The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Three more free agents that could help the Dallas Mavericks

By Kohl Rast

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Dirk Nowitzki #41 is helped up by teammates J.J. Barea ;#5 and Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2015 at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Dirk Nowitzki #41 is helped up by teammates J.J. Barea ;#5 and Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2015 at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8 – Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) dunks the first two points of the game in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8 – Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) dunks the first two points of the game in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Lucas Nogueira

For those who are unfamiliar with some of these guys, let’s start with a little bit of background. First off, Lucas Nogueira was born in Brazil, which would give the Mavs that final piece to complete their world tour. That is nowhere near the most important thing about Nogueira, but it sure would make for a fun headline in Dallas.

Second, Nogueira is actually a pretty serviceable backup center. And by serviceable, I mean likely better than Salah Mejri. That has to count for something, right? During his four-year career up to this point, Nogueira has put up averages of 3.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game in just over 12 minutes per game. These numbers don’t jump out of the page, but he does appear to be a decent option for a defensive backup center.

Nogueira would also offer the Mavs some more youth which is what the team is in search of still. At 25 years old, the Brazilian would be given some time to grow with the Mavs while also earning some minutes here and there.

The truth is, this final roster spot is likely going to be for a guy that is going to sit near the end of the bench and root on his team. That is not a guarantee, but it seems like the most likely scenario. Nogueira would be able to offer the Mavs a little bit more than that at least.