Dallas Mavericks free agency grade: Yogi Ferrell signing

The Dallas Mavericks signed guard Yogi Ferrell to a two-year contract on July 19, and we evaluate that free agency move.

The Dallas Mavericks did their best to finalize their roster on July 19.  The team had 14 players under contract heading into Thursday before agreeing to deals with Yogi Ferrell and second-round draft choice Ray Spalding.

The Ferrell deal was expected, but it is finally in the books.  He got a two-year contract worth $5.3 million.

The signing was anticipated, but was it good business for the Mavs?  Let us take a look at Ferrell brings to the table to grade this free agency move.

Backup shooting guard

Yogi Ferrell was promised the backup shooting guard position to start next season according to Shams Charania.  That may not sound smart for a 6’0 guard, but Mavs fans know Ferrell is capable of handling the task.  Ferrell played 63 percent of minutes at the two last season according to Basketball-Reference.

He also may be the Mavs best defensive guard next season.  Ferrell was superior to Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea last season, and recent additions Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson do not figure to be superb defenders.  Wesley Matthews will play some at the two and steal Ferrell’s thunder, though.

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Yogi is not afraid to get in your face, and he competes hard at the defensive end to make up for his lack of size.  He displays a ton of effort and toughness that endears him to Mavs fans.

Solid stats

Ferrell came to Dallas on a ten-day contract in January 2017.  He has stuck with the Mavericks since.  Ferrell played in all 82 games last season and averaged 27.8 minutes a night.  Yogi produced 10.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.6 3-pointers made, and 1.0 turnover per game on 42.6 percent shooting from the field, 37.3 percent on threes, and 79.6 percent from the foul line.

Looking at his advanced metrics, Ferrell earned 1.5 offensive and defensive win shares last season.  His value over replacement player (VORP) was 0.6, and he had a win shares per 48 minutes of 0.064 (0.100 is league average).

Grade:  A

The Mavs front office brought back a fan favorite who is both productive and plays at maximum effort.  They signed him for just over $2.5 million next season and put a non-guarantee date in the second year of his contract.

Ferrell can be a secondary playmaker and creator on the floor, holds his own on the defensive end, and is an above league average 3-point shooter.  There is a ton to like about Yogi Ferrell.  Dallas did a fantastic job bringing him back on an affordable contract next season.

Final thoughts

The Dallas Mavericks re-signed Yogi Ferrell on July 19.  It will be interesting to see if Ferrell plays as much given the added depth in the backcourt this season.  Smith Jr. and Doncic figure to start, but playing both Brunson and Barea could take minutes away from Yogi.  Keep an eye on how the rotation breaks down throughout the preseason and early next regular season.

Next: Players who must improve for the sake of the Mavs

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