Mavericks give Marquese Chriss another 10-day contract: No plans to add anyone

The Dallas Mavericks have been hit hard by COVID over the last two weeks. Ten players have entered the health and safety protocols, including superstar Luka Doncic, and only two have returned. Dallas has already played eight games shorthanded with multiple replacement players in the lineup.

Marquese Chriss was one of the first replacement players the Mavs signed, and his ten-day deal expired on New Year’s Eve. Chris Haynes reports that the 6'9 big man earned a second ten-deal in Dallas.

Tim MacMahon reported on Friday morning that Dallas had no plans to sign any more ten-day hardship players because their players should be clearing protocols soon. Here is a look at what that means for the Mavs in Friday night’s game, and a look at if Chriss is back in the rotation.

Dallas Mavericks renew Marquese Chriss contract: No plans to add more talent

The Mavericks have already ruled out eight players in the health and safety protocols for their New Year’s Eve showdown against the Sacramento Kings. If they do not sign another player, Dallas will be shorthanded in that contest. Reggie Bullock should return, but the Mavs will have only 13 healthy bodies.

Marquese Chriss showed flashes in his first four games with the Mavericks. Fouls were an issue, but he averaged 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in just 12.3 minutes per game. Chriss did not play in the first meeting against the Sacramento Kings as the Mavs went small. It was his first DNP-CD with Dallas.

The 6'9 big man certainly played well enough to earn a second ten-day contract. His athletic ability allows him to guard on the perimeter and his game flashes more than some of the Mavericks other big men. Chriss must get the fouls under control, but he deserves a bench role in the NBA.

The name to watch for the Dallas Mavericks is Theo Pinson. His ten-day deal also expired, but the Mavs created an open two-way spot by releasing the injured Eugene Omoruyi. Will they keep Pinson around moving forward? Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.