Last week, Eddy Curry was waived by the Spurs. Tomorrow, he’s likely to start for the Mavericks. Against Dwight Howard. On National TV.
According to ESPN, Coach Rick Carlisle has declined to confirm his starting lineup for Tuesday night’s contest. However, every indication is that Eddy Curry will be jumping center less than 24 hours from now. Earlier today, the Mavericks ruled Chris Kaman out of tomorrow’s game, citing a strained right calf. They also cemented Curry’s roster spot by waiving Delonte West. Like I said, every indication.
Assuming Curry does receive the starting nod, he’ll face Dwight Howard for the first time in approximately four and a half years. When the two last butted heads in March of 2008, Curry finished with just 9 points and 5 fouls. In fairness, Curry had been more competitive against Howard in November of that same season when he managed to score 19 points in 36 minutes. And, in the season prior, E-City posted a remarkable average of 21 points over three games against Dwight. Admittedly, one of his fatal flaws is reflected by a 5-rebound average… but, for what it’s worth, the Knicks did come away victorious from two of those three games.
All things considered, I think it’s fair to say Curry has experienced a relative degree of success against the NBA’s premier defender. While he may be five years and a few pounds removed from said success, I still believe this makes him the obvious choice over a spindly Brandan Wright.
Just four days removed from waivers, Eddy Curry faces a substantial challenge. With it comes great opportunity. Consider me intrigued.
