The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Five restricted free agents for the Dallas Mavericks to target

By Kohl Rast

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets plays defense against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets plays defense against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 17: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 17: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jusuf Nurkic

The next player on my list may be a bit surprising, but I am a big fan of Nurkic’s game. As a solid scorer and rebounder, Nurkic would be able to add another dimension to the Dallas offense. He also averaged almost a block and a half last season for the Portlant Trail Blazers, so his defensive presence is notable.

While Portland was getting swept in the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans, I couldn’t help but notice that Nurkic was working his butt off to give the team a chance. From offensive rebounds to important blocks and steals to big shots, Nurkic was arguably the best player for the Blazers during certain stretches of the games.

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In fact, Coach Stotts even started running some offensive sets through him because of how hard he was working. That is the kind of player that I would love to have in Dallas.

Nurkic isn’t the ideal fit at center for the Mavs. He is bigger and not as quick as others. He also prefers most of his offense to come in open space as opposed to above the rim. But, that does not make him a bad option to fill the big man role that Dallas desperately needs to fill.

If Dallas were to get Nurkic, it would probably have to be on a deal that is a little more expensive than most would want. Portland would have the chance to match, but with their cap situation currently, there are some deals they would not be able to offer.

Nurkic would be a unique fit, but would be a fun player to have for the Mavericks.