DALLAS — Piece-by-piece, the Dallas Mavericks are trying to reload their roster toward an even more competitive level. The latest accomplishment: The amnesty-bid win on center/forward Elton Brand.
Some of the inside stuff on what Brand brings to the Mavs ... and what might be next:
Brand, the 33-year-old two-time All-Star, was no longer a financial fit in Philly. But with only a $2.1 million amnesty bid and with his interior talents coming on an expiring contract, he's a fine fit for the Dallas Mavericks, who can now pencil him in as part of a front-line rotation that also includes veteran forwards Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion and fellow newcomer Chris Kaman.
Brand put up numbers in the last two years that suggest he remains a viable force: 18.5 and 18.0 points per game the last two seasons, 8.9 rebounds per 36 mins in 2011-2012, 2.0 blocks and 1.2 steals.
He's thought of as a power forward, but Brand played most of his minutes last year at center. His huge wingspan allows him to be a very effective man-on defensive center. though he's not the classic TY-style "rim protector.''
How effective is he as a two-way center: Philly scored 96.1 points and only allowed 86.6 when he was at center last year.
Brand measures in at 6-foot 9 1/2 in shoes with a 7-5 1/2 wingspan and a 9-2 standing reach.
Brand has been remarkably consistent during his career, having averaged 18.3 points and 9.4 rebounds over 13 seasons. Some of his best years were with the Clippers, when he became friends with then-and-again teammate Kaman.
Brand's numbers slipped last year, and agent David Falk recently conceded to SI.com that he wants to "re-establish his career.''
"He’s got four or five good years left,'' Falk said. "He’s only 33 years old.''
The Mavs are just as concerned about his contract, which expires next summer and allows Dallas to continue with Plan Powder while also remaining competitive. Kaman is also on a one-year deal. The Collison/Dahntay trade brings in two more rotation players with expiring contracts.
What's next? DallasBasketball.com/FOXSportsSouthwest.com has been told that Dallas and Delonte West have an "understanding'' about his future that will be decided by this weekend. The Mavs can fill the roster now using the Room Mid-Level of $2.575 mil on Delonte or possibly on a wing who can shoot.
The $2.1 million bid on Brand leaves enough money to also place a bid on amnestied power forward Luis Scola from Houston, if Dallas wishes. He's got three years left on his contract and the minimum bid on him is $3.79 million.
