Dallas Mavericks: 5 free agents to replace Courtney Lee if he leaves

Free agent replacement for Courtney Lee on Dallas Mavericks: 3. Andre Roberson

Teams that make the leap from first-round playoff exit to title contender often do so by taking a few risks that pay off. It could mean hitting a draft pick in the mid-first round (yes, I am looking at you, Tyler Herro). Sometimes it comes off buying low on a free agent.

Roberson has been decimated by injuries in recent years. He has played 46 regular-season games in the last three seasons combined, but he did return for the Orlando restart. The positive first step in getting back to form featured plenty of rust.

All the missed time makes it easy to forget that Roberson was one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders for two straight seasons in 2017 and 2018. The 28-year-old returning to 90 percent of his peak would make him the Mavericks top defender.

Teams will be scared off by the injures which could present a buying opportunity for the Mavs. Signing Andre Roberson to a minimum contract could be the home run swing that connects in making them title contenders. If not, he plays a small role off the bench next season. It is a win-win if the Dallas Mavericks can acquire him at the right price.

Next: No. 2