Here's how things rolled around while PPod was in the D-League, he played 11 games total, here they are...March 11- 15 Minutes, 1/3 FG, 2/2 FT, 3 Rebounds, 3 Blocks, 4 Fouls, 4 PointsMarch 12- 15 Minutes, 1/3 FG, 0/2 FT, 3 Rebounds, 1 Block, 4 Fouls, 2 PointsMarch 17- 21 Minutes, 3/7 FG, 4/4 FT, 11 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 4 Fouls, 10 PointsMarch 18- 22 Minutes, 4/7 FG, 4/6 FT, 7 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 2 Fouls, 12 PointsMarch 20- 15 Minutes, 2/3 FG, 0/0 FT, 8 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 3 Fouls, 4 PointsApril 1- 24 Minutes, 5/8 FG, 0/0 FT, 7 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 5 Fouls, 10 PointsApril 2- 11 Minutes, 2/3 FG, 2/3 FT, 3 Rebounds, 1 Block, 1 Foul, 6 PointsApril 4- 22 Minutes, 2/4 FG, 2/4 FT, 5 Rebounds, 1 Block, 6 Fouls, 2 PointsApril 6- 27 Minutes, 6/7 FG, 0/2 FT, 9 Rebounds, 1 Block, 2 Fouls, 12 PointsApril 8- 18 Minutes, 3/4 FG, 1/1 FT, 2 Rebounds, 1 Block, 6 Fouls, 7 PointsApril 9- 15 Minutes, 1/8 FG, 2/2 FT, 0 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 4 Fouls, 4 PointsAverage- 18.63 MPG, 52.63 FG%, 65.38 FT%, 5.27 RPG, .72 BPG, 3.72 FPG, 6.63 PPGI didn't post assists, turnovers, 3 pointers, and so on, they went neededOverall, I think I would have to say im impressed, I didn't expect much more than the stats I saw. Um...I never saw him play any of his games, so it's kind hard to judge on how he was shooting, if he was shooting mid ranges or shots in the paint. I would like to see Pavel develop into a good shooter. A good shooter is something our centers would be missing next season...Diop for defense and Dampier for in the points under the basket, and a center with a mid range would complete the picture of all 3 of them. Something I noticed that kinda stood out was that Pavel gets quite a few fouls. Again I never saw him play any games, so im not sure if the fouls were something he couldn't help our if he's trying to step up his defense. One thing I would have like to see him do is show up more consistently on blocks. With his height advantage in the D-League im sure he should at least have an average of 1 a game, he would also have the height advantage in the NBA also. But he is 7'5 and 260+, im sure he doesn't have much ups, so I wont hate. To wrap it up, Mavs have center to work with, hopefully they can get some good use out of him
You may be right, but if he can produce there, he might be able to at least contribute some in the NBA.But I would wait a few years before announcing Pavel as a good player or not.
While the draft was going on, he was known to have a soft 15-foot shot, but if he's only making 2/3 of them from the line, maybe they were wrong...Right now, I'd rather have Mbenga.Not a guarenteed-playmaker, but his energy is always a plus.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>While the draft was going on, he was known to have a soft 15-foot shot, but if he's only making 2/3 of them from the line, maybe they were wrong...</div>He's shooting over 50% from the field.I like what I see because it's a sign we can let Benga go if he gets a sizable offer.
Dude, do you really want Mbenga, an energizing player who is even a fan favorite at Dallas, who still plays well, to leave!?!?!?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Dude, do you really want Mbenga, an energizing player who is even a fan favorite at Dallas, who still plays well, to leave!?!?!?</div>He's not a fan favorite. Benga jerseys aren't flying off the shelves.Yes I don't care if Benga leaves if he's gonna get a MLE type deal. A third string center leaving doesn't make lose sleep.
Mbenga is a 3rd string center by default. To me he is just as good as Diop but with more upside. Pavel though I think is a stiff and won't do much in the nba. Just because your big doesn't mean you are good. Shaq is good because he has both size and quickness. Also big hands always helps and great balance.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Mbenga is a 3rd string center by default. To me he is just as good as Diop but with more upside. Pavel though I think is a stiff and won't do much in the nba. Just because your big doesn't mean you are good. Shaq is good because he has both size and quickness. Also big hands always helps and great balance.</div>You amaze me with your posts sometimes. The fact Benga will only be a third string center here is a reason he should go. I don't care if it's by default, he's not better then the two above him. And Pavel will do ok being third string center. It will get him some valuable playing time without hurting the team. Also, more upside, did you say Benga has more upside. Diop is 2 years younger then Benga and already is the better player and still has a ceiling. Not saying Benga doesn't, but his window is shorter and the fact he has to learn more of the game limits it even further. This guy has only been playing basketball for 4 years.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Just because your big doesn't mean you are good. Shaq is good because he has both size and quickness. Also big hands always helps and great balance.</div>That's one of Pavel's strengths, his great hands and soft touch around the rim.
Mbenga is more athletic than Diop. Mbenga only playing 4 years means that he has a lot to learn so there is no saying how much he can improve. The age thing doesn't matter because Mbenga already has the ability how to effect games. He just needs to understand the game more and stay out of foul trouble.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Mbenga only playing 4 years means that he has a lot to learn so there is no saying how much he can improve.</div>With his age, he will be a late bloomer and on the tailend of his career. He's a career backup in this league, I don't see the big deal in letting him go with the centers we have. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>He just needs to understand the game more and stay out of foul trouble.</div>So we should give him a hefty contract to wait for his development as he plays 5-10 minutes every other game? Thing is he won't get the development he needs with us and to keep him we might have to overpay. So those things considered he's not a guy see here next year. If he takes a paycut more power to Cubes, but Benga would not get his money worth on the bench.
I agree, I like his potential, but at best he's a very good backup Center prospect or role player.I think we should keep him, but I don't want to spend big to get him, allthough if the Mavs want to keep him, they'll probably have to spend the MLE to keep him.
Yes Marvin, his job is to fill a role player for the MavsI kinda have to disagree on using the MLE on Pavel, but im not sure. Because his contract still has another season on it, so between then and now, we dont know what situation Mavs will have. Looking at that offseason, it has alot on the line...Dirk and Howard both Free Agents. Obvious reason Dirk will be a high pay, and I would expect Howard to be making some big money. But if Mavs dont extend Dirk or Howard before then, I wouldnt expect Cuban/Donnie putting the MLE under Pavel's name
Why do you have to have so little doubt in him? Accept him as a Maverick. There have been Mavs players that I havent liked, but you know we cant do one thing about it. There is a reason Mavs traded for him, obviously they saw some part of tallent and intrest in him. I dont think Cuban, Donnie, and Avery are just gonna let him go just like that. Mavs are gonna get every use out of him. Even is he only scores 1 point a game or 20. Yea he might be a bust, we dont know that yet. But in the NBA you have to take a risk. Example, look at Jermaine O'Neal...his first 4 season's with the Blazers are terrible, now look how good of a player he is. Im not saying Pavel will be that good. But it should be enough to prove you point wrong. Bad things can turn into good. Idk about you, but I wouldnt be talking sh1t about a player who is 7'5...I doubt you're 7'5
Yeah, look at Dirk. Nellie expected him as Rookie of the Year, and didn't even make the Rookie Team!! Next year, he's 2nd in Most Improved Player voting!!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I know a bust when I see one. Pavel is it.</div>Do you huh? I know a homer/biased fan when I see it.
Yeah, lol, like me...seriously, though, you can't call Pavel a bust YET...I know, right now, I'd rather take my money on MBENGA, but nobody even said Pavel can't play.
Why I think Pavel is a bust is this. He is already really strong but he has very poor footwork. It is easier to get strong than it is to gain speed and balance. If I am proven wrong than I will congratulate him but I don't have high hopes on him doing much in the nba.
