NBA: 15 potential ‘under-the-radar’ free agent moves

Zaza Pachulia, C (Dallas Mavericks)

The general sense in Dallas is that the Mavericks are treading water until Dirk Nowitzki retires. They will begin their rebuilding project after the door is closed on the Nowitzki era, and until that time, the Mavs will continue to employ smart veteran players, overachieve their way into a 5-8 seed in the West, and never seriously contend for a deep playoff run.

By not blowing up the team, the Mavericks repay Dirk for his loyalty to the franchise, and refuse to sink into tanking mode while he still plays. That’s where Zaza Pachulia comes into play, alongside veterans like Deron Williams, David Lee, Chandler Parsons and Wes Matthews.

Dirk and head coach Rick Carlisle have maximized the team’s production. Pachulia himself enjoyed perhaps his best season in 2015-16, posting 8.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while notching a personal-best 22 double-doubles.

On top of it all, there is a bromantic element to Zaza’s time in Dallas.

That’s so adorable it makes me want to vomit.

If they hope to continue on the path that they’re on in the twilight of the Dirk era, the Mavs need to bring Pachulia back. They have very little depth at the center position, and Pachulia’s ability as a defensive enforcer and rebounder is invaluable to maintaining their level of success.

Pachulia appears quite happy to play in Dallas, particularly without the necessity for late season success. I see him re-signing with the Mavericks for a fair bit less than his value would justify.

Next: Ian Mahinmi