DRAFT PICKS: Shan Foster, G, 6-6, Vanderbilt -- Athletic swingman with above-average three-point range who will play in Italy this season.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Mavs needed an infusion of youth and athleticism, especially on the perimeter. They signed Gerald Green and re-signed Antoine Wright to shore up the swing spots. Reyshawn Terry has a shot to make the roster. Another veteran backup point guard might be a target. FREE AGENT FOCUS: Devean George, Green, Wright, Gana Diop, Gerald Green, J.J. Barea and James Singleton have signed contracts. Keith McLeod also inked a non-guaranteed deal. Other than another minor move, the team is basically done in the free agent market.
PLAYER NOTES:
--F Devean George didn't make any friends when he initially quashed the Jason Kidd trade back in February. Apparently, those hard feelings didn't last.
The Mavs re-signed George to a one-year deal, bolstering their frontcourt with the nine-year vet who has spent the last two seasons in Dallas. In 53 games last season with four starts, George averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game.
"Getting Devean back in a Mavs uniform has been a goal of ours all summer," Rick Carlisle said. "His experience and ability to run the floor and play and defend multiple positions will be a great asset for us this season."
--G Shan Foster is headed to Europe for the upcoming season. The second-round pick out of Vanderbilt signed a one-year deal with a team in Italy. Going overseas allows Foster a chance to work on his game, while the Mavs retain his NBA rights. Reyshawn Terry and Ronnie Seibutis, second rounders in 2007, followed the same path a year ago. The move looks like it paid off for Terry, who came back to the States stronger and more polished. He's expected to be in training camp in October. Seibutis is returning to Europe again this season.
Foster had a solid showing in summer league, but his chances of sticking this fall were slim on a roster loaded with swingmen. Instead of wasting away on the bench or spending his rookie year in the D-League, Foster can lace up against the best basketball competition outside the NBA.
--G Jason Kidd isn't headed overseas yet, though he's said finishing his career in Europe someday is an option. His feet, on the other hand, will have a definite international feel. Kidd has left Nike for Peak, a Chinese company who announced the deal with the gold medalist before he left Beijing. Kidd isn't the first NBA player to sport Peaks. Shane Battier of Houston also wears them.
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