Top-5 places Kobe Bryant could play other than L.A.
By Robert Judin
5. Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban, to his credit, has never been shy about his desire to win. He’s been willing to spend the money it takes to assemble a championship roster.
If Bryant decided to peruse the free agent market, the Dallas Mavericks could definitely be a suitor.
The Mavs did just give Wesley Matthews a four-year deal worth $70 million, but Cuban would reach into the piggy bank to give Bryant a little dough for a one-year deal and a one-year option.
Dirk Nowitzki is 37 years old. His window to win is closing, and he has a player option for the 2016-17 season. Adding Bryant to that team would instantly catapult them back into the discussion for championship contenders. Bryant’s high I.Q. on the court would mesh well with the unselfish nature of Nowitzki, and having Deron Williams hungry to reboot his career might add fuel to the fire.
The only problem with the scenario is getting the cash to line up, but it could be done more easily than anticipated.
The Mavs would have to start Bryant. There aren’t a whole lot of situations Bryant would walk into and just accept being a role player. Hell, talent wise, Bryant is still a starting shooting guard in the NBA. His mid-range game is still deadly. His court vision has improved over the years, and his ability to communicate defensively would help reduce the liability of putting him on younger guards. I’m not saying Klay Thompson wouldn’t light Bryant up for 30 points, but it’s still less than 40.
Bryant’s intellectual game would fit right in with what the Mavs want to do on offense, and it would make them a legitimate title contender.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers