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Will Drew Gooden be ’good in’ Dallas?July 26 09  He’s staying in Texas. Today, Drew Gooden announced he has agreed to terms with the Dallas Mavericks on a one-year contract for about $5 million. The post was dealt by the Chicago Bulls to the Sacramento Kings at the trade deadline last year. And after a late buyout, he finished the season with the San Antonio Spurs. Here’s the worry for ‘Team Cuban’: why have six other teams given up on Gooden and turned him into the league’s biggest nomad? Fortunately, it has never been about skill. Gooden’s offensive game earned him a scholarship to the University of Kansas and convinced the Orlando Magic to draft him fourth overall in 2002. Class organizations –such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs- have liked his game enough to trade for him. Early on, Gooden was known as a guy ‘who lived the NBA life’. Basketball came seconds to late nights and parties. Recently, finances have been responsible for his vagabond lifestyle –the tough economy and shrinking salary cap encouraged teams to acquire his expiring contract and let it come off the books. How does such an enigma fit with the Mavericks? Coach Rick Carlisle could start Gooden or use him as a reserve. Over an eighty-two game season, his role and minutes will vary, but Dallas, for now, is probably looking to platoon him with their other posts. Adding depth down-low is never a bad idea. The price and term works. Even in this buyer’s market, getting Gooden for below the mid-level exception is a deal. Hopefully, he adds to a much-improved squad and both sides consider an extension. But there’s no commitment if the relationship doesn’t work. Gooden just leaves in July of 2010 as a free agent and the Mavericks re-tool again next summer. There’s a feeling Gooden has never reached his potential. This is unfair. After all, he’s a good role player, not a star. That is what he’ll be for Dallas. What impact will Gooden have for the Mavericks? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for further NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of bulls fan. |
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