Here are our player scouting reports and 2015-16 analysis for the Dallas Mavericks.
Projected starters
Deron Williams
Position: Guard
Experience: 10 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Aging former star remains effective in terms of his team impact
+ Efficiency cratered in 2014-15 due to flukishly poor finishing around the basket
+ Struggles to contain quicker point guards. Size remains an asset defensively
Analysis
Three years after passing on a return to his native Dallas in favor of a five-year, maximum contract with the Brooklyn Nets, Williams joined the Mavericks with a lot less fanfare. To avoid the luxury tax, Brooklyn bought out the final two seasons of Williams' contract, which became a boondoggle as he struggled with injuries and age. He made up the difference by signing with Dallas for two years and $11 million, with the option of returning to free agency next summer.
So what are the Mavericks getting in Williams? A player who can still be effective offensively. While his true shooting percentage slipped dramatically last season from .564 to .504, Williams' shot distribution was largely unchanged aside from taking fewer 3-pointers. The difference was Williams' shooting percentage within three feet falling from 64.6 percent, per Basketball-Reference.com, to 45.7 percent. Expect it to settle somewhere in between those marks this season. Williams remains an effective playmaker out of the pick-and-roll, and his passing more than his scoring perked up late in the season when the Nets were surging behind improved floor spacing. Over the course of the season, Williams ranked seventh in the league in points created by passes out of the pick-and-roll, per Synergy Sports tracking -- an area where he figures to be more effective in Dallas with improved weapons around him.
As he's slowed, Williams has had increased difficulty keeping opponents in front of him. His size still enables him to contest shots, and allows him to defend shooting guards. The Mavericks figure to make use of that versatility because they have more depth at point guard than on the wing. Williams' conditioning has been an ongoing concern, and Dallas can take solace in his player option motivating Williams to be in shape for the start of the season.
Wesley Matthews
Position: Guard
Experience: 6 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Premier 3-and-D player coming back from Achilles rupture that ended 2014-15 season
+ Prolific 3-point shooter, but not just a specialist. Makes opponents pay in post for using smaller defenders
+ Rugged defender who matches up better with bigger opponents rather than quicker ones
Analysis
When Matthews went down with a ruptured Achilles in March, both the Portland Trail Blazers' chances of contending in the Western Conference and his hopes of striking big in free agency appeared lost. Consider those predictions 1-for-2. Matthews' injury was the start of a series of maladies that ended in Portland getting swept out of the playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round. However, despite his injury, Matthews still cashed in with a four-year deal from the Mavericks for his maximum salary, better than $70 million.
If Matthews is healthy, it's easy to see how he fits in Dallas. The Mavericks were badly in need of a top-flight perimeter defender at shooting guard, and while Matthews is short of the stopper class, he's a physical defender who can comfortably match up with bigger opponents. Matthews brings defensive versatility without sacrificing anything offensively. Before the injury, he was enjoying the best season of his career. Matthews' 2.9 3-pointers per game (at a 38.9 percent clip) ranked fourth in the NBA. More than just a standstill shooter, Matthews was also making a career-high 53.4 percent of his attempts inside the arc. He's a capable enough ballhandler to make opponents pay for closing out too hard, and a dangerous post-up threat against smaller defenders.
The question is whether we'll see the healthy Matthews again. Typically, players coming back from an Achilles rupture suffered during the previous season play about 9 percent worse than their SCHOENE projection, an adjustment that has been applied to Matthews' projected 2015-16 stats. Dallas owner Mark Cuban has cited improvement in Achilles rehabilitation over time, but if anything the data shows the opposite -- most of the Achilles success stories, like Dominique Wilkins, LaPhonso Ellis and Derrick McKey, came during the 1990s. Since then, Jonas Jerebko is the only player to return from a ruptured Achilles at his previous level of performance. In addition to being less effective, typically players tend to miss more time to injury the season after an Achilles rupture. While Matthews' rehabilitation has been ahead of schedule, it's still unlikely he'll be ready to play heavy minutes at the start of the regular season.
Chandler Parsons
Position: Forward
Experience: 4 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Versatile small forward whose 2015 postseason was cut short by a knee injury that required surgery.
+ Strong outside shooter and capable ballhandler who is comfortable running pick-and-rolls
+ Asked to do too much defensively last season and should benefit from arrival of Wesley Matthews
Analysis
After a slow start to his Mavericks career, Parsons provided about exactly what Dallas expected until his 2014-15 campaign was derailed by a right knee injury. Parsons sat out the final two weeks of the regular season before attempting to return for a playoff series against his former team, the rival Houston Rockets. The comeback lasted one ineffective game before Parsons was shut down, and he underwent surgery on May 1 to repair cartilage. Rehabilitation could linger into training camp, and possibly even the regular season.
Parsons couldn't buy a 3-pointer during his first month with the Mavericks, shooting 32.4 percent through Dec. 1. He rallied to finish at 38 percent, slightly better than his career average. When opponents have to close out hard, Parsons can take advantage of what ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy has called "the best shot fake in the NBA," which features him getting on tippy toes to fool defenders before driving past them. Parsons is a comfortable ballhandler, and while his assist average dropped from 4.0 per game to 2.4, he was more effective as a pick-and-roll ballhandler in Dallas than Houston. Expect him to get more pick-and-roll opportunities with Monta Ellis' departure.
Because Ellis couldn't defend small forwards, Parsons never got any relief from tough matchups defensively. His defensive numbers suffered, which may also be attributable to knee soreness. Either way, Parsons should be better defensively this season, with Matthews around to help relieve him at times.
Dirk Nowitzki
Position: Forward
Experience: 17 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Former MVP remains dangerous offensive weapon because of size and shooting ability
+ No longer capable of creating own shot as frequently and is most useful in pick-and-pop game
+ Has become statuesque defender, requiring Mavericks to build around him on D
Analysis
Late last season, the idea that Dallas might need to move Nowitzki to the bench gained traction. At 37, Nowitzki is still one of the league's premier offensive power forwards (ESPN's real plus-minus ranked him fifth in offensive impact at the position last season, behind four All-Stars), yet increasingly a liability defensively (he ranked 85th among power forwards in defensive RPM). Nowitzki even told reporters he'd move to a sixth man role if it was best for the team. Alas, the notion isn't realistic. The Mavericks have so many other needs that they couldn't afford to spend that much money on a new starting power forward and a starting center. And that's fine, as Nowitzki remains more than capable.
There have been concessions to age. Nowitzki spent the summer of 2014 working to release the ball quicker, which helped him get shots off without creating as much space as he once could. And he was assisted on 64 percent of his field goals, his highest mark since Steve Nash played in Dallas. Still, Nowitzki remains a dangerous shooter when left open. His 47.5 percent accuracy on 2-point jumpers from beyond 15 feet ranked sixth among players with at least 250 such attempts, per Basketball-Reference.com. The respect opponents have for Nowitzki's ability to make that shot has made the Mavericks one of the NBA's best pick-and-roll teams because the ballhandler has a free lane to the basket.
Physically, Nowitzki is no longer capable of getting into a good defensive stance, making it difficult for him to cover ground. When he's in position, Nowitzki can still cause problems with his length. Quicker players can isolate and blow by him, however, and Nowitzki also has a difficult time stepping out to defend pick-and-rolls. Having Tyson Chandler at center helped compensate for Nowitzki's weak defense. Dallas will be hard-pressed to stop opponents with this year's center rotation.
Samuel Dalembert
Position: Center
Experience: 13 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Veteran, shot-blocking center who was badly miscast in triangle
+ Strictly a finisher offensively. Should not handle the ball
+ Remains a solid rim protector. Size won't age, though declining quickness could become an issue
Analysis
It was obvious within the first couple of minutes of watching Dalembert play for the New York Knicks that he did not fit in Derek Fisher's triangle offense. During the preseason and early regular season, the Knicks had Dalembert handling the ball in the high post, something he'd never done before in his career -- for good reason. After two embarrassing months, New York waived Dalembert in December, ending his season. Dalembert returned to the Mavericks, for whom he'd been effective in 2013-14, on a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum. He could end up starting at center.
Dalembert's Knicks stint was the worst of his career offensively. His turnover rate (21.9 percent of the plays he used) was his highest ever, and his 2-point percentage (43.8 percent) his lowest. Remarkably, Dalembert was coming off the best 2-point percentage of his career (56.8 percent) the previous season in Dallas, showing the importance of fit. He should be far more effective playing pick-and-roll basketball and taking advantage of putbacks. (Dalembert's offensive rebound percentage also plummeted in New York.)
While there's reason to worry about defensive slippage for Dalembert, who turned 34 in May, his numbers with the Knicks were reasonably strong at that end. With plenty of messes to clean up, he posted his best block rate (6.3 percent of opponents' 2-point attempts) since 2005-06. And at the time he was released, per NBA.com/Stats, New York was allowing 4.3 fewer points per 100 possessions with Dalembert on the floor. He should be the Mavericks' best rim protector.
Reserves
Jose Barea
Position: Guard
Experience: 9 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Quick, undersized point guard who bounced back in return to Dallas
+ Drives looking to score first and pass second. Struggles to finish at the basket
+ Pesky defender who has drawn fewer fouls since NBA cracked down on flopping
Analysis
After a dismal 2013-14 campaign, the Timberwolves cut Barea late in training camp to solve a roster crunch. Barea returned to the Mavericks, with whom he'd started his career and won the 2011 championship before cashing in as a free agent with the Timberwolves. In the familiar setting, Barea was again a useful reserve, and after a good playoff series earned a four-year, $16 million deal that could look generous as Barea moves into his mid-30s.
There's little mystery to Barea's game. Opponents know he's going to run pick-and-rolls and try to get to the paint. That works for Barea because of his quickness, the quality of the roll options in the Mavericks offense and because he's just good enough as a shooter to keep defenses honest when they play too far back. (Given he shot 32.3 percent from 3-point range, they still should.) Because of his size, Barea struggles to finish in crowds. He was more effective and prolific last season than before in the intermediate area away from the basket, something that figures to be important as he ages and his quickness degrades. Barea also made strides in 2014-15 as a ballhandler, cutting his turnover rate from 15.2 percent to 10.8 percent of his plays. While he's not a frequent passer, Barea draws enough defensive attention that he's effective setting up teammates when he does look to distribute.
At a listed 6-foot, Barea is nearly always giving up size defensively. He's strong and has a low center of gravity, however, allowing him to battle with bigger opponents. Barea loves to get into the ball defensively and bother point guards as they bring the ball upcourt. But he hasn't been as effective at drawing charges since the NBA instituted flopping fines in 2012-13. His rate of offensive fouls drawn per 36 minutes immediately dropped, via NBAminer.com.
Devin Harris
Position: Guard
Experience: 11 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Reliable veteran combo guard who has battled injuries throughout his career
+ More comfortable with the ball in his hands, but has learned to play without it
+ Capable of defending either backcourt spot thanks to solid wingspan
Analysis
Largely healthy after missing much of his first season back in Dallas following toe surgery, Harris played his most games (76) since his first stint with the Mavericks back in 2006-07. He saw time at both backcourt positions and was probably Dallas' most consistent guard option until the postseason. He missed Game 2 of the Mavericks' loss to the Houston Rockets with a toe injury and shot 0-of-11 from 3-point range in the series.
Though Harris is still nominally a point guard, he saw more action last season alongside another ballhandler, which is likely to be the case again in 2015-16. Expect him and Deron Williams to share ballhandling duties when they're on the court together. As a spot-up shooter, Harris is only adequate -- last season's 35.7 3-point accuracy was the second time in his 11-year career he's surpassed 35 percent. He's learned other tricks, however, and has become adept at using off-ball screens as a way to facilitate his goal of getting to the basket. After a down 2013-14 around the rim, Harris shot 61.9 percent inside 3 feet last season per Basketball-Reference.com, closer to his recent track record.
At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-7.5 wingspan, Harris has enough size to defend second-team shooting guards. He might spend more time matching up with point guards this season, however, if he plays frequently with Williams. Harris has always generated steals at a high rate, and has shown little decline in this skill in his 30s.
Zaza Pachulia
Position: Center
Experience: 12 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Started at center for Milwaukee last season and tied for team's best net rating on the court.
+ Skilled high-post center who infrequently ventures into the paint
+ Heady defender who blocks a shot about as often as your garbage gets picked up
Analysis
Signed by the Bucks to be a veteran backup at center, Pachulia found himself an unlikely anchor of last season's playoff run. He stepped in as a starter when Larry Sanders left the team midseason, and the Bucks outscored opponents by 6.9 points per 100 possessions with Pachulia on the floor -- tied with Khris Middleton for the team's best mark, per NBA.com/Stats. Yet Pachulia became expendable when Milwaukee signed Greg Monroe in free agency, and he was dealt to the Mavericks for a top-55 protected second-round pick after DeAndre Jordan spurned Dallas.
Offensively, Pachulia prefers to operate out of the high post. He was actually one of the Bucks' best facilitators, handing out 3.7 assists per 36 minutes, though the risks he takes as a passer produced a high turnover rate. As a shooter, Pachulia is most comfortable from 10-15 feet, though he can step out to about 20 feet at times. Pachulia struggles as a finisher in the paint because he doesn't get off the ground well, and is just a career 53.8 percent shooter inside 3 feet, per Basketball-Reference.com. That makes him very different from Mavericks predecessor Tyson Chandler. Pachulia doesn't really run the pick-and-roll, and Dallas would probably prefer to run pick-and-pops for Dirk Nowitzki.
For a center, Pachulia is an exceptionally poor shot blocker. He rejected just 21 shots in 1,730 minutes -- about half as many as Sanders blocked in 586 minutes (39). Pachulia doesn't take charges either. According to NBAminer.com, he last drew a charge in 2011-12. Yet he's an adequate position defender, and his conservative style worked well with the Bucks' youthful, long-wing defenders. Pachulia might not be as effective with the Mavericks, since he's unlikely to get much help as a rim protector from Nowitzki and will have to compensate for Nowitzki's limited mobility when they're on the court together.
Justin Anderson
Position: Guard
Experience: Rookie
2015 draft profile
Scouting report
+ Budding 3-and-D specialist after breakout season beyond the arc at Virginia
+ Intelligent player. Good playmaker for a wing
+ Can defend either wing spot. Solid wingspan. Capable perimeter shot blocker
Analysis
NBA scouts were long intrigued by Anderson's defensive potential, but had questions about his ability to contribute offensively. So when Anderson improved his 3-point shooting from around 30 percent his first two seasons at Virginia to 45.2 percent as a junior, he pushed his stock into the first round. Anderson declared for the draft and was chosen 21st overall by Dallas. Given the Mavericks' thin wing rotation and that both starters are coming back from surgeries, Anderson has a chance to play heavily right away.
A certain amount of skepticism is appropriate for Anderson's 3-point improvement. Because he missed eight games late in 2014-15 with a fractured pinky, Anderson attempted just 104 triples. But Anderson did shoot a strong 38.5 percent beyond the arc at the Las Vegas Summer League. Before developing consistent 3-point range, Anderson was an inefficient scorer at the college level, so he'll have to shoot the ball well to be a valuable offensive player. He can also make plays as a passer, having handed out 2.7 assists per 36 minutes at Virginia.
Anderson's true potential is at the defensive end. While he's just 6-foot-6, his wingspan was measured at nearly 7 feet at the NBA pre-draft combine, which allows him to match up with bigger small forwards and was also responsible for his 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes in college. After playing in Tony Bennett's version of the pack-line defense, Anderson knows how to execute a defensive scheme.
Dwight Powell
Position: Forward
Experience: 1 year
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Skilled big man looking to add 3-point range on his jumper
+ Strong facilitator from the high post
+ Has height to play center but overmatched against stronger opponents
Analysis
With Rajon Rondo in Sacramento, Powell is all Dallas has left to show from the Rondo trade. Powell may yet prove more than a throw-in. He saw sparing action for the Mavericks as a reserve last season, and showed promise as a stretch 4/5 during the Las Vegas Summer League, making 13 3-pointers and averaging 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. That performance should help Powell stick on the roster despite a contract that is fully non-guaranteed and possibly even push for a rotation spot.
A high-post big man, Powell served as a facilitator in the triangle-style offense Stanford ran his senior year. He excels at picking out cutters and can even make plays off the dribble at times. Though capable as a midrange shooter, Powell would enhance his value considerably if he becomes a consistent 3-point threat. He shot 11-of-28 (39.3 percent) from 3 in the D-League but made just 26.5 percent of his frequent attempts in Vegas. It remains to be seen whether he's more Meyers Leonard or Byron Mullens as a shooter.
Because they had so little size, the Mavericks tried Powell as a center, which was problematic defensively. He gives up too much strength to even backup 5s. Powell is better defensively as a power forward, where he is athletic enough to defend on the perimeter. Powell was generally in the right place defensively; he just wasn't always able to bother bigger opponents.
Charlie Villanueva
Position: Forward
Experience: 10 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Past-his-prime veteran playing year to year for veteran's minimum salary
+ Can cause problems as a stretch big man. Capable of big games
+ Atrocious defender. Doesn't put in the effort and has poor instincts
Analysis
After his big contract with the Detroit Pistons ended, Dallas took a chance on veteran Villanueva at the veteran's minimum salary. He showed enough during an up-and-down 2014-15 that he will be back on another one-year deal for the minimum, battling for minutes in the frontcourt.
Villanueva has morphed into almost a complete 3-point specialist, attempting more than 60 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, and after several seasons of poor shooting he knocked down 38.7 percent of his triples in 2014-15. Rick Carlisle was able to ride him at times. Villanueva scored at least 18 points four times, three of them games where he made at least four 3-pointers.
Still, Villanueva couldn't play regular minutes because he is undisciplined defensively and provides limited effort. Even in the playoffs, he was simply waving at ballhandlers while defending the pick-and-roll rather than getting in the right position. ESPN's real-plus minus ranked him 89th among power forwards in defensive impact. As a result, younger Dwight Powell may steal Villanueva's minutes if he can show consistent 3-point range.
Jeremy Evans
Position: Forward
Experience: 5 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ High-leaping power forward who has never developed his game beyond that point
+ Too poor an outside shooter to play on the wing. Too skinny to defend many big men
+ High-percentage finisher and good shot blocker thanks to his elevation
Analysis
After playing the first five seasons of his career for the Utah Jazz, Evans found himself out of the Jazz's plans, having played just 266 minutes in 2014-15. Evans signed with Dallas for two years at the veteran's minimum, which could jumpstart his career.
The fundamental problem for Evans as an NBA player is that he doesn't shoot the ball well enough to play the wing, and at a listed 200 pounds, he gets pushed around by bigger opponents in the paint. So while he's always put up good box-score stats, Evans has only played more than 500 minutes in a season once in his career (2013-14).
Dallas actually makes some sense for Evans because the Mavericks have bigger, floor-stretching options like Zaza Pachulia and Charlie Villanueva. Evans' fine shot blocking (1.6 per 36 minutes) could help protect Villanueva defensively, while he'd get to act essentially as a center offensively. Evans is predictably terrific above the rim, so he could be effective in Dallas' pick-and-roll game playing a role akin to the one Brandan Wright filled with the Mavericks.
John Jenkins
Position: Guard
Experience: 3 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Excellent 3-point shooter who couldn't crack the Hawks' rotation due to injuries and defense
+ One-dimensional offensively. Rarely makes plays with the ball in his hands
+ Undersized, unathletic defender
Analysis
After playing 902 minutes as a rookie, former first-round pick Jenkins managed just 455 over the next two seasons and saw the Atlanta Hawks decline the fourth-year option on his rookie contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Jenkins signed a three-year contract for the veteran's minimum with Dallas, with his 2015-16 salary guaranteed.
Having recovered from back surgery that cost him the last four months of 2013-14, Jenkins was effective in the rare opportunities he did get last season. Playing extended minutes primarily when the Hawks rested their starters, Jenkins shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range, showing the skill that got him drafted in the first round. Jenkins needs to be a lights-out shooter because he contributes little else offensively. While he made nearly 60 percent of his 2-point attempts, his shooting percentages inside three feet (91.7 percent, per Basketball-Reference.com) and from 16-23 feet (55.2 percent) were both suspiciously fluky. And Jenkins handed out just 1.6 assists per 36 minutes.
The biggest factor keeping Jenkins out of the Atlanta rotation last season was his defense, as the Hawks favored defensive specialist Kent Bazemore as a backup shooting guard. Jenkins doesn't have great defensive tools. He's undersized and slight, and the back injury didn't help his quickness. The Mavericks can help mitigate this by ensuring Jenkins plays alongside versatile defenders Devin Harris and Justin Anderson as much as possible.
Maurice Ndour
Position: Forward
Experience: Rookie
Player profile
Scouting report
+ Surprising star at the Las Vegas Summer League earned guaranteed salary from Mavericks
+ Good high-post player. Comfortable midrange shooter with ability to make plays for others
+ Capable shot blocker. Good athleticism. Adequate rebounder
Analysis
A fringe prospect who went undrafted coming out of Ohio, Ndour played his way into a three-year minimum contract with the Mavericks with his 2015-16 salary guaranteed by virtue of being one of the most impressive free agents at the Las Vegas Summer League. Playing for the New York Knicks' summer team, Ndour was effective in the triangle offense. He's most comfortable in the high post, where he can knock down the midrange jumper and also has the ability to find teammates. Ndour was also impressive defensively, blocking 2.0 shots per game and showing enough athleticism to match up with power forwards.
The biggest problem for Ndour in Dallas may be the similarity between his skill set and incumbent reserve Dwight Powell, who scores as the second-best match for Ndour's stats at the same age according to my SCHOENE projection system. Ndour's only advantage over Powell is shot blocking, while Powell is a more prolific scorer and playmaker as well as the more experienced player.
Raymond Felton
Position: Guard
Experience: 10 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Oft-maligned point guard barely got on the court during first season with Mavericks
+ Declining 3-point percentage has pushed his efficiency below acceptable limits
+ Struggles with conditioning, which limits him at the defensive end
Analysis
Taking the last two years of Felton's contract was the price of Dallas landing Tyson Chandler from the New York Knicks before the 2014 draft. After missing the start of the season due to a league suspension for pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon and a persistent sprained ankle, Felton played just 281 minutes all season. There's a chance the Mavericks eat the final season of his contract to solve a roster crunch.
Felton did have a couple of good moments on the court last season, including a 13-point, five-assist effort in a double-OT win at Denver. But for the most part his limited 2014-15 looked a lot like his down 2013-14 season. Only once in the last four seasons (2012-13, when he started for a 54-win Knicks team) has Felton posted a true shooting percentage of better than .500, putting him generally below the Antoine Walker Line. And while Felton remains an adequate playmaker, he has a tough time slowing opposing point guards because of the spare tire he tends to carry around his waist. Concerns about his conditioning will make it hard for Felton to get more chances once he's no longer on a guaranteed contract.
Salah Mejri
Position: Center
Experience: Rookie
Player profile
Scouting report
+ Center looking to become first NBA player from Tunisia
+ Doesn't really create his own shot, but finishes well
+ Capable shot blocker. Above-average rebounder
Analysis
Mejri looks likely to become the first NBA player ever from Tunisia after signing a three-year minimum contract with Dallas that is fully guaranteed for this season. Mejri averaged a double-double for his country in the 2012 London Olympics and has spent the last three years playing in ACB. He won the Euroleague and the ACB as a reserve with Real Madrid last season.
The 7-foot-2 Mejri is largely a finisher on offense. While he's going to have to learn how to set a legal screen in the NBA, he can catch the ball on the move and finishes in traffic, skills that should serve him well in the Mavericks offense. They'll probably want to keep Mejri close to the basket defensively. He can get off balance on the perimeter, but is a capable weak-side shot blocker. Mejri may struggle with foul trouble if he sees extended action.
JaVale McGee
Position: Center
Experience: 7 years
2015-16 projections
Scouting report
+ Athletic center has been limited to 28 games last two seasons due to lingering effects of stress fracture in left tibia
+ Still reasonably productive when he did play in 2014-15. High-percentage finisher
+ Needs athleticism to be effective as a shot blocker. Undisciplined defensively
Analysis
Less than three years into McGee's four-year, $44 million contract, the Denver Nuggets gave up on him at last year's trade deadline, sending the Philadelphia 76ers a first-round pick to take on his salary. McGee agreed to a buyout with the Sixers but was unable to find a taker for his services. He had to settle for a two-year, veteran's minimum offer from the Mavericks that is guaranteed for just $250,000, per Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com, though that increases to $500,000 if McGee is on the roster to start training camp.
At this point, it's unclear if McGee is physically capable of playing in the NBA. He developed a stress fracture in his left tibia early in 2013-14 and underwent season-ending surgery. Yet he continued to experience soreness in his left leHe had to settle for a two-year, veteran's minimum offer from the Mavericks that is guaranteed for just $500,000, per Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com."g last season, limiting him to 23 games before he was waived. Offensively, McGee was more or less the same player, shooting 53.2 percent from the field. He's a good finisher on lobs above the rim, which could make him a good fit for Dallas' pick-and-roll game.
The one place McGee's numbers were down in 2014-15 was on the glass. He averaged a career-low 8.6 rebounds per 36 minutes. McGee needs his athleticism defensively, because it allows him to make up for the errors he commits in positioning and attentiveness. He's too aggressive chasing blocked shots, which leads to goaltending calls and fouls, but he has always blocked a high number of shots -- 2.8 per 36 minutes last season.
Brandon Ashley
Position: Forward
Experience: Rookie
2015 draft profile
Scouting report
+ Athletic forward who lacks a clear NBA skill
+ Somewhat undersized for an NBA power forward, but does not yet have enough shooting range to play wing
+ Poor defensive rebounder who will have to add strength. Can block a shot
Analysis
After three years at Arizona, Ashley decided to enter the 2015 draft despite no guarantee of being selected. He indeed went undrafted, and parlayed a credible effort with the Atlanta Hawks at the Las Vegas Summer League into a deal with Dallas that guarantees him $50,000 and most likely will result in him playing for the Mavericks' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
The athletic Ashley was a top-20 recruit, but always overshadowed by more talented teammates in Tucson. From a pro standpoint, his biggest issue is not having a clear NBA-caliber skill or position. At 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds, he's on the small side for a power forward, but he hasn't yet shown stretch ability. Ashley made 12 3s in 36 attempts last season from the college line. Improving his shooting and showing the ability to play some on the wing might be the easiest path for Ashley to the NBA, since he's a poor defensive rebounder for a big man.
Jamil Wilson
Position: Forward
Experience: Rookie
2014 draft profile
Scouting report
+ Attempting to become stretch 4 as pro player
+ Showed promise as a 3-point shooter in D-League
+ Weak rebounder for a big man
Analysis
Undersized for a power forward at a listed 6-foot-7, Marquette product Wilson has attempted to compensate by developing his perimeter game. Wilson played in the D-League with the Bakersfield Jam after being waived by the Phoenix Suns in training camp, and 40 percent of his shots came from beyond the arc. Wilson made them at a 35.1 percent clip, up from his career 33.6 percent shooting from the college 3-point line. Wilson will need to become a dangerous shooter since he's a subpar rebounder and doesn't contribute much else besides 3s. Dallas is bringing him to training camp with $50,000 in guaranteed money, and he'll likely end up with the Texas Legends back in the D-League.
Jarrid Famous
Position: Center
Experience: Rookie
Player profile
Scouting report
+ Veteran D-Leaguer who played for the Mavericks' affiliate in 2014-15.
+ Excellent rebounder. Led D-League in rebounds per game
+ Poor shot blocker. Must maintain improvement as a finisher last season
Analysis
After finishing up at South Florida in 2011, Famous has spent three seasons in the D-League and one in Lebanon while playing shorter stints all over the world. Last year's return to the D-League was his best performance by far. Famous averaged a league-high 14.9 rebounds per game and shot 56.5 percent from the field after sub-50 percent shooting his previous two D-League campaigns. If he can keep it up, Famous could play in the NBA, though his previous level of D-League play was not close to NBA caliber. Dallas' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends, acquired Famous midseason. While he got the least guaranteed money ($10,000) of the three non-guaranteed players the Mavericks are bringing to camp, Famous does have a chance to beat out the centers ahead of him for a roster spot.