FA: JaVale McGee 3yrs/$17.2M to DAL | will indeed start at center

[mvossman]

I don't understand all the complaints about McGee based on him only being a 15-20 mpg player. They didn't need or have room for a 30 mpg big man, with both Wood and Kleber already here and expected to split the C minutes.

The Mavs had a need for a part-timer who will play limited minutes when they need a more traditional big, who will be ready in case of injury or sickness or foul trouble , and who won't make waves -- which, in fact, is exactly what McGee has been and has excelled at in recent years.

We wanted to solve that problem area (or a different one) with the MLE asset, and they got it done. One problem solved, for less than the MLE (enough less to slide Hardy into a more team-friendly deal).

Not sure how the "starter" thing will play out -- but maybe it will be like D Steve years ago, who started and added some early physicality to set a tone?

Some of the reasons:

We did a 3 year contract for a 34 year old backup big including a player option in his age 37 season.  WTF?

I have concerns this is a sign of a two big offense.  I hated it with KP and Powell and I will hate it with Mcgee and Wood.  

There are a large number of players I would rather spend the tax MLE on.  It may be the case that they all get paid more, but I would want to explore those options first.

I will be particularly upset if this keeps them from getting Dragic, who I would consider more important than a backup center.  I'm concerned he has not signed yet given that their only option is the vet min.

If we end up signing Dragic and they send out Powell in trade making McGee the primary backup center I will be much less pissed.