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Dallas Mavericks: Realistic Big-Name Targets In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 3, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) guards Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Raptors defeat the Mavericks 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) guards Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Raptors defeat the Mavericks 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMar DeRozan, Player Option

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 26 (8/7/1989)
Slash Line: .446/.338/.850
Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 23.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 3PM

After four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, the single most dangerous slasher on the open market is DeMar DeRozan. The Toronto Raptors star has a player option that he’s all but guaranteed to decline, and could soon be looking for a new home.

DeRozan wants to remain with the Raptors, but it’s entirely possible that the Dallas Mavericks could sign him.

The Mavericks need a player who can create in isolation when Dirk Nowitzki is unable to. DeRozan has a painful tendency to settle for long contested 2-point jump shots, but Rick Carlisle is a master at maximizing a player’s value.

DeRozan has already established himself as an outstanding slasher who can drive at virtual will, and Carlisle can make him even more efficient.

DeRozan led the league in points via drives per game in 2015-16 at 8.7—nearly a full point higher than the next-leading player. DeRozan was also No. 3 in free throw attempts per game, and No. 1 in free throw attempts via drives.

Dallas needs a lot of help, but adding a Top 10 scorer entering the prime of their career could be of great aid to Carlisle’s offense.

Next: Career Rejuvenation, Part I

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