SATURDAY, 3:35pm: The deal is official, the team announced via press release.
TUESDAY, 9:50pm: Rashard Lewis has agreed to a one-year deal with the Mavericks, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). Colin Bryant, Lewis’ agent, confirmed the news. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, the deal will be worth the veteran’s minimum (Twitter link).
In 60 games last season, Lewis averaged 4.5 PPG in 16.2 MPG while shooting 41.5% from the field and 34.3% from long distance. In 18 playoff games, the 34-year-old forward scored 5.3 PPG and raised his three point accuracy to 37.3%.
With Lewis on board, the Mavericks have found a capable veteran backup for Dirk Nowitzki who can spread the floor with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. Although his overall shooting percentages from the field over the last two seasons seem far from ideal, Lewis displayed noticeable proficiency as a catch-and-shoot player in this year’s playoffs, as he knocked down 40.0% of his 3.1 three-point attempts on those type of shots.
He was awesome for us last season. I still dont know why he didnt play more in the Finals, nor do I understand why he came out of the game at the end of the 1st quarter in Game 5, and never came back in after playing very well and contributing to an early Heat big lead in that game. He stretches the floor, and can still put the ball on the floor. He was even able to post up a little bit, and he moved the ball well. Defensively, he made an impact for the Heat this past year while playing the 4 spot a lot. He was able to use his length to be disruptive and get in passing lanes, and he stayed in front of guys and took charges. I’m going to miss him.
I wonder what this means for Shawn Marion. It looks like he wont be back in Dallas, and he was big for them last year defensively
Marion was GREAT defensively back when they won the title. Last year, he wasn’t anything special on defense, and continually took dumb shots on the offensive end, lacking the consistency they needed (which Parsons will give them). He’s not a bad player, but he’s not worth what he wants anymore. I’d much rather have Lewis at the vet’s minimum for a year than Marion for multiple years and more money.
Harris/Ellis/Parsons/Dirk/Chandler plus Lewis, Jefferson and Felton off the bench….the Mavs could make some noise. Would still like to see them dump Felton somewhere and grab another PG (Mo Williams?) or bring in someone like Jason Terry if the Kings decide to buy him out.