Dallas Mavericks roster cuts and what they mean ahead of the start of the regular season
With the Dallas Mavericks' regular season starting next week, the organization made some key roster additions and subtractions after the final preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. In terms of roster cuts, Carlik Jones, Feron Hunt, and Tyrell Terry fell victim to the numbers game. Jason Kidd, after the win over Milwaukee, […]
With the Dallas Mavericks' regular season starting next week, the organization made some key roster additions and subtractions after the final preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
In terms of roster cuts, Carlik Jones, Feron Hunt, and Tyrell Terry fell victim to the numbers game.
Jason Kidd, after the win over Milwaukee, stressed that it wasn't an indictment on who the three are as men, but instead, it was a question of team fit ahead of a season chalked full of expectations.
"Carlik and Feron, I thanked them because they did everything that we asked," Kidd said. "It's a numbers game. We can only have 15, and we already had two two-ways. I am sad because those two didn't do anything wrong."
"I hope that they get picked up."
As for Terry, he spent a majority of NBA training camp away from the team dealing with a personal matter. Therefore, Kidd was unable to see what he could be in the context of the Mavericks roster.
Part of that problem also dates back to Terry getting injured in the NBA summer league, missing his opportunity, again, to leave a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
"I didn't get to see a lot," Kidd said. "I didn't get to see enough of him. The decision was made between Frank [Ntilikina] or Tyrell, and management and ownership went with Frank."
Terry was the Mavericks' 31st overall selection in the 2020 NBA draft. He was one of Dallas' guaranteed salaries, netting $1.5 million this season and $1.8 million next season.
What do these roster cuts mean?
Though Dallas may not possess the big names found in Los Angeles or Brooklyn, the roster as constructed holds depth. Without Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Dončić playing on Friday night, the Mavericks soundly beat the Bucks, who played a majority of the starters throughout the game.
With Jalen Brunson, Dwight Powell, Sterling Brown, and Trey Burke all scoring in double-figures, the Mavericks bench appears far better than initially advertised. Kidd and the organization took notice.
"We truly believe, no matter who suits up, that we have a chance to win," Kidd said. "With KP, and Tim [Hardaway jr.], and Luka out, those guys came out to try and win."
In cutting Terry, Jones, and Hunt, Dallas believes in the bench unit it has constructed to this point. Roster depth and serviceable rotation players is an advantage Dallas will undoubtedly have over a majority of teams in the league. And when Dončić is on the floor, it might be the only thing Dallas needs.
The numbers game is a difficult one. And seeing players' dreams end before they begin is painful. But Kidd and the organization appear confident in the 17 guys chosen heading into the start of the regular season. However, what is also undoubtedly true, those 17 guys won't be the same group by the season's end.
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Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
