The return of Samuel Dalembert has caught many fans by surprise, seeing the spiraling downward state of his National Basketball Association (NBA) career in the past years.
It will be recalled that Dalembert could have been one of the NBA's top big men today if not for some issues that involved oversleeping in numerous occasions. Such seemed to indicate that Dalembert was taking his career for granted and his playing commitment questioned.
Now, however, the big guy will have the chance to prove all detractors wrong as he gets a second chance at redemption with the Dallas Mavericks.
As everyone knows, the Mavericks are not among the top favorites in the Western Conference this season. With a lineup that seems hardly something that can matchup to powerhouse ballclubs like the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and the Los Angeles Clippers to name a few, players like Dalembert will have to step up big time for the Mavericks to come out with something credible.
Of course, there are some who remain adamant that Dalembert can revert to his old self. But seeing that he was a Maverick before, such could prove to be a big load off the slotman as the Mavericks play the perennial underdog this coming NBA season.
Dalembert is expected to play behind Zaza Pachulia for most of the season. On whether or not that could improve would depend on how he performs at training camp. This early, head coach Rick Carlisle is seeing an improved Dalembert which could be a good sign.
"Dalembert's having a solid camp," Carlisle said via ESPN. "He came in a little bit out of shape. He's working really hard to get himself where he needs to be. I thought his minutes tonight were positive," he added.
Indeed, such could be good news for the Dallas Maverick fans, a sort of consolation given the team's roster for the coming season.
Dirk Nowitzki will be back, but seeing that he is entering the twilight of his career, the plight of the Mavericks does not solely rest on him. Chandler Parsons and new face Wes Matthews are still nursing injuries, while a big question lies on the head of another new recruit, Deron Williams.
If the Mavs can get their act together, the Mavs could pull off some surprises. But it will take marked improvements from the new faces as well, particularly the returning Dalembert.
