Defending a Title: The Obligatory Way-Too-Early Look at the 2011-2012 Dallas Mavericks: Guards

When looking at the depth and contract status of the Mavs' from now until next summer, the guard situation may be the most problematic. For the point guards, Kidd is locked up for one more year for $8.5M, but we all know his production and minutes may continue to decline. As for JJ, his contract is now up after making $1.8M. While MFFL's can't deny his increased production this year, including a few great playoff games, his good performances haven't been consistent, and we know he's a defensive liability. Those positives may be enough to grant him a pretty decent payday though, big enough for the Mavs to consider letting him walk, because most would probably believe he's just not a starter in this league on a competitive team, and they may not be able to afford him as a backup.

As for shooting guards, Jason Terry has one more year left for $11.4M. When he'll be turning 33 in 2012, the Mavs will have some big decisions to make with both he and Kidd as free agents. Deshawn Stevenson's contract is up, and he seems like the kind of expendable defensive/role-player 2-guard they have let go in the past. Speaking of letting go, Corey Brewer is signed for two more years, and it doesn't appear that he has a place on this team, if 2011 is any indication.

That brings us to the two young and developing guards. The Mavs have rarely been interested in drafting and growing talent, and outside of Devin Harris, the guard situation is no different. The Mavs have Roddy Beaubois locked up for three more years, but who knows where the team goes from here with him after the backward steps he has taken this year, especially since his trade value has taken a pounding. Also signed for several more years is Dominique Jones, Memphis' first round draft pick last year before having his rights traded to Dallas. While averaging 7.5 minutes this year in just 18 games, it will take some time to see what kind of player he can be.

In conclusion, of the seven guards, Barea and Stevenson will be free agents, and I don't see them around here next year, especially with their increased value and the Mavs lack of money, which will be explored in later posts. Whether or not that opens doors for Beaubois or Jones will have to be seen. That would leave them with only Kidd and Terry who have any quality experience at all, and after next year, they may be gone too. Stay tuned for the forwards and centers, Mavs dorks.