Dallas Mavericks: Brussino Waiving is Good for Both Parties

The Dallas Mavericks and Nicolas Brussino have parted ways as news broke that the Mavs had waived the Argentinian forward. This move is probably best for Dallas but may be the best thing for Brussino as well.

The Dallas Mavericks have been shaking things up a little bit this summer, despite it being pretty quiet. Bringing in Dennis Smith Jr. through the draft was the first big step for the Mavs summer, and it was a big one. Determining Dirk Nowitzki’s contract was equally important, as well as the Mavs trade for Josh McRoberts and shedding A.J. Hammons contract.

Dallas’ trading of Jarrod Uthoff to the Houston Rockets was also a small but semi-important move for the Mavs. The waiving of Nico Brussino is just another move in the Mavs quiet clearance summer. However, this move carries a little bit more weight than the rest of them.

For one thing, the Dallas Mavericks had a great summer team, going 5-1 in Las Vegas and 9-1 overall in summer play. Some guys on the team showed their value and were rewarded, such as Jonathan Motley who signed a two-way contract with the Mavs. Brussino represents the other end of the spectrum for someone who had such a bad summer that he is no longer with the team.

This decision to get rid of Brussino could be a good one for the Mavericks, but it also may be good for the 24-year old. Let’s start with Dallas.

The Mavericks open up another roster spot for the upcoming season by waiving Nico Brussino. Although whoever fills the spot may not have an immediate impact, Dallas will get a chance to at least consider one of their summer league players that had an impact, such as Ding Yanyuhang, Carrick Felix, or Corey Webster.

Ding would become an instant fan favorite in Dallas, much like the likes of Wang Zhizhi back in 2001-02 when he played for the Mavs for a brief sting. Ding was a sensation in Vegas, earning standing ovations nearly every time he touched the ball. His play was good, but not nearly the level that he was cheered for. There would be complications with money getting Ding with the Mavs, but it would make for a great story.

Aside from Dallas, this move may also be a good thing for Nico Brussino in the long run. Although his NBA stint has been shorter than he may have expected, Brussino got some valuable time playing at the most difficult level of basketball in the world. This gives him experience and readiness to compete at any level.

Nico will most likely return to play overseas, but that does not mean it is permanent. He will get a chance to grow as a basketball player in a league where he can be a star and NBA teams will take notice if he excels. He may not be back in the NBA next year, but at 24 years old, he still has a shot to make it back to the league.

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Although Brussino will be missed by some in Dallas, the news of his departure was not terribly surprising after his summer play. We wish Brussino all the best as he takes the next step in his journey, and are excited to see what he does wherever he may end up.