The Dallas Mavericks and center Samuel Dalembert have renewed ties once more.
The 6-foot-11 center has reportedly been signed up by the Dallas Mavericks for the coming NBA season. It will be Dalembert’s second stint with the Mavericks, having played for the Mark Cuban-owned squad back in 2013 before being traded to the New York Knicks the following year.
At that time, Dalembert was part of the package that included Jose Calderon, Wayne Ellington and Shane Larkin sent to the Knicks in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton.
Per team policy, details of the deal that Dalembert signed were not disclosed.
Dalembert’s signing somehow hones up the team’s need at center. After bombing out in the DeAndre Jordan deal, the Mavs ended up signing Zaza Pachulia instead. With the deal, Dalembert is likely to play backup center.
Aside from that, some things in the past will also be in focus. That includes Dalembert’s celebrated sleeping problem which dates back to the time his last stint in Dallas.
Back in 2014, Dalembert was suspended by the Mavericks for oversleeping and arriving late for the team’s workout sessions.
His sleeping problem apparently radiated when he went to the Knicks.
Per an article via ESPN, Knicks president Phil Jackson bared that Dalembert had has had cases of falling asleep during pre-game locker room sessions. That eventually led to Dalembert being waived.
Aside from Dalembert, Charlie Villanueva has also been re-signed to a new deal. As in the case of Dalembert, terms of Villanueva’s deal were not disclosed.
Villanueva’s numbers last season saw him average 6.3 points per game while hauling down 2.3 rebounds per outing. His return should provide added boost to the Mavericks frontline.
What lies ahead for Chris Andersen?
Could the Birdman be headed to retirement?
It’s no secret that the Miami Heat have placed the 37-year-old center on the trading block as it tries to trim down its salary budget to avoid the dreaded luxury tax penalty.
Andersen joined the Heat back in 2013, but it seems that his $5 million payday is something the Heat are trying to get rid of.
Andersen has been known to be a fierce defender and someone who can spur up some energy when he is called to take the floor.
But with the head hard-pressed as far as the salary budget is concerned, the team could opt to find a cheaper alternative to fill up Andersen’s role, that of which is a backup center.
Could it be Andersen’s last flight?