The Dallas Mavericks made a roster spot for Charlie Villanueva heading into the season by waiving big man Bernard James per ESPN Dallas. The Mavs value the veteran forward's ability to stretch the floor and knock down the ball from the three-point line, making him a good back up for Dirk Nowitzki when he sits on the bench for a breather. Now Villanueva feels right at home with the Mavs.
"Since the immediate move, I arrived and got a good vibe for Dallas. It truly feels like home. Everyone here complements each other (on and off the court) and for the first time in a long time I am really excited about basketball again", Villanueva said in his blog.
But nothing was ever certain for the Dominican big man who opted to join a Mavericks team that was already set with 15 guaranteed contracts even before he met with Coach Carlisle the very first time. He had to prove to Mavs owner Mark Cuban that he was more deserving than the other guys that he had committed to. His reputation in the NBA took a major hit after a disappointing career with the Detroit Pistons and when he signed a non-guaranteed contract with Dallas, he was basically fighting for his life from day one. He was against the odds.
But perhaps what is more fulfilling for Villanueva is the fact that he earned that roster spot with the Mavs. He had to work hard and deliver what Carlisle wanted him to deliver every preseason game whether it was rebounding and playing defense - two things that were never his strengths. He also made it known that he wasn't auditioning for other teams and that his main goal was to earn a roster spot with Dallas. He wanted to be a Mav and was all-in on becoming one and now he is part of a franchise on a quest to bring home its second NBA title.
I think it has been well documented that the two teams that had the most interest in me (and that I had the most interest) were the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavs. My meetings and workouts with Coach Doc and his staff were first class. That being said, there was something about Dallas that simply felt right. I can't really explain it...
Indeed, Villanueva feels right at home with the Mavericks and he had to work hard for it.
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