With newly acquired Corey Brewer, Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle told the media he fits the continuity of the team and likes what the guard can do offensively.
After the trade deadline late February, ESPN.com reported the New York Knicks would buy out Brewer to make him a free agent. San Antonio, Boston and Oklahoma City were others interested in the young forward. But the Mavericks quickly signed the former Minnesota swingman.
“I talked to him about how well he fits our team,” Carlisle said. “I like his progress and he’s a great runner. I like what he can do and offensively, he makes things happen.”
Even though Carlisle was quick to talk about what he expects from Brewer on offense, the ex-Timberwolf has a tough defensive mind, too. The forward had 11 games with 3+ steals with Minnesota this season. He also had 27 games with 10+ points, including 18 points and five steals against Atlanta.
As the playoffs are soon to arrive, the Mavericks are looking forward to the skill and depth Brewer brings to the team.
“He’s active, long and I like playing with him,” Jason Terry told HOOPSADDICT.com. “He’s definitely an asset for us. I look forward to seeing big things out of him on both ends of the floor. Defensively he gets after it, and offensively his length and ability to get to the basket is what we like.”
The NBA’s second place all-time assists leader, Jason Kidd, added his assessment of Brewer and how much of a difference-maker the three-year pro can be on the hardwood.
“He’s been great for us,” Kidd boasted to HOOPSADDICT.com. “He’s active, athletic and so far he’s been a big plus for us when he’s on the court.”
Brewer was a member of the NCAA Division I championship team at Florida back-to-back seasons in 2006 and 2007. The 6-foot-9 inch forward was named the NCAA Division I Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2007.
With that being said, the former Gator knows how to win.
“He’s a different kind of player than we have,” Carlisle said. “He’s a wing player who’s long, athletic and very fast. He played on two national championship teams. So, he knows how to win.”
“I just try to play hard,” Brewer said. “I try to bring some energy to the team and make things happen.”
Being that other teams that offered Brewer higher amounts of money, Dallas was obviously the franchise he wanted to sign with.
The Mavericks are fortunate to pick up a guy who can get stops when needed.
“I think he likes what our team looks like and has an opportunity to help us this year,” Carlisle said. “This is one of those situations where if we can get a guy who can get one stop at the right time, it’s a good move for us.”
Opinion by Hoops Addict