MAVS NEWS:

[michaeltex]

Kessler Edwards time has come to an end with the Mavs...for now.    I just want to say how impressive the Mavs two way players have been.  In each case they have played better than some of the guys with NBA contracts on the team.    Looking forward all made a good case for themselves to be NBA players.  Although they will continue to have uphill battles to earn NBA contracts.  Some comments on all of them:

Kessler Edwards- Prototype size.  Good/smart defender.  Still only 24.  With more playing time, he also hit some open threes.  Not a high volume shooter but proved he was not a zero shooting.  One negative is that he basically played emergency center when we did not have any bigs.  It is too bad we didn't really see him play with a center much or on the wing.  I think he will need to show he can be productive on the wing.

Kai Jones- Elite athleticism and good size.  You don't see that combo much.  Plays hard.  Sort of a weird shot, but so far it has gone in more than it hasn't.  I think the key for him is doing the small and boring things well.    We will get more opportunity to see how he plays moving forward.  One negative, is if we bring the roster back next year he will be the fourth center.  Also, Powell has another year left on his contract.  If we can't move Powell, do you keep a 5th center?  I believe he has two way eligibility left, but he is clearly going to be looking for an nba contract.

Brandon Williams- Really impressive and is really crafty in the lane.  He looks the part.  I will be intersting how he looks with a more complete team.  Instead of a guy looking to get his own points.  Can he run an offense?  Also, I have not been paying attention but is he a mess on defense?  At his size, it is really hard.  With the Mavs lack of ability to put pressure on the rim, he may have a decent chance to get a contract next year.  Although, there are a lot of options out there, so he will need to continue to play hard. 

Jazian Gortman-  The forgotten guy.  He stuck around with the G-league team and I think he has a decent shot to get a two way spot next year.  Around 4 years younger than Brandon Williams and hasn't really played important games.  His game is still really loose and will need to find a way to get reps.  He looks the part though.    He just needs a lot of work in serious basketball games.

Great analysis. I'd vote for signing Jones and Williams on April 12th. If AD is ready to go, DAL still needs help in the front court. Jones has looked good so far. Kind of a Gafford clone, but with better hops. I think you keep him and try to find DP a spot to play out his contract.

I really like what Williams brings. Doesn't have the ideal height, but he brings a lot of energy to both ends. If DAL is transitioning to more of a movement offense, then I think he will fit fine. Fearless to take to the rim, so that will help. Especially as the bigs come back and can help create a lane. I don't yet have a good read on his creating-for-others skills though.

I know a lot of us feel like this is a lost season and DAL should just tank their way to the lottery, but I'd like to see everyone together for some games this season to get a feel about how everyone fits for next fall.