16 Players the Mavericks never should have gambled on

9. Andrew Bogut

The Mavericks acquired Bogut in the 2016 offseason. The Warriors were fresh off losing in the NBA Finals, and the cap spike allowed them to add Kevin Durant. They needed to dump Bogut’s salary, and the seven-footer wanted to come to Dallas.

The veteran big man was on an expiring contract and lasted just 26 games with the Mavericks. He struggled to play next to Dirk Nowitzki before agreeing to come off the bench. Bogut was in and out of the lineup and eventually traded as part of the package for Nerlens Noel at the 2017 deadline.

Bogut was quickly waived by the 76ers and signed by the Cavaliers. The seven-footer lasted just one minute in Cleveland before breaking his leg and ending his season. LeBron James and the Cavs went on to lose to the Warriors in the NBA Finals.

Andrew Bogut played two more years in the NBA, including returning to Golden State for his final season. His 26 games with the Dallas Mavericks were forgettable, but he did average 8.4 rebounds and 1.0 block in just 22.4 minutes per game. The seven-footer just did not fit next to the aging Dirk Nowitzki, which made it difficult to find him minutes in Dallas.