Fan Vote: Wesley Matthews or Monta Ellis

With over 25 games of the season in the books, should the Mavericks have pursued Monta Ellis harder over the offseason?

Entering the offseason, the Mavericks had their sights set on the bigger fishes of free agency…much like they always do. From rumored meetings to the situations around the DeAndre drama, all Mavs fans know how the summer played out.

After losing out on DeAndre Jordan, the Mavericks signed Wesley Matthews to a 4-year, $70 million dollar contract that instantly made him the highest paid player in Dallas. This was obviously the biggest splash of free agency, but one the Mavericks felt they couldn’t lose out on after the DeAndre drama.

Hanging in the shadows was the leading scorer for the Mavericks the year before, Monta Ellis. Ellis had just finished an impressive last year for the Mavs where he averaged 18.9 ppg and provided a nice complement to Dirk Nowitzki.

After the Mavericks decided to go in a different direction, Ellis signed a 4-year, $44 million dollar deal with the Indiana Pacers. The Mavericks not only lost their anchor in Tyson Chandler, but now the previous leading scorer just walked out the door also.

The Mavericks basically swapped out two 29-year old (at the time) shooting guards and decided to pay the new one $6 million dollars more a year for the same amount of total years. So did the Mavericks make the right decision?

Let’s take a look at both players.

Dec 14, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates making a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Wesley Matthews

Earlier in the spring of 2015, Matthews notably went down on the court in what would eventually be a torn Achilles tendon. The season was done and recovery time was set; only Matthews was set to hit free agency just a few short months later.

After arriving in Dallas on a near max deal, expectations were all over the place. Some people had Matthews slated into debuting for the Mavericks after the new year while he proclaimed himself that he would be ready for opening night.

Sep 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

To the surprise of some, Matthews heard his name called on opening night as he took the floor for his new team.

Since then, Matthews has had some what of a streaky start to the season. Through 25 games, Matthews is averaging 13.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, and 1.8 apg. All season lows over the past three seasons.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story for Matthews. Arguably his biggest impact on the game for the Mavericks is his play on the defensive end as he goes head-to-head with the opposing team’s best player on a nightly basis. Matthews has quickly established his name as one of the elite wing defenders in the league.

His well-known three-point shot is a little less efficient as last year (35% to 38%), but he will look to improve that mark as he continues to fully recover from his injury. Probably his brightest moment of the season was when he knocked down 10 three pointers in Washington for a total of 36 points on the night. A night to remember for Matthews.

Matthews gives the Mavs the prototypical example of a “3-D” guy. He gives the Mavs an elite wing defender that they have lacked for years going up against the stars of the West. He also gives the Mavs a lethal threat from behind the arc that teams must always game plan for on a nightly basis.

So what is the cherry on top? Everyone loves him. People praise his work ethic and leadership as he is the ultimate teammate. He fits right into the culture that Dallas has established and looks to be a cornerstone for years to come.

Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) leaves the court during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Monta Ellis

After playing 162 games for the Mavericks and leading the team in scoring in the 2014-15 season, Ellis found himself joining a new team in free agency as the Mavericks decided to go in the direction of Wesley Matthews.

The Mavericks finished with a 50-32 record on the season behind Ellis averaging 18.9 ppg. Dirk followed right behind in scoring, but for the first time in quite a few years, the Mavericks had a reliable scoring option beside Nowitzki.

Ellis gave the team a unique skill set that the team wasn’t used to having.

The Mavericks finally had a slashing guard who could penetrate on the offensive end. Ellis’ quick step allowed him to run a beautiful pick-n-roll with Nowitzki that seemed to be unstoppable on some nights. With Ellis being a threat to drive or pull up for mid-range shot, this enabled the Mavs to have a late game scoring option outside of Nowitzki.

Now Ellis definitely had his flaws, most noticeably his defense.

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Throughout his career, each franchise whom Ellis has suited up for has had to try to figure out how to compensate for him on the defensive end. His small frame (6’3″, 185lbs) and lack of defensive ability enabled opposing shooting guards to score at will sometimes.

The Mavericks, recognizing their need for better defense, tried to solve the equation by trading for Rajon Rondo, but we all know the outcome to that story.

To go with his below average defense, Ellis had repeating rumors circulating about his discontent with Rick Carlisle and was even seen uninterested at times during games.

Ellis had his pros and cons much like any other player, but sometimes the makeup of the team determines which characteristics hold the most weight.

Who Impacts the Mavs More?

Two players who play the same position who are almost opposite players.

Matthews is the defensive stopper who can get hot from behind the arc.

Ellis is the playmaking guard who can give you a reliable go-to scoring option every night.

Last year, the Mavericks desperately needed that lockdown wing defender to face-off against the best of the West while still being able to knock down the open threes.

This year, the Mavericks seem to be missing a second reliable option on the scoring end behind Dirk who can get to the basket and make plays on the offensive end.

Obviously, Deron Williams would have to play into the equation. How would have Ellis fit next to Williams not just defensively, but on the offensive end also? Would their personalities match up?

Next: What Happened Against the Pacers?

Personally, I am fine with the Wesley Matthews addition. His defense means more than what most of us think and his offense will come. But I would be naive to think that the offense of Monta Ellis right now wouldn’t pay dividends for this offensive struggling Mavs team (at a cheaper price).

Now that the dust has settled, is Wesley Matthews worth six more million dollars a year than Monta Ellis? Would you have rather paid Ellis the same deal that he received from Indy than pay Matthews what he received from the Mavs?

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