Q&A: Rashard Lewis’s Fit With Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks recently signed Rashard Lewis to a one year, minimum deal. The 34-year old holds career averages of 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and has shot 38.6% from three. Lewis averaged 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 34.3% from deep.

David Ramil, who covers the Miami Heat for FanSided’s All U Can Heat, has been kind enough to answer some questions on what Rashard Lewis can bring to the Mavs.

David Ramil (@dramil13) is a contributor at Fansided’s All U Can Heat site and has also had his words published on SB Nation, The Cauldron and a number of other sites. He has followed Miami Heat basketball since Glen “G-Money” Rice – the original #41 – was winning the 3-point contest. From Alonzo Mourning to Dwyane Wade and even LeBron James, he’s seen it all.

Editor’s Note: David Ramil is a must follow on Twitter and his articles are a must read. 

1. Rashard Lewis spent the last two seasons with the Heat, so you’ve been able to see him plenty. What can the Mavs expect from him?

More than you’d think considering his age. Knee issues and a huge contract that he could never live up ruined perception of Lewis but, in Miami, he was a great professional and teammate. He’s a quite and steady locker room presence but, given his time in South Florida, he’ll know how to blend in on a deep, veteran team.

He was used a sub and starter in Miami and then went through stretches where he wouldn’t see the floor for weeks, all the while staying ready for when his number was called. Offensively, he has an odd shooting motion (not Matrix-like but still) which is solid from long-range (just over 34% on 134 3PA) and surprisingly effective from mid-range, especially on the baseline.

He can find an open space and drive to the hoop and his long limbs and height help him as a strong finisher. Defensively, he can harass the SF, PF and C positions, often using his long reach to poke a ball free. All in all, a solid pickup for the Mavs.

2. What are his flaws?

His speed was never great and he’s certainly not going to beat anyone off the dribble. He can get lost in certain defensive schemes and, unless everyone on the floor is committed to applying defensive pressure, he can be a weak link.

And while I think he can blend in, I’m curious to see how he responds to a new coaching style and environment. He came to Miami as a contributor to a team that was very established, top-heavy in talent and had plenty of veterans that knew their roles on the team. Dallas may not have the luxury of time to get everyone focused and on the same page.

3. From Game 5 against the Pacers to Game 3 verse the Spurs, Lewis averaged 13.8 points and shot 52.9% from 3 in 29 minutes of action. He won’t be asked to produce those numbers for the Mavs, but was this five game stretch a sign that he has plenty left to contribute to the Mavs in a reserve role?

Or even as a starter. Again, he was playing with arguable the greatest player in the game and two Hall-of-Famers that may have masked whatever inconsistencies Lewis would display at his age. But I definitely see him working out well in Dallas and, at a relatively-low price, he could be a real steal.

4. Which was more painful, losing Lewis or LeBron James?

Neither. The (second) end of the Michael Beasley era was infinitely worse than either.