Dallas Mavericks: What to Do With JaVale McGee

After somewhat of a weird season with JaVale McGee, the Dallas Mavericks face a decision this summer with the big man.

After missing out on DeAndre Jordan last summer, Dallas looked at all angles in trying to fill the void at center next to Dirk Nowitzki. After trading for Zaza Pachulia and signing Tunisian big man Salah Mejri, Dallas turned their attention to a popular name among NBA fans.

While the rumored interest circled the NBA, Dallas finally pulled the trigger after medical checkups and signed JaVale McGee to a two-year minimum contact with a team option for the second year.

McGee found himself playing in just six games in Philadelphia the prior season. Looking to revitalize his career, McGee came to Dallas where he would compete for center minutes for a team that didn’t have a true starter on the roster.

While he missed the first 13 games of the season, McGee made his debut for the Mavericks in mid-November where he came off the bench and logged 10 minutes of play. It wasn’t until mid-December that McGee got a full month’s worth of playing time where he played in a total of 17 straight games while logging up to 20 minutes some nights.

McGee gave the Mavs something that Pachulia couldn’t offer them: an athletic presence above the rim. McGee not only provided a shot blocking presence in the paint, but gave Dallas a pick and roll option that gave the Mavs a vertical threat towards the rim.

Although this highlight was fun and effective, McGee also provided his own share of difficulties surrounding his decision-making; something that has plagued him his whole career. Even though he is overflowing with athleticism, the mental side of his game is what has held him back at times.

After his 17 straight games played, McGee found himself back on the bench as he played in just 9 out of the last 39 games on the season while logging 12 healthy inactives.

So with McGee possessing a team option for the second year on his deal, what do the Mavericks do?

If I was a betting man, I would bet that even though it would be a cheap contract, McGee will find himself as a free agent this summer. Based on his role the second half of the season and into the playoffs, McGee might have played his last game in Dallas.

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If it was up to me, I wouldn’t be so quick to pull the trigger on declining the option. If the option is picked up, he would only be on the books for $1.5 million next season, something that could be very valuable depending on what the Mavericks can do this summer.

A backup, athletic center for that price could be intriguing, especially if a team hands a decent contract to Zaza Pachulia this summer. He seems to be a solid locker room guy and a fun teammate to have around the club.

If it was my decision, I would pick up the team option, but unfortunately I think the Mavs probably won’t pick it up.