<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">DALLAS -- The <font color="#000000">Dallas Mavericks</font> signed former Houston high school star <font color="#000000">Ndudi Ebi</font> and three others to free agent deals Thursday. The others include undrafted guards Jose Barea and Darius Washington, and forward Pat Carroll. The 6-foot-9, 200-pound Ebi was a first-round pick in the 2003 draft by the <font color="#000000">Minnesota Timberwolves</font>. A forward, he played 16 games for the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBDL last season. Barea, who wasn't drafted coming out of Northeastern, ranked 18th in the nation in scoring (21.0) and second in assists (8.3). He played for the Mavericks summer league team in Utah, averaging 12 points and 6.7 assists over three games. Washington, who left Memphis after his sophomore season but wasn't drafted, averaged 10.4 points and 2.4 assists over five games for Dallas in the Utah league. Carroll played in Italy last season and was on Houston's summer team in Las Vegas. He was the Atlantic 10 co-player of the year in 2005, while at St. Joseph's.</div> Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2552880 Sounds good to me, Ebi is a mystery but I think Washington could be a real steal. Pat Carroll played well at Saint Joe's and I don't know much about Barea. Anyone have thoughts on these signings?
I was shocked Darius Washington wasn't drafted this year. He's an explosive PG and a strong finisher in traffic. He was ranked #2 behind Telfair during their high school season at the PG position, and had some impressive games with Memphis. I think he's worth taking a look at even if it's just for their NBADL team. Ndubi Ebi never really had a fair chance in Minny. Injuries slowed his development, and playing behind KG doesn't leave much room for minutes. He's very long and athletic, so he fits in with the type of players Avery likes using. He'll have to earn the few minutes at the swing position left by becoming a defensive presence. The Mavs are stockpiled with athletic forwards, but Ebi has a decent shot at getting noticed again. The other two players I'm skeptical about. Barera played well in the pre-draft camp, but he's undersized and doesn't have the athleticism to make up for it. He'll be a very solid player in Europe, I doubt he makes the Mavs team.
Ndudi Ebi was, if I recall correctly the #2 prep player the same year LeBron was a senior at St.Vincent's/St. Mary's. Developmental project at best, but could earn minutes if he does what Avery wants and likes. Jose Juan Barea, I think has a shot if he shows excellent playmaking skills, but may be better suited for Europe like Shape said.. Darius Washington has game, he was pretty good at the PG spot for Memphis. Carroll, If I remeber correctly is a shot specialist, but I wonder if he will be able to get good shots in the NBA level..
Carroll's game was more suited for the college level, but he must have been impressive for us to sign him, considering all of the forwards we have on the team already. Im excited to see if any of these players can make a difference
The Mavs were able to resurrect Desagna Diop's career last season by taking a flyer on him and helping him find his confidence. Avery Johnson came into this league with low expectations and was always in the under dog role. I think he relates to well with these type of underachievers and can motivate them into becoming the players everyone thought they would turn out to be. The two players with the best chance at having an impact are Ebi and Washington IMO. They are both talented players, but I think both let the hype effect their development. You would think being out of the league for a year and going undrafted should humble both of these two and they will listen and follow Avery's instructions in order to make it in the NBA.
I like Ebi as a player, but I don't see a chance of him getting minutes as well. After all, at small forward, he'd have to play behind Josh Howard, Stackhouse and Deavean George, not to mention Maurice Ager who might sneak some minutes in at three as well. At the four, he'll play behind Dirk and Croshere. Ebi also isn't eligible for the NBADL anymore, so he'll be stuck taking up a roster spot. I'm all for his success but it just doesn't seem like Dallas is the place.
Yeah this just gives Dallas more depth. Ebi was supposed to be a phenomenal player, just struggled adapting to the NBA. i mean he is a young guy, but still doesnt hurt to give him another shot.
Carroll was a great outside shooter for St. Joes and was a key part to their run a couple years ago. I`m eager to see what he can do at a pro level.
If ebi gets minutes, he could be great. I interviewed him for a scholl project, and he has a great attitude. If he gets the chance he could explode imo. Also, he was awesome a year ago in summer league when he played against artest.
Carroll has a very similar game to Korver's except he has a better handle and is tougher, and although he's not the most athletic guy he learned everything he could and i adequate at the defensive end. Perfect shooter off the bench.
The only thing holding DW Jr. back is his baggy shorts. Look how fast he was with shorts down by his ankles. I think he'll be hella fast in shorts above his knees. Either way, he has potential, and I was dissapointed he didn't get drafted, I think he'll be a steal if he makes the team. I hate Ebi for not going to Zona, he's a bust......
