The Dallas Mavericks are suddenly in trouble. With the All-Star Weekend looming. Several teams are getting bit by an injury bug. Most notably the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks. Tyson Chandler is all alone in the paint. Playing excessive minutes. He’s too old for that life. Even Monta Ellis is having problems.
The Mavericks need backup and quick. Which is why. According to ESPN.com, the Mavs have signed Bernard James.
But sources told ESPN that Dallas has been working to seal a deal to re-sign James.
James played this season in China after being released by the Mavericks in October but is available now that his contract with the Yao Ming-owned Shanghai Sharks has run its course. Sources said Dallas is trying to secure the needed letter of clearance from FIBA — basketball’s international governing body — to clear James to return to the NBA in time for Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
Now Chandler suffered an ankle injury against the Clippers Monday night. Lucky for them. They have a week to get Chandler some rehab and also possibly sign veteran Jermaine O’Neal who’s looking to make a comeback.
The Mavericks remain intent on signing center Jermaine O’Neal, but ESPN reported last week that the six-time All-Star is likely to delay his comeback until after the All-Star break as he continues to work his way back into NBA shape after focusing on business interests and family time for the first four-plus months of the season.
Now Jermaine will be a big help to any team right now. Hopefully the Mavs can snatch him up. Because if Chandler gains something worse than an ankle injury. Then kiss Dallas’ Playoff hopes goodbye.
