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Dallas Mavericks: Gauging Some Power Forwards of Free Agency

By Kohl Rast
Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Taj Gibson (31)

Gibson is included in the top tier here simply because he has the most potential of the remaining guys and has shown flashes of brilliance but, in reality, he is just barely in the top tier. Gibson would, however, be a great addition to the Mavericks due to his play style.

Unlike most of the forwards these days, Taj Gibson would fit the build of a more traditional power forward with good post moves and a solid midrange game. His inability to shoot 3-pointers would be something the Mavs would have to get used to, but I believe Gibson could do well in Dallas.

Apr 21, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) drives to the basket in front of Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) drives to the basket in front of Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Having a guy like Gibson would give Dallas options they are not used to. Gibson is a capable 4 that would be able to keep players out of the lane with his midrange game, while also controlling the paint on both ends of the court. A capable defender like Gibson is never a bad thing to have and it would give him the opportunity to play the 4 in traditional sets, as well as give Nerlens Noel a break by playing 5 when needed against smaller lineups.

Gibson would entertain a Dallas offer because it would give him a chance to really shine on a team, something he has not been able to do thus far in his career. That opportunity along with a good team and solid coaching staff would peak his interest enough to stay on the line, I believe.

Gibson would not like being with Dallas because he would be seen as the old veteran on the team at 31. Although he probably has no problem helping some of the youngsters on the roster, he wants to have a chance at a title and this young team may not present that. Their are risks and rewards for both directions.

Next: Nikola Mirotic

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