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Why Yogi Ferrell’s rise could be bad for the Warriors

By Carlos Murillo

Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell celebrates after hitting a shot late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Dallas won the game 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell celebrates after hitting a shot late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Dallas won the game 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Golden State Warriors are the best team in the league, but Dallas’ Yogi Ferrell could, indirectly, become a problem for them.

“Yogimania” is the new “Linsanity.” It looks like the Dallas Mavericks have found themselves a real diamond in the rough in Yogi Ferrell. The 6’0 guard is opening some eyes.

Ferrell took a 10-day contract and played himself into a two year deal with the Mavs. It’s exciting to watch the small guard pick apart NBA defenses with ease. Cut by the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the season, Ferrell found himself a home in Dallas.

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In just four games with the Mavericks, he’s averaging nearly 18 points and 5 assists per game. He’s knocking down 52 percent of his threes while playing 37.5 minutes per game. On it’s own, that’s impressive. Put into context, his numbers are even better.

He’s started four games in a row for the hapless Mavs and he’s lead them to four wins. He beat the San Antonio Spurs, outscored Kyrie Irving, defeated the resurgent Phildelphia 76ers, and absolutely cooked Damian Lillard. He has Dallas looking like a team that could sneak into the playoffs.

The Mavericks are only a few games out of the eighth spot. They’re going to have to make some important decisions pretty soon though. Do they chase that eighth seed so they can get swept in the first round or do they get themselves a lottery pick?

While Mark Cuban and Rick Carlisle are fierce competitors and Dirk Nowitzki is at the end of his career, they are all realists. This team isn’t going anywhere right now. But they believe in Harrison Barnes and they think they can build around him.

The Mavericks have solid players at different positions. Wes Matthews has recovered nicely from his torn achilles. Seth Curry has turned himself into a good NBA player, one that can stand on his own and no longer be referred to as Steph’s brother. And, now, Yogi Ferrell.

Dallas still has Deron Williams. He’s injury prone and in his 30’s. While he’s not old, he’s definitely not someone the Mavericks would want to include in their re-tooling plans. The veteran point guard could be on the move if they really want to ride Yogimania.

While Williams is no longer the player he was when he was in Utah, he’s still formidable. There’s one team that would go all in on him if he becomes available. That team is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James has been very vocal about wanting to acquire another playmaker. He needs someone off the bench that can handle the ball and get it to shooters like Kyle Korver and Channing Frye. Williams could be that playmaker.

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The Cavs are nervous right now. They see Golden State clicking while they’re falling. James is frustrated and throwing his young teammates under the bus.

Ferrell could make Williams expendable. If so, the Cavaliers would pursue and he would certainly make them better. He’s no Briante Weber, but he would surely be a solid pickup.

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