Dallas Mavericks Offseason: Point Guard Change Needed?

Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-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.

Point Guard

The point guard spot is the deepest spot for the Mavericks at this moment. Jose Calderon and rookies Shane Larkin and Gal Mekel are currently under contract. It’s a strong possibility that Harris returns to continue his second stint in Dallas.

There aren’t many starting point caliber point guards on the market, but if the Mavs like, they can bring in a new point guard and move Calderon either to the bench or another team (if anyone is interested).  If Harris decides to leave, there are other options out there to takeover his role.

Free Agents

Kyle Lowry, 28: 17.9 points, 42.3% fg, 38.0% 3-pt, 7.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 turnovers

Tough and physical attacking guard. Great rebounder for a pg. Turnover prone. Score first mentality can lead to over aggressiveness.

Eric Bledsoe, 24 (RFA): 17.7 points, 47.7% fg, 35.7% 3-pt, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 3.3 turnovers

Amazing athlete and physical specimen. Thrives in the open court and attacking the basket. Great defensive guard. Off the dribble shooting needs improvement. Can be a turnover machine. Plays both guard spots.

Isaiah Thomas, 25 (RFA): 20.3 points, 34.9% 3-pt, 6.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 3.0 turnovers

Score first point guard. Size leaves him vulnerable on the defensive end. Even though small, he can finish inside. Turnover prone. Can heat up at any moment.

Shaun Livingston, 28: 8.3 points, 48.3% fg, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals

Great size for a point guard. Can play both guard spots. Doesn’t offer much on from the perimeter. Better guarding shooting guards than point guards.

Steve Blake, 34: 6.9 points, 37.6% 3-pt, 5.6 assists, 1.9 turnovers

Good three point shooter. Pass first. Not quick enough to stay with fast attacking guards. Underrated competitor.

Mario Chalmers, 27: 9.8 points, 38.5% 3-pt, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 2.2 turnovers

Plenty of championship experience. Good 3-pt shooter. Good defender. Averages too many turnovers for a third/fourth option.

Greivis Vasquez, 27 (RFA): 9.6 points, 37.7% 3-pt, 4.1 assists, 1.6 turnovers

Good 3-pt shooter. Can play both guard spots on offense. Defense isn’t a strong suit. Score first mentality.

Avery Bradley, 23 (RFA): 14.9 points, 39.5% 3-pt, 1.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals

Great defensive guard who can guard both spots. Not a true point guard. Improved three point shooter. Not much of a one on one player. Best attacking the basket. Injury prone.

Trade Options

Deron Williams, 29: 14.3 points, 45% fg, 36.6% 3-pt, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.2 turnovers

Former All-Star and franchise point guard who’s game has been in a steep decline since singing a 5-year-$100 million contract. At his best was a top 3 point guard, while he shows flashes of his former self, he’s lucky to crack the top 10 now.

Rajon Rondo, 28: 11.7 points, 40.3% fg, 9.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 3.3 turnovers

Pass first point guard. Great at attacking and probing the defense. Capable of big scoring nights but lack of jump shot make it rare. Coming off of knee surgery. Smart and tough. Great on defense and  won’t back down from anyone (including LeBron James). Would require plenty of assets to pry him away from Boston.