History will tell which player (Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood or DeShawn Stevenson) that the Mavericks acquired from the Wizards will leave the biggest impression in Dallas. Haywood's quick start out of the gate, though, has some fans in Dallas wondering if he's already become one of the Mavs' all-time best centers.
Granted, the Mavs' list of all-time "great" centers includes Shawn Bradley, James Donaldson and Sam Perkins. But that doesn't lessen Haywood's impact. In 11 games with the Mavs, Haywood has recorded nine or more rebounds seven times and has scored in double figures in all but three.
Prior to the trade for Haywood and Co., Dallas was slipping in the West standings and had gotten bad news, too, when it learned Erick Dampier would be out three to five weeks with a dislocated right middle finger. But Haywood has filled in admirably, bringing his lane-clogging style of defense to Dallas while providing a bit more polished offense than Dampier.
Dallas' coaches credit Jason Kidd with a large part in Dampier's success, citing Kidd's ability to reward his big men.
"It's a different dynamic because I don't think he's ever played with a pass-first point guard like Jason (Kidd)," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's getting a few more opportunities per minute that he had in Washington probably. That provides motivation for him to run. It energizes him defensively. He's been terrific."
Orlando's Dwight Howard, who had 29 points and 16 rebounds in a loss to the Mavs in late February, called Haywood one of the best defensive centers in the league. Haywood has already come through with some big defensive performances for Dallas, getting a key steal against the Hornets last week to help seal a win and recording 20 rebounds in a close home win over the Pacers.
"The adjustment period hasn't been as tough as one might think," Haywood said. "We have great leadership on this team and those guys have been telling me what to do or where to go."
While it's a bit premature to consider Haywood one of the Mavs' all-time best centers, there's no denying his impact with Dallas has been just as important as those of Butler and Stevenson.
Granted, the Mavs' list of all-time "great" centers includes Shawn Bradley, James Donaldson and Sam Perkins. But that doesn't lessen Haywood's impact. In 11 games with the Mavs, Haywood has recorded nine or more rebounds seven times and has scored in double figures in all but three.
Prior to the trade for Haywood and Co., Dallas was slipping in the West standings and had gotten bad news, too, when it learned Erick Dampier would be out three to five weeks with a dislocated right middle finger. But Haywood has filled in admirably, bringing his lane-clogging style of defense to Dallas while providing a bit more polished offense than Dampier.
Dallas' coaches credit Jason Kidd with a large part in Dampier's success, citing Kidd's ability to reward his big men.
"It's a different dynamic because I don't think he's ever played with a pass-first point guard like Jason (Kidd)," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's getting a few more opportunities per minute that he had in Washington probably. That provides motivation for him to run. It energizes him defensively. He's been terrific."
Orlando's Dwight Howard, who had 29 points and 16 rebounds in a loss to the Mavs in late February, called Haywood one of the best defensive centers in the league. Haywood has already come through with some big defensive performances for Dallas, getting a key steal against the Hornets last week to help seal a win and recording 20 rebounds in a close home win over the Pacers.
"The adjustment period hasn't been as tough as one might think," Haywood said. "We have great leadership on this team and those guys have been telling me what to do or where to go."
While it's a bit premature to consider Haywood one of the Mavs' all-time best centers, there's no denying his impact with Dallas has been just as important as those of Butler and Stevenson.
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