The Mavericks have no interest in signing Rockets center Dwight Howard if he opts out this summer, according to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Sefko touched on two other free agent centers, stating that Dallas is concerned about “off-court issues” involving Miami’s Hassan Whiteside, while Atlanta’s Al Horford would be a nice fit between Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons. In a question-and-answer session, Sefko also said the Mavericks may pursue Harrison Barnes if Parsons opts out, but he believes Barnes will stay with the Warriors.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Former Rockets guard Marcus Thornton cleared waivers this afternoon, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Houston released Thornton on Friday after he was sent to Detroit in a deal at the deadline that was later voided because of health concerns involving Donatas Motiejunas. Despite trading for Thornton, the Pistons don’t have any interest in signing him.
- The Rockets have recalled rookie combo forward Sam Dekker from their D-League affiliate, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Houston made Dekker the 18th overall pick in last summer’s draft, but he has only appeared in three games for the Rockets because of back surgery. A Wisconsin native, Dekker was called up just in time for the team’s trip to Milwaukee on Monday. “That’s just how it worked out,” he said. “… Now I get to go home, see my family. … I’m sure there will be a lot of Badger fans in Bradley Center tomorrow.”
- The versatility of Lance Stephenson, who was acquired in a draft day trade with the Clippers, has helped the Grizzlies deal with the loss of Marc Gasol, according to Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal. There were concerns that Memphis might collapse after Gasol’s broken foot, but the team was averaging 108.6 points in five games without their center before Saturday’s loss at Phoenix. “It’s a whole new identity for us with different groups, different guys,” coach Dave Joerger said. “I’m trying to play Lance at four different positions. Matt Barnes is playing two different positions, sometimes three. We can struggle defensively, but we’ll just keep working at it.”
What kind of off the court issues with Howard? The Mavericks would be interested
You’re joking right? His astonishing lack of maturity for one, the locker room grumbling, the delusions of offensive grandeur, the irresponsible fathering of children with multiple women etc etc
The off the court issues are referring to Whiteside, not Howard.
The off the court issues are referring to Whiteside not Howard
Ah, yes, article edited. I think Whiteside has made some errors of judgement in terms of his social media broadcasting.
Here is what I think the Mavericks should do:
1. Let zaza walk in free agency along with Parsons
2. Sign Howard, James, and Durant for next season
3. Re sign Dirk for two more years and put him on the bench
4. Sign Kevin Martin for this season and re sign him for next season
5. Get more minutes out of Matthews for this season and next
6. Let D will decide on if he wants to take his opt on his contract and let him walk in free agency and sign either Mike Conley or Jeff Teague
Six major things need to happen if the Mavericks are ever going to get another title