The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: Ranking the 10 best free agent targets for the Mavs

By Kohl Rast

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks after passing Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks after passing Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic talks at the press conference after Game Five of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on April 23, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic talks at the press conference after Game Five of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on April 23, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Nikola Vucevic

The link between the Dallas Mavericks and Nikola Vucevic has been rumored for months now. Vucevic has the European link with Luka and Kristaps which is a strong base for the rumors, but he also grew up watching Dirk Nowitzki play, something that has inspired a number of players throughout the years.

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Vuc is actually one of my favorite players in the league. He has gone from a backup level center at best to an All-Star during his eight year NBA career so far. This year, Vucevic averaged nearly 21 points per game to go along with 12 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1 steal and 1.1 blocks per game. Really impressive numbers for a guy that is routinely overlooked around the league.

I think Vucevic would be a good fit in Dallas because I feel like his strengths would lineup well next to Porzingis if the Mavs wanted to play KP at the 4. Vucevic is a capable shot blocker but he is better as a post defender, guarding bigs one-on-one. That is not KP’s strength, however, as Porzinigis is better off patrolling the middle to block shots.

On offense, these two would work really well together, with both of them being capable of posting up as well as hitting the three. A high-low game with them on the post could actually be really dangerous against teams not equipped with big enough guys to take those two on.

The biggest worry about Vucevic is probably his contract. Although he has proven to be a really good player, he is only in his first All-Star season just now. He will be looking for a max deal and could very well find it. It just remains to be seen whether or not that offer will come from the Mavericks.