Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks have suddenly begun somewhat of a hot pursuit on Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo recently. In efforts to potentially attract Dwight Howard to Dallas, the Mavericks are thinking that Rondo and Dirk Nowitzki could do the trick.
The issue with the deal, though, is that like Dallas, Boston wants to clear cap space as well and get rid of some contracts. With the Mavericks wanting to clear as much space as possible to be able to offer Howard a max contract, they cannot afford to take back any contracts in exchange.
Looking at the potential of Rondo and Howard, on the other hand, many might think it could be an entertaining pairing. One of the better passers in the league paired with arguably the best big man; how could you lose?
Well, you could lose big time if you’re Dallas. Two of the biggest egos in basketball on the same team likely won’t end well. They would also be joining one of the more humble guys in the NBA in Nowitzki, who is giving up more money for the team to be able to sign more talent this summer. Nowitzki doesn’t deserve that type of locker room.
Rondo has been somewhat of a headache to former coach Doc Rivers, and it just might not be worth it for Rick Carlisle to take a chance on a head case like that. One diva may be enough — Howard that is.
If the Mavericks are going to have a chance in ripping Howard away from the claws of the Houston Rockets – the front runners as of right now — they will have to bring in some more talent. Rondo, however, is not the answer to that equation.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
