The Dallas Mavericks have been looking for centers this offseason after DeAndre Jordan went back on his verbal commitment and re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavericks did a good job of recovering quickly from the Jordan saga as they traded for Zaza Pachulia and signed Samuel Dalembert. Apparently the Mavericks weren't satisfied with just those two centers though as they have also reportedly signed JaVale McGee. McGee is reportedly still recovering from a leg injury but hopes to be ready for training camp, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Before the Mavericks signed Dalembert they were looking at McGee but were reportedly concerned with his health. Despite the fact that McGee is still recovering from an injury the Mavericks must have seen enough proof that he will be healthy in order to give him a deal. McGee signed a two year veteran's minimum deal with the second year being a team option.
McGee only played in a total of 23 games last season between the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers due to injuries and he has only played a full season three times in his career. Now 27 years old, McGee will be entering his eighth season in the league and has career averages of 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
The Mavericks signing of McGee is a potential low risk, high reward type of move for them. McGee is ultra-talented with crazy athleticism and a tremendous ability to block shots as he stand at 7 foot tall. Aside from his injuries though McGee has also been known to make a bonehead play every now and then so it is possible that this signing could turn out to be irrelevant.
With three established centers on their roster now it will be interesting to see how Rick Carlisle will divvy out the minutes. Pachulia is probably the most likely to start with Dalembert and McGee fighting for minutes off the bench. If McGee can stay healthy though and provide big time defense inside he has the potential to make a big impact in Dallas and really earn himself some minutes, but those are big if's.
