The Mavs continue to make shrewd moves. Not — thanks to DeAndre Jordan — moves toward a title. But shrewd nonetheless.
Enter, John Jenkins.
As cheap insurance for Wesley Matthews (recovering from Achilles surgery), the Mavs signed the 24-year-old, former 1st-round pick to a veteran’s minimum contract. The deal helps Dallas continue to fill out a competitive roster, but not at the expense of mortgaging their financial future.
Jenkins was the 23rd overall pick by the Hawks out of Vanderbilt in 2012, but never carved out a consistent role in Atlanta. He averaged just 5 points in 14 minutes during his three seasons there. He wasn’t part of the rotation last season as the Hawks won 60 games and the East’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Jenkins is athletic and can shoot the 3-pointer. He wouldn’t be considered a piece to a championship puzzle. But for what the Mavs are looking for in 2015 — cheap over competitive — he’s another perfect fit.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
