chandler Parsons (assuming he doesn’t opt out or re-signs in Dallas), along with a passable point guard trio of Deron Williams, Devin Harris and J.J. Barea, the best place to look for upgrades is at center.

Zaza Pachulia had a pretty good season as the starting center, and Dwight Powell surprised many people, but neither have the upside that Whiteside has in his left pinky finger. As a shot blocker and rim attacker on offense, the young Miami center has kept the Heat frontcourt afloat after Chris Bosh went out for the season.

In Dallas, Whiteside would assume the role left behind by Tyson Chandler. After Chandler went to the Phoenix Suns, the pick and roll began to be less effective and the middle of the defense was left open for periods of time. Rick Carlisle’s incredible coaching kept the Mavs afloat for a long time, but in the end, they need more talent in the middle of their defense.

The most important aspect of the end of Dirk’s career is to manage his minutes as well as possible. Having a plus option at the center position and a small forward in Parsons who can play the small ball power froward will do just that. Cuban has never shied away from possibly toxic personalities, and with the Deandre Jordan fiasco last offseason, a hole remains at the center position.

Pencil in the Mavericks for a playoff spot in 2016-17 if they sign Whiteside and remain healthy throughout the year.

Next: Denver Nuggets