Chandler is the prize of the group of new players. Chandler has never fully reached his potential as the #2 overall pick in the 2001 draft by the Clippers (traded to Bulls on draft day). Chandler may not be the superstar some expected, but he has turned into an above average big man. He boasts career averages of 8.1 points, 8.8 boards, and 1.4 blocks per game. His best year came in in 2008 with the Hornets when he averaged 11.8 ppg, and 11.7 rbg. 2008 was also the Chris Paul's break out year, not coincidentally. Chandler is at his best when he is working a high screen-and-roll with a good point guard. Unless the Mavericks plan on using Roddy B to run the screen-and-roll this year, the Mavericks don't use this set up all that often. This may limit Chandler's offense production, but the Mavericks should have plenty of scorers. His biggest contribution will most likely come on the defensive end and with rebounding. Chandler is an excellent rebounder who uses his athleticism well.
Chandler, at worst, will be an upgrade over Dampier. The combination of Chandler and Haywood should cause other teams big men trouble every night. This team is a completely different with these 2 holding down the inside compared to what we had at the beginning of last year. The athleticism, skill, and rebounding have obviously been upgraded. I believe this is the year Mavs fans can finally stop complaining about having a capable big man.
The other 2 acquisitions are projects. Ajinca is expected to be traded by the Mavs, and hasn't actually played in the states yet. He has been productive on a winning team in Europe, and shows a lot of promise. It would be a big surprise, however, if he ever dons a Mavericks uniform. Mahinmi will help the Mavericks this year though. He showed good ability the past 2 years with the Spurs, but it is still raw. He will be the 3rd string Center. Mahinmi averaged 4 ppg, and 2 rbg last year in 26 games. Mahinmi, 23, is long and pretty athletic for a big man, and may develop into an above-average Center. He's a great guy to take a chance on as a 3rd Center.
The Mavericks also have multiple players in the Las Vegas summer league right now that bear watching. 2010 1st round pick Dominique Jones has shown exactly why I sang his praises in an earlier blog. Jones has averaged 16.5 ppg, 4 rbg, 2.5 apg, and 9.5 free throws per game thus far. Jones has excelled in the summer league and has easily been the 2nd best player behind Roddy B. Beaubois has struggled some with his shot and decision making while learning the point guard position. The Mavericks are working on converting Roddy into an all-around point guard from a score first shooting guard. Roddy is still averaging 14 points and 4 assists a game, but also 4.8 TO. I'm not worried about Roddy struggling right now. He's trying to learn new things, and develop his PG skills. He still has shown the promise he has.
A few young guys who haven't been on the radar have stood out in the summer league as well. Both Jeremy Lin, Harvard, and Saint Mary star Omar Samhan have stood out, and should expect contract offers. Reports are already out that the Mavs are in negotiations with Lin to play PG for their Frisco D league team. Lin, averaging 9.5 points and 2.5 assists in only 18 minutes per game, is strong, quick point guard who is a very smart player who reminds me some of JJ. Samhan is a big man who is very strong and knows how to score in the post. He could be a viable option down the road for somebody.
The Mavericks have made some small renovations to the roster, adding Jones, Chandler, and Mahinmi, that should help push us closer to the Finals. The Lakers are still the unquestioned kind the West, but the Mavs have closed the gap and should be the 2nd best team in the West again.
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