Hi folks. Been playing around with a ton of data lately and wanted to put it to use to try to draw up some feasible acquisition targets that could shore up the Mavs. This ended up being far more work than I anticipated, so only the 4/5 men coming out tonight. More to come assuming people are interested.

Without further ado.

Andre Drummond –

Offensive Role – Garbage man. Offensive rebounder extraordinaire. Not really a vertical threat. 0 spacing provided, only attempts shots within the paint. Puts up a fair amount of post ups. Consistently high usage rate….not someone who is content just watching on offense, for better or worse. Has had some spurts of nice passing years ago but those days seem to be behind him.

Defensive Role – Drop coverage big. Fantastic individual rebounder although impact on team defensive rebounding is mixed bag. Great hands, excellent steal rate. Obviously a big, physical presence in the paint although his rim deterrence numbers are mixed at best.

Price Tag – Low (possibly free later in the year)? In final year of contract making 3.3 million. Currently playing <15 mins a game as backup 5. Bulls appear to be on precipice of total rebuild.

Overview – Previously linked to Mavs this past offseason. Seems to be some interest from both sides. Basically a stronger, less vertical version of Powell. Would strictly fill the role of backup big. No danger to Lively’s playing time. Drummond would be an interesting add on for a bigger trade….don’t think he’s worth pursuing by himself unless it’s on the buyout market.

Chris Boucher –

Offensive Role – Spacing big man who can dive to the rim as well. 80-90% of his shots come at the rim or from 3. He’s really increased his frequency from the corners over the years and appears to be settling in nicely there. Jump shot release is slow. Attacks the offensive glass really well. Black hole, basically doesn’t pass once he gets the ball. Think of him as a more extreme, more spry Kleber. Could play alongside Lively.

Defensive Role – Strong weakside shot blocker. Average individual defensive rebound numbers although team numbers reliably fall off when he’s on the court. Frail build lets him get overpowered at times. Tweener who has trouble chasing quicker guys but isn’t strong enough to battle with true bigs.

Price Tag – Moderate? Playing 15 mins a game in backup role. 22 million left fully guaranteed for this year and next. Older than you think (31 in January) as he didn’t really get started until age 25. Just spitballing but something along the lines of Hardy straight up for him could make sense for both sides.

Overview – Raptors are in no mans land….middling roster, some strong young pieces and some guys who would be really nice role players are playoff teams. . I think Boucher would be a prime target if the injury news on Kleber is bleak, or if the Mavs just think he’s cooked physically. Could slot into that role from day 1.

Mike Muscala –

Offensive Role – Spacing/spot up big man. 70% of his shots come from beyond the arc. Completely comfortable sitting in the corner and letting them fly. Recurring theme at this point but he’s not much of a ball mover. Not a dive man at all. Slightly different players but again, think of a Kleber lite role on offense. Low usage, jump shooting 4 man.

Defensive Role – Fits the Powell mold generally speaking. In the right place, tries hard, just has minimal overall impact on defense. Not a shot blocker, doesn’t generate steals. One positive is he doesn’t foul much. Individual rebound numbers are very weak but his teams consistently clear the glass when he’s on defense. Think he’s a strong boxout guy although I don’t have the numbers to back that up. Not going to improve the Mavs defense.

Price Tag – Low (possibly free later in the year)? Barely playing for a tanking Wizards team. Same story as Drummond, may be available for buyout in a few months.

Overview – Wizards have no real reason to keep him. Had really effective stretches with OKC the last few years and played well with Boston down the stretch last year. Couldn’t crack the playoff rotation. He could be completely finished but based on last year think it’s probably just a case of DC wanting to give minutes to younger guys for the future (ignore the fact that they’re playing Gallinari 15 mins a game as a big). Similar to Boucher, I think Muscala could be a potential to fill in for Kleber if he has further physical deterioration.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are of course a ton of other big men who could help the Mavs, but I tried to keep it to a list of players who would be reasonably available. Mavs aren’t getting Rudy Gobert for example. I didn’t do a full writeup on him because I doubt he’s on the market, but Paul Reed is another target. Not a 3 point shooter so difficult/impossible to play with Lively, but could take backup 5 minutes. Outstanding block and steal guy and also crushes the offensive glass but would be an unorthodox move for Philly to move someone like that.

I’ll come out with my list for wings in the coming days. Some names in my analysis really surprised me and I’m curious what you guys’ reactions will be. With the Mavs offense as potent as it is, I think they really need to be turning the screws to try to make this defense as competent as possible.