Time to Say Good-Bye to Ray Ray & Lee?
After bringing back Williams, Powell, and the Big German, Maverick fans are curious as to whether or not David Lee and Raymond Felton will be back in Maverick jerseys next season. Both had very solid seasons in Dallas last year. David Lee was bought out by the Celtics and quickly picked up by the Mavs. Raymond Felton came over on a trade for Tyson Chandler two summers ago, but barely saw the court his first season as a Maverick. His second season, he flourished off the bench. But now, both are free agents, and Dallas has a decision to make.
Bringing back Dwight Powell was clearly the Mavericks' number one priority when it came to bigs after missing out on Hassan Whiteside. Cuban said that Dallas' focus this summer was to make the team younger and more athletic. Well, Powell is 24 years old and finishes well above the rim. So check and check. While Lee has played mostly power forward in his eleven year career, Dallas slid him behind Zaza Pachulia a lot last season to play the backup 5 slot. And he did excellent. In 25 games played with Dallas, Lee averaged 9 points and 7 rebounds on 64% shooting. A much needed boost off of the bench. Lee is only 33 years old, average for the Mavericks' standards, and is an underrated athlete around the basket. He's going to find a home this offseason.
This picture looks super athletic. So, I picked this one.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Raymond Felton. Arguably my favorite part of having him on the Dallas Mavericks is all the puns that come with him. Everybody Loves Raymond. That's So Raymond. Watch him whip, now watch him Ray Ray. That one always makes me cringe. Anyway, besides the puns, Felton really showed that he wasn't just a throw in on the Tyson Chandler trade. Last season, Felton averaged 10 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds per game off the bench for Dallas. Carlisle used a three guard lineup a lot last season, which led to Felton pumping out 27 minutes per game. Oh yeah, he also had a triple-double against Washington back in January. He's 32 years old and reportedly has interest from the Pelicans right now. He's been a great locker room presence since he arrived in Dallas, so what does he do now?
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So, here's the thing. Dallas currently has three centers on the roster: Andrew Bogut, Salah Mejri, and AJ Hammons. Hammons hasn't technically been signed after being drafted 46th overall, but he's expected to after being deemed a steal. There's two power forwards: Dirk and Powell. The Mavs have the same three point guards they had last year in Williams, Harris and Barea, and now two shooting guards in Wes Matthews and Seth Curry. Dallas has three roster spots open, but only enough money to hand out three minimum contracts. This is all assuming JaVale McGee is off the team by July 12th.
Nothing has come out as to what kind of money Felton and Lee are getting offered, but after both of them had such solid seasons, so I find it hard to believe that they're only getting the minimum. Both have mutual interest in coming back to Dallas, which could lead to them taking a minimum contract if the Mavs decide to give it to them. The only problem I have in bringing both of them back is this: they hinder the development of younger guys. Powell got PAID this summer and is expected to step into a much bigger role in his second season with Dallas. AJ Hammons is a rookie that will likely see little playing time anyway, but if Lee comes in, you can almost guarantee that his entire season will be spent with the Texas Legends. Mejri is about to be 30, but it's only his second season, and he played incredible when called upon last year. He's still developing. Justin Anderson may see a lot of time at the backup two position, but if Felton comes back, that hinders his growth there. Also, bringing in Seth Curry at only 25 years old is something I am very excited about. He's going to get a lot of run behind Wes Matthews; that is, if Raymond Felton doesn't come back. Curry could be special (ok not Steph special), like a 6th man of the year type guy. Seriously. But, he needs to get court experience. That doesn't happen with Harris, Barea, and Felton all on the bench with him.
Raymond Felton and Seth Curry going at it against each other. Will they be teammates?
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
As much as I loved both of these guys, I don't see them coming back. I think Lee is more likely than Felton, because his Warrior teammates Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes are now Mavericks, but I also see a return to Golden State as a likely situation for him. Felton is going to get some strong looks for teams in need of a backup point guard and could easily get a mid-level exception, if not more. In my opinion, I think it's time for Dallas to focus on building up their young guys on the bench, rather than bringing back two rental veterans. They say if you love something let it go, well, it's time to let these guys go.
