What Happened: The Mav's, holding the 26th pick in the 1st round, drafted guard Jordan Hamilton out of the University of Texas. Immediately after, reports that a 3 team trade including the Portland Trailblazers and the Denver Nuggets was in the works, for a player to be named later. Moments after that, the mystery player arriving in Dallas was none other than Portland guard Rudy Fernandez (click link for info and stats), as well as Petteri Koponen (the last pick of the 1st round in the 2007 draft), for the Mavs 57th pick, who turned out to be Targuy Ngombo from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What This Means: Clearly, the Mav's are in "win now" mode. Donnie Nelson and the rest of the Mav's brain-trust believed that at the 26 spot, there was no player available to contribute right away in the rotation, and instead chose to package the pick as well as their second rounder for a proven rotation player, or to quote Nelson,"A potential starter", and perhaps a future point guard down the road.
Rudy Fernandez, the 6'6 guard out of Spain, is a 3 year veteran playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. In his rookie year, he set NBA rookie records for 3 point field goals made in a season (159), as well as participating in the Slam Dunk Contest and being selected the the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He is an athletic, lanky guard who can play defense as well as knock down outside shots, and create his own shot at the same time.
With the Mav's making this move, it looks like the end for Peja Stojakovic, and one of TAG Radio's favorite Mavs, Deshawn "Junkyard Dog" Stevenson. Fernandez is in the last year of his rookie contract (on the books to make around 2 million this year), around 2 million cheaper than Junkyard made this season. And after his performance in the playoffs this year, Junkyard would most likely be slated to make more than that in a new contract. This is also interesting because it shows that the Mav's front office is not particularly confident in young guard Rodrique Beaubois, and perhaps last years 1st round pick Dominique Jones (or even Corey Brewer). Perhaps they are simply creating competition between the young guns, hoping they will push each other and get better this off season and training camp (once again, if we even have one of those). Only time will tell.
My take on all this is that it is a positive move for the Mav's. There is no risk involved. They packaged 2 picks with unknown NBA ability, for a solid, proven, young NBA player and a prospect for the future. Can't be to upset with those results, and probably the proper move for a team trying to repeat as World Champions. No need to take a risk late in the first round for someone you don't see contributing right away. I like the move, and I trust Donnie Nelson and his decision making (he did bring us Dirk after all).
So at the end of all this, I guess it wouldn't be right not to throw in a prediction. I whole-heartily believe that we will re-sign Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, and Caron Butler. Tyson is a shoe in, J.J. wants to come back and understands his role, and Caron is a valuable asset to this team, both on and off the court. And we may be able to get him for a bargain after his injury. So going into the season, I see this as our starting lineup:
PG- Jason Kidd
PG- Jason Kidd
SG- Rudy Fernandez (after battling Roddy B, Dominique Jones, and Corey Brewer for this spot)
SF- Caron Butler
PF- I'll let you figure this one out, starts with D and ends in K (and no I'm not being dirty)
C- Tyson Chandler (next years Defensive MVP....maybe)
Jason Terry will resume his 6th man role off the bench, with J.J. spilling Kidd, and Shawn Marion will perform the role he had at the beginning of this season, coming off the bench and solidifying the best 2nd team in basketball. Corey Brewer will take over the role of Deshawn Stevenson in the last 3 games of the Finals: Defensive stopper to guard top players, as well as spell Matrix and Caron to try and keep their minutes low and not over work them. Haywood will do his thing splitting minutes with Tyson, and who knows, Brian Cardinal aka "The Custodian" may even crack the lineup a few times (somebody has to take charges and give hard fouls). The Mav's will find a way to see what they have in Roddy B and DJ (Dominique Jones), but aren't 100% ready to throw them into the fire, especially after last season. They will get their minutes though.
Long post I know, but a lot to talk about with all the moving and shaking going on. My mind is already racing, excited for the possibilities of next year. Can the season start already?
Comment and let us know what you think about the Mav's moves on draft night. Agree, disagree, indifferent, confused, whatever. Let us know what you think!
-Taylor
TAG Radio Founding Father
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