Looks like Dirk Nowitzki has a new front-court partner.
The Mavs have been desperately searching for help along their frontline after trading valuable reserves Brandan Wright and Jae Crowder to Boston in a deal that shipped Rajon Rondo to Dallas. For months, they’ve been kicking the tires on bringing Jermaine O’Neal out of semi-retirement as the former all-star center worked himself back into shape in a Dallas suburb. But as the Mavericks intensified their push to sign Stoudemire, O’Neal abruptly pulled his name out of the running, announcing the decision on Instagram on Monday evening.
Thus, the path was cleared for Dallas to bring in the 32-year-old Stoudemire, though it’s unclear how much of an impact the oft-injured former star can make. Though he’s averaging 12 points and 6.8 rebounds this season, those numbers are well below his typical production and are part of a continuing slide. And while there should be plenty of minutes available for Stoudemire behind Nowitzki at power forward and former Knicks teammate Tyson Chandler at center, perhaps a more limited role is the right fit for Stoudemire at this stage of his career. Regardless, the Mavericks, who recently resurfaced former backup center Bernard James, need all the big man help they can get off the bench — even if Nowitzki looks like he’s on fresh legs.
Glenn Yoder is an editor in Sports. He joined the Post in 2014 from Boston.com, where he served as Sports editor. He was previously editor-in-chief of BDCwire and a writer for the Boston Globe. He is a graduate of Northeastern University.
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