Dallas Mavericks Offseason: Center Options

Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The offseason is upon us and the Dallas Mavericks as always will look to make a splash.

Dirk Nowitzki is the only guarantee to be back of the Mavs’ own free agents. Vince Carter, Shawn Marion, DeJuan Blair, Devin Harris, and Bernard James may have seen their last days in a Dallas uniform. With about $30 million dollars in cap room (Pre-Nowitzki signing new deal), the Mavericks have a great opportunity to improve the 49-33 roster.

The Smoking Cuban will break down possible position options for the Mavericks this offseason.

Centers

You won’t find a Dwight Howard or Joakim Noah in this season’s market, but there are a few options to improve in a much needed area. Also, with Blair and James on the market, Dallas may look to bringing more than one big body.

Under Contract

Samuel Dalembert, 32 (Team Option): 6.6 points, 6,8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks

Shot blocking big man who plays when he wants. Poor hands and not the best of finishers.

Brandan Wright, 26: 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, .9 blocks

Athletic with great hands. Excellent finisher. Decent shot blocker but poor one on one defender.

Free Agents

Marcin Gortat, 30: 13. 2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

Originally signed an offer sheet with the Mavericks during the 2009 season, but had the Orlando Magic match the offer sheet. Great in the pick-n-roll.

Pau Gasol, 33: 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

Is still one of the best passing and skilled bigs in the league. Can score from inside and out. Like Nowitzki, not the most agile of defenders. Still a good one-on-one post defender who still blocks shots.

Greg Monroe, 23 (RFA): 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, .6 blocks

Multi-skilled big man who can both score inside, midrange, and pass. Can play both power forward and center. Doesn’t offer much on the defensive end

Emeka Okafor, 31: Did Not Play

Okafor missed the 2013-2014 season due to a back injury. No definite answer if he will play again. Was a good shot blocker and rebounder pre-injuries.

Spencer Hawes, 26: 13.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks

7-footer with 3-point range. Not a great defender but will get blocks.

Andrew Bynum, 26: 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks

Has battled injuries over the last couple seasons. Maturity always a concern. When body and head are right, still capable of being one of best centers in the league.

Trade Options

Tyson Chandler, 31 (New York Knicks): 8.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks

Key piece to Mavs 2011 championship. Great hands and finisher. Excellent in pick-n-roll. Great defender. Very passionate. Not a great shooter or creating for himself. Injury prone.

Larry Sanders, 26 (Milwaukee Bucks): 7.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 rebounds

Athletic big who can block shots. Durability and maturity are concerns. Can finish above the rim.

Omer Asik, 27 (Houston Rockets): 5.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, .8 blocks

Great rebounder, defender, shot blocker. Doesn’t offer much on offense.