Dallas Mavericks Offseason: Finding A Backup Power Forward

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 $26 million dollars in cap room (Pre-Nowitzki signing new deal), the Mavericks have a great opportunity to improve the 49-33 roster.

Power Forward

We’ve seen Keith Van Horn, Drew Gooden, Brandon Bass, Kris Humphries, and others occupy the backup spot behind Nowitzki in seasons past. Recent seasons Marion has filled this hole, but he could be suiting up for a new team next season. With Nowtizki the only true power forward on the roster, expect the Mavericks to finally fill this vacant spot with a true power forward.

Chris Bosh is expected to hit free agency, don’t expect him to be an option in Big D.

Free Agents

Patrick Patterson, 25 (RFA): 8.5 points, 36.4% 3-pt, 5.3 rebounds

Face up power forward with range. Improved rebounder. Struggles against physical players.

Jordan Hill, 26: 9.7 points, 54.9% fg, 7.4 rebound, .9 blocks

Can play both PF/C. Not a great shooter. Best around basket. Great rebounder on both ends. Provides plenty of energy.  Good defender.

Josh McRoberts, 27: 8.5 points, 36.1% 3-pt, 4.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists

Point forward skill set. Great passer and ball handler for a PF. Good 3-pt shooter. Not the best of one on one defenders.

Boris Diaw, 32: 9.1 points, 40.2% 3-pt, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists

Multi-dimensional. Can guard SF, PF, and Cs. Don’t let his size fool you. Good spot up shooter. Smart player. Great ball handler.

Ryan Kelly, 23: 8 points, 33.8 % 3-pt, 3.7 rebounds

Made his name as a scorer and shooter in college. SF who can be a small ball PF. Defense and rebounding nothing to be brag about.

Ed Davis, 24 (RFA): 5.7 points, 53.4% fg, 4.1 rebounds

Buried on the bench behind Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Best around the basket. Great size and athleticism.

Glen Davis, 28: 9.4 points, 45.7% fg, 5.2 rebounds

Wide body with no bounce. Agile for his size. Good midrange shooter and screener. OK defender. Questionable decision-making. Not a great finisher against defense.

Charlie Villanueva, 29: 4.6 points, 38% fg, 1.7 rebounds

Injuries, attitude, and being stuck on the bench in Detroit have hurt his career. Once a good floor spacer and offensive threat is a non-factor on that side of the court now.

Dante Cunningham, 27: 6.3 points, 46.5% fg, 4.1 rebounds

Energetic defender. Good midrange shooter with no 3-pt range. Good rebounder. Lacks size to bang against posts. Physically may be better suited as a small forward.

Mike Scott, 25 (RFA): 9.6 points, 31.0% 3-pt, 3.6 rebounds

Offensive threat with improving range. Defensive numbers non-existant.

Other Notable PFs: Jeff Adrien, Udonis Haslem, Matt Bonner, Kenyon Martin, Earl Clark, Al Harrington, Antawn Jamison, Tyrus Thomas, Royce White, Drew Gooden