The Dallas Mavericks needed a third ball-handler the moment that Jalen Brunson departed for New York in free agency. Dallas had their most success last season playing two playmakers together, and it is why they moved Brunson into the starting five and traded for Spencer Dinwiddie. Brunson’s departure left Doncic and Dinwiddie as the only two ball handlers on the roster.
The Mavs wanted to give Frank Ntilikina, Josh Green, or someone else on their roster the opportunity to take over that third playmaker role during training camp, but they quickly found out that none of those players were best suited in that role, so Dallas explored the free agent market for the missing piece.
According to Marc Stein, the Mavs are in the process of finalizing a one-year minimum contract with Facundo Campazzo, who played the last two seasons with the Denver Nuggets. Here is a closer look at his game, why he fits, and his experience playing with Luka Doncic.
Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to sign Facundo Campazzo to 1-year deal
Campazzo has been a professional since 2011, and the 31-year-old started next to a teenage Doncic at Real Madrid in the 2017-2018 season where they won the EuroLeague and Liga ACB titles. The 5’11 point guard handled some of the playmaking duties and is a pesky defender, despite being undersized.
Campazzo is a next-level passer that makes plenty of highlight reel plays. Fans can see some of his best from his time with the Nuggets below.
The Mavs are not bringing Campazzo in to play a massive role. He will be their third-string point guard to enter the season, and likely play ten to 15 minutes per game when he’s in the rotation. The veteran will cover for Dinwiddie or Doncic having to miss time and a capable third guard to use if both players need a rest.
Rumors suggested the Mavs were interested, and now it appears the front office is working to make the move official.
Facundo Campazzo will fill the Dallas Mavericks' 15th and final roster spot heading into the 2022-23 regular season. They have their sights set on another deep playoff run that fans won’t want to miss, so stay tuned for all the latest.