Interesting idea. A couple of things that come to mind are 1) the Mavs have a lot of depth at F (Dirk, Howard, Bass, Gerald Green, Shawne Williams, Antoine Wright, Devean George, and James Singleton… maybe a 3-way deal works or the Mavs feel like they need a defensive upgrade over those guys) and 2) the way Jeffries has played the last two seasons it’s not clear he’s an upgrade over an aging Stackhouse. I suppose the second reason is why everyone is anxious for Jeffries to get into the lineup and make an impact.

I’m interested to see how Jeffries is used.”

The only thing with Jeffries that I am interested in seeing is whether other teams would want him

Yes, it goes without saying that the biggest contribution he could make is going away to another team, for a shorter salary. If he looks good in the meantime, those odds go up (from zero, as of now).

The only thing with Jeffries that I am interested in seeing is whether other teams would want him.

BUT – he’s pretty low on turnovers, a decent passer, doesn’t shoot much, works hard, moves well for a 6’11 guy (he’s a legit small forward) and has those long, long arms. Whatever the reason, he’s had a good plus-minus rating the last couple of years (partly, IMO, because he would come in when Curry sat).

IMO he was totally unsuited to Isiah’s half-court game; he was much better in Washington where they had a trapping defense (where he could break up passing lanes) and fast-break offense (since he can’t hit a jumper to save his life). D’Antoni does a great job putting players in position to succeed — showcasing strengths and camouflaging weaknesses – so I’m cautiously optimistic that Jeffries will be a positive.

Hallelujah.

Nice rotation analysis, Caleb. I’d like to see Gallinari get healthy and start taking 15-20 a game around Feb-March when we go into full-blown tank mode. As for Jeffries, it will definitely be interesting to see what he brings to the table once he is back. Unfortunately, his career average is .4 bpg, so our blocked shots problem probably won’t be solved. However, I do like the idea of having someone big who can rebound and is a good enough ball handler to rebound and initate the break.

Barring injury, it’s a good bet the rotation will include Lee, Jeffries, Harrington, Chandler, Robinson and Duhon. (Jeffries ain’t great, but he brings something different from the other frontcourt players — a defensive specialist who doesn’t need the ball). Q will play as long as he’s healthy. (it’s been every other year, right?) Mobley and Thomas could both play. Mobley is pretty spent, but I guess we are thinner in the backcourt, which bodes well for his chances.

If Curry ever gets in shape, or needs to be showcased for a trade, he would probably replace one of those two in the rotation. But of the front 9, at least one will usually be injured – just the odds.

Roberson might play if Mobley falls on his face, but IMO he looks like roster-filler.

With two forwards and Jeffries in the mix, Rose may have seen his last PT of the season. James, Marbury and Gallinari flesh out the 15…