<< Mavericks come courting Lewis Frank Hughes; The News Tribune Knowing that free-agent forward Rashard Lewis has been unhappy in his dealings with the Seattle Sonics, the Dallas Mavericks have contacted him about the possibility of arranging a visit to the Western Conference semifinalists, according to sources. Meanwhile, the Sonics on Sunday lost forward Olumide Oyedeji, who signed a contract with the Orlando Magic, and the team is going to lose guard Earl Watson, who signed an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies. The most Dallas could offer Lewis is its mid-level exception, a $4.5 million salary. Lewis could take that and re-enter free agency next season, when six teams are projected to have money under the salary cap. Or, Lewis could accept a three-year deal for $15 million and obtain his Bird rights with Dallas, which would enable Dallas to give Lewis a maximum contract in the summer of 2005. Watson signed a three-year, $4 million offer sheet with the Grizzlies on Friday. While Seattle has 15 days to make a decision on whether it wants to match the Grizzlies' offer and retain Watson, it would be required to get under the salary cap to do so. Frank Hughes
IF Lewis is gonna take the MCE he'll come to Houston over Dallas. It's is hometown and he'd be an more important part of the team's offense in Houston w/ Francis being option #1 & Lewis and Mobley both being #2 as opposed to going to Dallas w/ Nash, Nowitski, Finley, Van Excel, La Frenz & Co.
But, at the same time, Cuban will dish out the MAX with no problem when the contract expires. I dont think Houston would be willing to give Rashard the max specially with all the players we already have. Also, Dallas is close enough to home.
I actually agree with you. Being a Dallas fan I drool over the possability of having a lineup of ... PG - nash SG - Finley SF - Shard PF - Dirk C - Raef ... the only problem is that if he's going to sign for 4.5 mil I think he would just sign with Houston. However right now Dallas is closer to being a title contender than Houston is. Just by watching Shard it doesn't seem that he wants to be the main go to guy on a team so it's possible that he would sign with Dallas for those reasons (he won't have to be the main go to guy on a legit title contender). The only problem with Dallas getting Shard is that he doesn't fill a need for this team. Both his defense and rebounding are average.
Rashard Lewis might be the last thing Dal needs. A spot-up 3 pt shooter, with no defense. I guess if Dal doesn't plan on using its MCE, then it'd be a good move. However, if they are looking at Lewis more than a PF/C then they haven't learned anything over the last 2 seasons.
Well we did pretty good last year without Lewis in the mix. The only person (of significance) that we lost is Buckner. Are you saying that Rashard wouldn't be an upgrade over Buckner? Raef, and Nick only played half a year with Dallas so by the time the playoffs roll around this year the chemistry with then should be better. I think we still need more time together though before we will be able to beat the Kings or Lakers.
Article from a Seattle paper on Lewis' situation ... http://www.tribnet.com/sports/story/1471341p-1589474c.html
It was reported on the radio here that there were over 300 fans at the airport to greet Lewis when he arrived in Dallas.
Update on Rashard's visit to Dallas (with pictures). http://www.nba.com/mavericks/news/Rashard_Lewis_Visited_the_Mavs.html
Defensively, Lewis is a downgrade from Buckner. However, I think it is important to note that the Mavs are considering him for the MCE: a 3-year $15 million deal. They would be picking up a considerable talent for free. So, nevermind if they need defense, or rebounding, or shotblocking -- this guy is FREE. He'd give a significant boost to their human capital. They can make trades later to pick up some defense. I think, if Seattle doesn't pony up, Lewis would pick Dallas over Houston. And, not just because he said Dallas is a better organization than Houston (which he did). My thinking is this: he entered the draft with the understanding that Houston would take him in the first round. He's spurned and pissed off. But develops a great relationship with Seattle, and signs a lowball deal with them to get his Bird Rights, expecting to finally be paid what he's worth this offseason. Then, when payday comes, Seattle lowballs him again and says they can't keep up their end of the bargain because of the luxury tax. So, he is betrayed a second time. Along comes Mark Cuban, who pays his players well, treats his players well and is insensitive to the luxury tax. Finally, a man he can trust to come thru when payday arrives. Les has a good reputation as well, but did betray Lewis once in the past and he is not insensitive to the luxury tax, so there is a danger there. So, I see Lewis having two real options: (1) He's not willing to pay his dues for another 3 years (after all, it is a considerable financial risk), so he takes the low offer from Seattle. (2) He's willing to pay the costs if it will finally put him in a good situation and signs a small contract with Dallas with a promise of a rich contract in 3 years.
I believe Lewis will go to Dallas for the simple fact that he got caught up in the "airport welcome" hype. Someone put it good when they said Dallas' efforts were more like college recruiting. What i don't understand is why he would say that Dallas is a better organization than Houston. What is he basing that on, a welcome party? So say Lewis doesn't come here. We still have a glut at Forward. Mo T. is not paid to sit the bench, sky's the limit with Griffin, and Kenny Thomas will continue to improve (love his defense). Then you got Nachbar who won't be a Pedra. Instead he will be the first Bokie. I don't think Rice can contribute like he used to, but he will be a welcome sight off the bench for his shooting. Terrence Morris can be as aggressive as any of them, lots of upside.
I personally don't want Lewis to come to Houston anyway. I know he's young and has alot of upside to his game, but I don't think he's what the Rockets need.
Not Rashard Lewis. Kendall Gill maybe, but definitely not Rashard. And a banger like Aaron Mcghee wouldn't be bad. Seeing how he got shafted and all...
