The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Ranking Dallas Mavericks free agent targets by position

By Evan Siegel

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 22: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during a NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on January 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 22: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during a NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on January 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Power Forwards

3. Jabari Parker

Jabari Parker is still somewhat of an unknown commodity in the NBA. He is tremendously skilled offensively, but is equally challenged on defense. His multiple ACL injuries should make teams second guess their big-money pursuit of the restricted free agent, but he will likely command a few dollars given his strong season a year ago with the Bucks.

Parker averaged 13 PPG and 24 MPG for Milwaukee a season ago, and showed the consistency necessary to warrant a big investment from teams looking to get younger, like the Mavericks. His question marks defensively are well known and need to be addressed, but Parker’s arrival would again be tremendously helpful for a team that finished third to last in offense last season.

2. Julius Randle

The Dallas native could be on his way out of Los Angeles. The Lakers’ pursuits of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George could force Randle out of town and into the Mavs’ laps, similarly to the way the team acquired both Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut two summers ago. Randle, like many names on this list, is challenged defensively, but averaged 16 PPG and 8 RPG last season.

Again, the Mavs were third to last in offense, and second to last in rebounding last year. They need all the help they can get in those two areas, and Randle, just 23 years old, would be extremely helpful for the Mavs as they hope to get younger and more athletic. Randle is skilled offensively and could also learn from one of the very best power forwards to ever play the game in Dirk Nowitzki.

1. Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon is the most athletic free agent available this offseason. While the Magic can match any offer he receives and will likely do so, the Mavs should at least make a considerable offer to the restricted free agent because of his rare skills on the court and potential stardom. Gordon is 6’9″, yet runs like a deer and can soar above the rim unlike anyone else in the entire league.

Gordon’s athleticism would be pretty fun when combined with the high-octane motor of Dennis Smith Jr. and 6’8″ frame of Luka Doncic. The Mavs need as much size as possible and Gordon’s two-way ability along with his supreme leaping ability should make the Mavs extremely interested. The Magic are likely to match any offer he gets, but the Mavs should still take a long hard look.

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