Where is he? Who? Roddy B.

After averaging 8.0 points and 4.3 assists (1.2 turnovers) per game while starting in Jason Kidd’s six game absence, Rodrigue Beaubois hasn’t played a second in the last three games. With Kidd averaging 28.0 minutes since his return, combined with Delonte West’s 23.1 minutes per game, there just aren’t enough minutes to go around. While Roddy didn’t pull a Jeremy Lin in his starting stint, he did prove that he’s deserving of some PT.

Even though Beaubois struggled to find his shooting touch, he proved that he can be trusted in the final 4 minutes of a close game (See: San Antonio; Don’t See: Lamar Odom). Aside from increasing his field goal percentage with a couple extra hoops (38.9%), there is not much more Roddy could have done to prove himself.

Roddy is one of only five players signed through next season. Pool that with his production and the fact that he is 15 years younger than Kidd & 5 years younger than West, and I think you have an undeniable case for minutes. As 2012 free agency looms, it’s more than obvious that this Maverick team is going to undergo drastic change. While I fully support Cuban in his pursuit of Howard and/or Williams, I also recognize that we need to set ourselves up for success without them.

Don’t get me wrong – I am not suggesting that Roddy starts in place of Kidd, or plays 23 minutes a game while Delonte rides the pine. I also don’t want JET or Vinsanity’s minutes to decrease. That being said, Roddy B still has to somehow get in the mix.

The more opportunities Beaubois gets, the more his confidence grows. We all know the kid hasn't been afraid to step into a wide open 20-foot J without hesitation. As the goose egg minute counts continue to show up on the stat sheet, an inverse effect hits the confidence level he has worked all season to develop. Roddy B will be a Mav for the next 3 seasons (at least). It’s time for Carlisle to invest in that future and create opportunities for him.

One thing I can’t stand is when people identify a problem, but don’t propose a solution – so here it is (~51 minutes to go around assuming JET and VC’s minutes remain the same):

Jason Kidd – 25 minutes per game – obvious starter, continue to play him during crunch time; however, decreasing his minutes a little will decrease the chance of continued injury & allow his body to heal and rest before the playoff push

Delonte West – 18 minutes per game – second-in-command behind J-Kidd, let West continue to do his thing; with double-digit scoring performances in 4 of 5 games, this may be a hard time to validate this change; regardless, the short-term expenditure of West’s minutes will provide long-term dividends in Roddy’s development

Rodrigue Beaubois – 8 minutes per game – single-digit minutes may be laughable, but it’s a start; play him for small stretches at the end of the 1st, 2nd and/or 3rd; I have no doubt in my mind that Roddy could make a case to increase this total and steal a couple minutes from Kidd, West, and VC as he settles into his game and gains more experience

In summary, I don’t disapprove of the minutes that Kidd, West, VC, JET, or any other Mavs are receiving right now. In that, however, I believe that Rodrigue Beaubois has to enter the mix for the benefit of Dallas’ future. After all, he is one of the few current Mavs that is guaranteed to still be wearing royal blue and silver come next season.

Where is he?
Who? Roddy B?
Yep. Needs PT.