Gooden Finally Settling?

FreePicks.or Staff

After eight successful seasons, unrestricted free agent Drew Gooden resigns yet again to his seventh team, The Dallas Mavericks.  Sources say that Gooden signed a one year contract worth a guaranteed $4.5 million with incentives.  Showing his excitement about the contract, Gooden posted “Dallas here I come!” on his Twitter page with a reply from the Mavericks owner Mark Cuban saying “Welcome Drew!”.  An official announcement of the signing is expected early this week.

Despite serious abdominal and groin injuries from last season, Gooden is still highly sought after.  The Mavericks need to add a 6'10", 250 lbs asset like Gooden to the front court after losing Brandon Bass and Marcin Gortat to the Orlando Magic.  Gooden will be expected to fill the void left behind by face-up forward Brandon Bass.  At age 27 Gooden is strong and focused, which is just what the Mavericks need to provide a low-post scoring option. He should also have plenty of time to succeed Eric Dampier, who is no doubt in his last season in Dallas. 

Last February Gooden negotiated a buy out with the Sacramento Kings and ended up signing with the San Antonio Spurs. He had a minimal impact in San Antonio’s first-round loss to Dallas only averaging 7.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.8 minutes. Though his career averages are 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

In college he was nicknamed “The Truth” and was named one of the “Good Guys in Sports” by The Sporting News. By looking at his track record, numerous awards, and what he has given back to the community there is no doubt that the Dallas Mavericks made the right decision in signing him.