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A season full of big names and high hopes has come to a disgruntled and crashing end for the Dallas Mavericks. It took only five games for the Houston Rockets to dismantle Dallas in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, but it took just a game and a half to destroy a relationship that failed to bud. For the Rockets, they are on to bigger and better things, but the Mavericks may have to watch everything fall apart.
The Rajon Rondo falling-out was as ugly as a team-player relationship can get. Other than the pathetic and made-up back injury, both sides, including Rick Carlisle, were rather blunt. So, Rondo will be moving on with his career and it’s no loss for Dallas, who has a stockpile of guards. Well, they did.
Devin Harris is the only guard under contract for next year and most signs point to Monta Ellis opting out of his $9 million option. It would not be a surprise if Ellis left the Mavericks for more money because he can get it. Plenty of teams are looking for high quality guards such as the Miami Heat or New York Knicks and frankly, Ellis has been underappreciated this season by a Dallas roster that had more guards than coaches.
Ellis has shown that he is an All-Star caliber player, but he has been stifled by teams with too many good guards under contract. A scoring guard with the ability to play the one or the two, Ellis rightfully deserves more money and the chance to finally shine in the spotlight. However, he will not remain in the dark blue that represents the Mavericks.
Shane Phillips is a Miami Heat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
