ESPNDallas.com columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor and MavsOutsider.com editor-in-chief Bryan Gutierrez join Tim MacMahon each week to run a three-man weave on a few questions on the minds of Mavericks fans.
1. What is the best move made by the Mavs’ front office since the end of last season?
Gutierrez: Despite the poor showing against Detroit, I'll still say it's the Rajon Rondo deal. Signing Jameer Nelson turned out to be bust. Knowing that, Dallas quickly assembled a package that allowed it to acquire possibly a perfect complementary piece to the lineup. You can make a case for many or most of the moves the Mavs have made since last season, but the Rondo deal really addressed the needs of the team at the time. That’s not easy to accomplish at such a pivotal position midseason.
MacMahon: I guess it’s my job to be the voice of reason. The Tyson Chandler trade is the best move the Mavs’ front office has made since, well, the last time Dallas dealt for Chandler. His return reinvigorated a fan base frustrated by three seasons without a significant offseason addition or playoff series win. And Chandler still fits with the Mavs as well as he did during the title season, providing rim protection and rebounding that are critical to Dallas’ hopes as a contender.
Taylor: It's unquestionably the addition of Rondo, because he's a true star. It's not like Chandler Parsons, who the Mavs hope will emerge as a star. Rondo is a star at a key position on the court. He can direct the offense and he's blessed with a number of quality players who can finish. By the time the playoffs roll around and the Mavs have played 50 games or so with Rondo, they will be an extremely tough out.
2. How significant would signing Jermaine O’Neal be for the Mavs?
Gutierrez: It’s quite evident that depth at center was sacrificed to bring Rondo in. If he’s healthy and durable, it would be very significant for the Mavs to sign O’Neal. While Greg Smith has improved incrementally since the trade, it’s still dicey to count on him in high-pressure situations. O’Neal is a proven veteran who can bang down low. More support behind Tyson Chandler is never a bad idea. You would assume bringing in O’Neal would have a positive impact on the team.
MacMahon: Smith has averaged 3.5 points and 3.2 rebounds during his 10-game stint as the Mavs’ backup center. O’Neal averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds as the Warriors’ backup big man last season. Sure looks like a significant upgrade to me. The Mavs must improve their depth at center to prepare for playoff matchups against physical teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers. O’Neal is the most logical solution.
Taylor: Nonfactor. I just don't see it. He's still getting treatments for his knee. He missed training camp and he'll have to work himself into true game shape. His experience would be nice and he could give you five to 10 quality minutes off the bench, I suppose. But O'Neal is not going to be the difference between winning and losing a title this year.
3. Who is the Mavs’ most indispensable player?
Gutierrez: It was asked back during an earlier 3 Points in December whether Monta Ellis had surpassed Dirk Nowitzki as the team’s MVP. I said it was Tyson Chandler, so I’m sticking with him and saying he’s the most indispensable player. They can still score with the best of them, but it’s predicated on defense and rebounding. He’s unquestionably the team’s best defender and rebounder. The Mavs are in trouble if any of their starters go down, but they’re in massive trouble if they don’t have Chandler.
MacMahon: It’s Chandler, the best center in franchise history. The Mavs are often outmatched on the glass with Chandler ranked fourth in the league in rebounding at 12.1 per game. Just imagine how ugly it’d be with him out of the mix. And this would be a dreadful defensive team without Chandler patrolling the paint. The Mavs can find ways to score. They can’t survive without Chandler.
Taylor: Right now, you'd have to say Ellis. Frankly, this is good. Dirk remains a star, but we've seen how some nights he just doesn't have it to take over a game. Ellis is still a youngster. He attacks the hoop relentlessly and nothing scares him. He'll take the ball anytime. Finally, Dirk isn't the epicenter of everything, which makes him a more effective player, if that's even possible. Without the burden of carrying the Mavs, he can do like Tony Romo and pick and choose the spots to exert himself.