Dallas Mavericks Offseason: Small Forward A Need

Feb 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Miami Heat small forward

(6) controls the ball against New York Knicks small forward

(7) during the third quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. The Heat defeated the Knicks 106-91. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-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 $26 million dollars in cap room (Pre-Nowitzki signing new deal), the Mavericks have a great opportunity to improve the 49-33 roster.

Small Forward

Marion has occupied the small forward spot since being brought in during the 2009 offseason. At 36, his days as a full-time starting small forward should be at an end.  With a few good names on the market, expect the Mavs to find a new starting forward to pair next to Dirk. Also, with Jae Crowder as the only small forward under contract and Carter being 37, the Mavs may go after more than one to fill vacant spots.

Free Agents

LeBron James, 29: 27.1 points, 56.7% fg, 37.9% 3-pt, 6.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 3.5 turnovers

The best player in the world. Can do it all.

Carmelo Anthony, 30: 27.4 points, 45.2% fg, 40.2% 3-pt, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.6 turnovers

One of the best scorers in the league who can score anywhere from the floor. Underrated spot up shooter. Great rebounder. Good but not exactly a willing passer. Questionable defensive effort.

Chandler Parsons, 25 (RFA): 16.6 points, 37% 3-pt, 5.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.2 steals

Do it all small forward. Can spread the court, put the ball on the floor, and rebound. Not a great isolation game. Defense has slipped over the seasons. Best suited as a third option.

Luol Deng, 29: 16 points, 30.2% 3-pt, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists

Versatile player who plays both side of the ball. Great wing defender. Even at only 29, durability is a concern for Deng.

Trevor Ariza, 28: 14.4 points, 40.7% 3-pt, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals

Great 3-D player. Great 3-pt shooter with championship experience. Athletic. Not a great creator.

Gordon Hayward, 24 (RFA): 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.4 steals

Do it all wing. Rebounds, passes, and defends well. Underrated Athleticism. Saw his percentages plummet due to increased responsibility after departures of Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson.

Paul Pierce, 36: 13.5 points, 37.3% 3-pt, 4.6 rebounds

Still a good spot up shooter. Defense, athleticism, and starting shouldn’t be expected from him. Plenty of toughness and experience to offer.

Evan Turner, 25: 14 points, 32.1% 3-pt, 5 rebounds, 3.2 assists

Lost plenty of value after begin traded from Philadelphia. Decent one on one player. Good rebounder. Not a great shooter or defender.

P.J. Tucker, 29: 9.4 rebounds, 38.7% 3-pt shooter, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals.

Underrated 3-D player.

Marvin Williams, 27: 9.1 points, 35.9% 3-pt, 5.1 rebounds

Bust number two overall pick has transitioned into a good role player. Improved 3-pt shooter.

Al-Farouq Aminu, 23: 7.2 points, 47.4% fg, 6.2 rebounds, 1 steal

Athletic wing who can rebound. Offense nonexistent.

Wesley Johnson, 26: 9.1 points, 36.9% 3-pt, 4.4 rebounds, 1.0 block, 1.1 steal

Amazingly athletic. Improving spot up shooter. Can’t create but excels in the open court.

Other Notable SFs: Danny Granger, Richard Jefferson, Michael Beasley, Jordan Hamilton, Francisco Garcia, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Metta World Piece, Brandon Rush