Dallas Mavericks: Three Things I Don’t Want

By Isaac Harris

Jun 30, 2016

Apr 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) and center Zaza Pachulia (27) and center Salah Mejri (50) and guard Devin Harris (34) and guard Raymond Felton (2) and guard Deron Williams (8) watch from the bench during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeated the Mavericks 131-102. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t Have Dirk as the Primary Four

You know which Maverick was second in minutes played for the team last year?

You guessed it, Dirk Nowitzki.

At 37-years old, Nowitzki averaged over 31 minutes a game as the team’s primary power forward most nights, but did Dallas have much options?

Once Parsons was playing healthy, Dallas went small ball with him at the four during certain stretches. After Parsons, it was youngster Dwight Powell and Charlie Villanueva. I repeat, Charlie Villanueva.

Nowitzki will be playing his 19th season next year and he simply can’t be the primary option at the power forward spot like he was last year. Whether that is bringing back Chandler Parsons to run more small ball or targeting another power forward on the market, Nowitzki simply can’t average 31 minutes a game next season.

Bringing in a Dirk replacement is not technically the answer, but bringing in a Jared Dudley or trading for a Taj Gibson could help offset the minutes at the four.

Next: Parsons Contract