When the Dallas Mavericks signed Rashard Lewis this summer, it was with the hopes that the veteran forward will prove to be a key reserve in the coming 2014-15 NBA season with his size, shooting, and championship experience. The new union, however, went on an early and unfortunate break up as the Mavericks found that Lewis needed to undergo a surgery this summer,
According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, Lewis signed a one year, league minimum contract with the Mavs on July 15. The agreement, though, is no longer valid as the Mavs voided the contract on Wednesday as reported by Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com.
The Mavs president of basketball operations, Donnie Nelson, reported that the team voided Lewis contract after a knee injury was discovered during a physical.
"It came to our attention during Rashard Lewis' physical that he is in need of a medical procedure on his right knee," Nelson said. "We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery and continued success in his remarkable career."
Lewis, a 34-year old 16 yer NBA veteran, is fresh out off a two-year run with the Miami Heat which included an NBA title. Though he is no longer the same All-Star caliber player who averaged 20 points per game in three straight years with the Seattle SuperSonics, Lewis is a smart veteran who can shoot the three and capable of accomplishing a key role on a winning contender. He is also a career 38.6 percent shooter from deep which is a good figure for a player coming off the bench.
Now that Lewis is no longer part of their roster, the Mavs are now back to square one in the search for a forward who can shoot the three and replace Dirk when he is resting. This is what Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram has to say:
"Now that the #Mavs have voided the contract of Rashard Lewis, they're in need of a stretch-4 to backup Dirk Nowitzki."
Does this mean that its the end for the line for Lewis? He is nearing his 35th birthday and its difficult to imagine if he would ever recover from such an injury. If the Mavs waived him upon discovering the ailment then it is possibly because the team saw that it would be a long term hindrance to his production.
But Lewis legacy in the NBA is already guaranteed. He has been productive throughout his years in the NBA and his NBA title with the heat will forever cement his legacy in the NBA.
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