All the talk concerning the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers is nice when it comes to star center Hassan Whiteside—just don’t forget the Dallas Mavericks.
Remember those Mavericks? The team with Dirk Nowitzki (who will surely re-sign this summer) that almost landed DeAndre Jordan last summer before an odd change of heart sent him back to the Los Angeles Clippers?
Those Mavericks are still on the hunt for a star center, a new star to carry the organization when does decide it’s time to hang up the sneakers. Whiteside could be it and Dwain Price of the Star Telegram revealed the Mavericks are one of a few teams lucky enough to get an interview with Whiteside:
Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers are the other teams currently linked to Whiteside via free agency. But the Mavs are assured of getting a free agent meet and greet conversation with the 27-year old freak of nature, who is a lethal game-changer, especially at the defensive end of the floor.
And when he talked to the Miami-area media over the weekend, Whiteside didn’t exactly sound like he owed the Heat anything.
“I really don’t think it’s about loyalty,’’ he said of his free agent destination. “I think it’s about the best situation for myself.’’
Why would he? Whiteside is already 27 years old just four years into his career. The first two he wasted away with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in just 19 total games. After earning a shot in Miami, Whiteside just posted averages of 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game.
If Dallas can land Whiteside to pair with Nowitzki the rest will fall into place. He’s a big enough name and talented enough to lure other free agents to town, not to mention compete for a playoff bid in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks just have to hope Whiteside doesn’t put them through a Jordan Pt. II.
