Dallas Mavericks introduce Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones
- NBA Update
Dallas Mavericks introduced their two new guards on Thursday evening. Mavs acquired Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones in a two way trade with the Indiana Pacers, in which they sent over reserve centre Ian Mahinmi.
Mavericks’ president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson welcomed the players in a press release;
“We are thrilled to add these two players to our roster,” Nelson said. “Darren is a young, explosive point guard with tremendous upside. He has proven that he can lead a playoff team and we are excited about his potential. Dahntay
is a rugged veteran who will play the kind of tough defence that will fit perfectly in coach (Rick) Carlisle’s system."
Collison was always considered as one of the building blocks at the Indiana Pacers. Collision lost his starting job after his groin injury during the last season forcing coach Frank Vogel used him to use George Hill came as a starter.
Hill capitalized on the opportunity and continued to start game even when Collison returned back from injury.
Hill was the offered a five year contract early in the off season and it put a serious question mark on Collison’s role and future at Indiana. The point guard averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 assists during last season and is more
than a suitable option to bolster a fragile Dallas back court.
Jones couldn’t get much playing time during the last season as well. With Danny Granger and Paul George using most of the minutes at the wings, the nine year veteran became ineffective. In the 65 games Dahntay played last season,
he averaged 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds in about 16.2 minutes.
On his departure Dahntay tweeted his farewell note.
“Thanks Pacers fans for all the support over the past 3 years. I gave my heart and soul on the court and in the community,” he wrote. “Indiana is definitely a place I will always remember. Happy to see my guys (at) Stephenson Lance
and (at) King24George grow into great players &men.”
The Pacers guards will not be the only new faces at Dallas, who have also roped in Chris Kaman and according to latest reports, have also picked up Elton Brand off the waivers. The next target for the Mavericks is Luis Scola of
the Houston Rockets.
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