The Dallas Mavericks could use a more consistent sixth-man option off of their bench, and Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan could be that guy via trade depending on how the first half of this season unfolds.
Although the Dallas Mavericks are 2-0 to start the new season, there’s always ways they could improve the roster in order to solidify their place in the championship-contender race. While many will point to the Mavs’ need for big-man depth, with 19-year-old rookie center Dereck Lively II being the team’s best –and sometimes only – option at center, finding a more consistent replacement for Tim Hardaway Jr. could help move things along as well.
Depending on how the first half of this season plays out, perhaps that guy could be Chicago Bulls veteran DeMar DeRozan. Although he’s 34 years old, DeRozan produces at a high level, as he averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game last season while shooting 50.4 percent from the field.
Hardaway is a pro’s pro, and he’s meant a lot to the Mavs over the last few years – some would argue too much. However, although his hot shooting can sometimes give Dallas an edge, his long cold streaks while still possessing the greenest of green lights to shoot can hold the team back.
DeMar DeRozan could be a good Tim Hardaway Jr. replacement for the Dallas Mavericks.
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Through two games to start the season, Hardaway is averaging 18 points per game, but he’s only shooting 35.5 percent from the field overall while making some odd shot-selection choices. Both sides of Hardaway’s game were pictured perfectly in Friday night’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, as he started out hitting five of his first seven shots, but then missed nine of his last 10 to end the game.
DeRozan isn’t the 3-point shooter that Hardaway is, and he’s three years older, but having a guy like him produce the same amount of points with better efficiency could really provide the Mavs with a lot of value. That is, assuming DeRozan would accept a sixth-man role. And even if he didn’t the Mavs still have questions at their starting small-forward position, so adding the versatile veteran could still work.
In theory, the Mavs could trade Hardaway, Richaun Holmes and draft compensation for DeRozan … and if Chicago doesn’t have much interest in Dallas’ draft compensation, then perhaps second-year guard Jaden Hardy could be on the table, given that he’s received two consecutive DNPs from head coach Jason Kidd to start the season. Whether the Mavs get in on a trade with the Bulls or not, it’s easy to see this being the year where Chicago finally pulls the plug on their current core.
