Dallas Mavericks rumors: Can Raymond Felton win PG job?
To re-acquire center Tyson Chandler from the New York Knicks, they had to give up point guard Jose Calderon. They did, however, receive point guard Raymond Felton in return and have since re-signed Devin Harris and agreed to a two-year deal with former Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson. All three will head to camp in a battle for the starting job.
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Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders believes Felton has a chance to win the job if he shows up in shape.
"The New York Knicks were a huge disappointment in 2014 and Felton was a key contributor to the team’s mediocrity. Felton, now in Dallas, will be vying for point guard minutes with veterans Devin Harris and Jameer Nelson.The biggest question is whether Felton will report to camp in tip top shape on a mission to redeem. Undoubtedly talented, question of Felton’s work ethic and approach to conditioning are valid. Now, 30, without the athleticism of some of the league’s elite point guards those two attributes are more important than ever for longevity."
Felton averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 assists, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 39.5% from the field, 31.8% from beyond the arc and 72.1% from the charity stripe last season. Nelson averaged 12.1 points, 7.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 39.4% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free throw. Harris averaged 7.9 points, 4.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.8% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the charity stripe.
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