Hoops Habit
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Dallas Mavericks: Who To Pursue And Who To Avoid

By Cole Mentzel

Dec 18, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) dribbles against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) dribbles against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Centers

Unrestricted Free Agents (Mavs): Zaza Pachulia, Salah Mejri, JaVale McGee

If the Mavs land a big-time free agent this summer, it’s going to be a center. Salah Mejri is almost a lock to be back, but he isn’t exactly a starter yet and the Mavs will have a great chance to lock up an elite big man with the options on the board.

Al Horford – Atlanta Hawks: Pursue

Horford has played for the Hawks his entire career and it would be a shock to see him go elsewhere this summer, but there’s no denying the fact that he simply hasn’t had much success in the playoffs. He’s one of the best centers in the league today and his presence on both ends of the floor will change any team.

Hassan Whiteside – Miami Heat: Pursue

This is the center that I’m most interested in watching this summer. Whiteside is arguably the best defensive player in the NBA right now. He followed up a great season with the Heat in 2014-15 by averaging 14.2 points per game, 11.8 rebounds per game and 3.7 blocks per game. At 26 years of age, Whiteside is max contract-worthy and operating under Rick Carlisle could expand his game even further.

Al Jefferson – Charlotte Hornets: Avoid

Jefferson would be a great backup option, should the Mavs fail to attract one of the two players mentioned above, but his numbers have fell off in the past couple of seasons and he has become more susceptible to injury.

More hoops habit: Free Agency Plans Set Up Crucial Summer For Mavs

Joakim Noah – Chicago Bulls: Pursue

Noah had been pushed to the bench in Chicago prior to his shoulder injury earlier in the season. He has suffered from his share of minor injuries over the years, but taking a risk on him would be worth it. It’s hard to find a player more passionate about the game of basketball than he is plus his rebounding and defense provide stability in the lane.

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