DALLAS — You were hoping for Howard, but you might have to settle for Hettsheimeir.
One potential Dallas Mavericks transaction has nothing to do with the other, really. But while the Orlando Magic's possible move of Dwight Howard to a new destination is the talk of the NBA — and while the Mavs continue to be a longshot in such a pipe-dream acquisition — according to sources, Dallas is considering an offer to Brazilian star Rafael Hettsheimeir.
Hettsheimeir is a 6-foot-10, 260-pounder who some believe might have a similar career arc to countryman Tiago Splitter of the Spurs. Brazil is an increasingly rich source of NBA talent, with Nene, Anderson Varejao and Fab Melo among the name players emanating from there.
Experts say Hettsheimeir doesn't possess terrific NBA-level athleticism but he is a solid defender with a low-post game that could make him an effective Paul Millsap-like power forward.
Dallas has Dirk Nowitzki at that position, of course. But the Mavs are still in the market for big men, with Ian Mahinmi as a free agent and Brendan Haywood, Brandan Wright and rookie Bernard James as other candidates at the center position.
