Bernard James Headed Back to the Mavs

 

Rocky Widner/Getty Images

 

Does that name ring a bell? Bernard James, also nicknamed “Sarge”, has officially signed a 10-day contract the Dallas Mavericks announced on Wednesday morning. With JJ Barea already wearing the number 5, James will sport the number 55 this time around.

 

On Monday night, in less than a minute into the start of the game, Tyson Chandler suffers an ankle injury due to landing uncomfortably on the floor after being fouled. Fortunately, Chandler’s ankle sprain isn’t severe. With Chandler out and a deprivation of a rim protector off the bench, Bernard James is a necessary asset for this team who desperately needs a big man.

 

The Mavericks drafted Bernard James with the 33^rd pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. Since then, James’ two seasons playing for Mark Cuban consisted of playing to stay out of the D-League. The 30 year-old shot blocker played a total of 46 career NBA games (11 games as a starter) recording 2.8 points and rebounds off 51% shooting from the field.  If you’re wondering where Bernard James has been this season, the answer is China. James signed a deal to play for the Shanghai Sharks from the Chinese Basketball Association in late-November. According to FIBA.com, in just 29 games played in China, Sarge has averaged: 18.6 points and 11.1 rebounds in 29 minutes.

 

How can Bernard James Help This Team?

As stated earlier, Bernard James fills in the void as rim protector in place of Tyson Chandler. Of course we are all waiting on the decision on if Jermaine O’Neal wants to return and play basketball. In addition, the Knicks might decide to buy out Amare Stoudemire’s contract, who the Mavs could sign in the future for bench production.

 

As a Tallahassee Community College alum and Florida State University student like James, I am biased in the saying that Sarge could possibly be valuable for the Mavericks. James is going to have to work extremely hard in such a short period of time maybe earn a permanent roster spot. The upside is that James is already in shape after just finishing up a season playing in China.

 

Bernard James Career Stats

Season	GP	MIN	FG%	FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PTS
2012-13	46	9.9	.515	.610	2.8	0.1	0.8	0.3	2.8
2013-14	30	4.9	.478	.545	1.4	0.1	0.3	0.1	0.9