Bernard

James

James will have his first-year salary fully guaranteed, but he’s not going to emerge on fantasy radars given the frontcourt depth on the revamped Dallas front line. He’ll be behind Chris Kaman, Elton Brand and Brandan Wright on the depth chart.

James, a 27-year-old Air Force staff sergeant, was a shot-blocking machine during two seasons at Florida State. He averaged 10.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and shot 60.5 percent during summer league, and it will be interesting to see what he brings to the fold. The contract will be guaranteed for the 2012-13 season.

The Cavaliers actually made the pick, but Dallas acquired it as part of the Tyler Zeller trade and used it to add a gritty athlete whose greatest strengths are his rebounding (8.1) and shot-blocking (2.3). James is 27 years old, having spent six years in the U.S. military, and he might be able to carve out a role as a backup center for Dallas.

Wright, drafted No. 8 in 2007 and largely considered a bust prior to last season, played in 49 games for the Mavericks, averaging 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 61.8 percent shooting. However, with Chris Kaman and Elton Brand now in the fold and the drafting of Bernard James, ESPN Dallas believes Wright will be “hard-pressed” to find consistent minutes.

The ‘day-to-day’ tag likely means it’s not a serious strain, but it won’t help Wright’s bid to beat out guys like Bernard James and Jae Crowder for backup frontcourt minutes.

Dirk will simply rest until the swelling is completely gone from his knee, at which point he’ll need “a couple of weeks on the court” to get back into playing shape. While the optimism suggested by the Mavs’ report that he could return in three weeks may have been because the surgery went well, there’s some chance that he’ll be sidelined for six weeks or more (as per the original estimate), in which case he’d miss 16+ games. It all comes down to the level of swelling, which is impossible to predict.

Crowder made 5-of-12 FGs and 4-of-6 FTs, but most eye-catching was his 1-of-5 mark from downtown -- it could be an aberration, but he jacked up three 3s in his last game and the Mavs may have given him the green light from deep. His hustle should result in decent rebounds and steals, with a few blocks, and while Dirk’s out there’s a chance he’ll become the Mavs’ everyday starting PF ahead of Elton Brand. All of the Mavericks’ big men get a short-term boost with Dirk out of commission -- in addition to Crowder and Brand, more minutes and shots are available for Chris Kaman, Brandan Wright and Bernard James.

EB’s blocks and boards have been up lately, but his value continues to fluctuate with his playing time. Starting center Bernard James had two points, three rebounds and four personal fouls in 13 minutes.

James had an allergic reaction to shellfish, but he’s good to go and will resume his usual seat at the end of the Mavs bench.

“We’ll let you know when he’s available to start practicing,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “That’s the thing that will be next in the process of coming back.” Kaman has been out indefinitely since sustaining the concussion in late January, and while he remains sidelined, his minutes will be split between Brandan Wright, Elton Brand and Bernard James.