Have the Dallas Mavericks Finally Found a Shooting Guard?

By Richie Whitt Mon., Jun. 28 2010 at 10:22 AM

Since the day Michael Finley was released in 2005, your Dallas Mavericks have been searching. Looking for a consistent starting shooting guard who can create his own shot off the dribble, get to the free throw line and provide a viable alternative other than Dirk Nowitzki as a guy capable of producing points even when possessions break down and shot clocks expire.

Marquis Daniels. Jason Terry. Adrian Griffin. Doug Christie. Rawle Marshall. Greg Buckner. Maurice Ager. Trenton Hassell. Devean George. Eddie Jones. Jerry Stackhouse. Antoine Wright. Gerald Green. Shan Foster.

Dominique Jones?

Because of owner Mark Cuban's ability and willingness to spend in last week's NBA Draft, the Mavs can at least take another healthy swing at a curveball that's baffled them the last five years.

Jones may finally be the answer.

He's 6-foot-5 with a 6-9 wing span. Not a pure distance shooter, but more of a creative, physical scorer. He reminds of Joe Dumars, maybe Jerry Stackhouse. Last season he was the only player in college basketball to average 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. If not next year, he at least gives fans hopes of a dynamic backcourt of the future along with Roddy Beaubois.

If Jones is as good as his South Florida buddy -- Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins -- the Mavs will have finally solved their riddle.

Of course, if Dallas doesn't re-sign Dirk, it will be a moot point. Or will it? Some are saying the Mavs may have a shot at LeBron James after all.