All Hail Haywood!

Although the 91-82 final score didn't show it, the Mavs dominated the Pacers in a sloppy, ugly matchup at the AAC on Monday night. As poorly as the Mavs played, particularly the benchwarmers, the Pacers never led. Jason Kidd finally got some much needed rest and Brendan Haywood played like a man possessed as the Mavericks pushed their lead to as much as 22 points during the second half. But during garbage time in the fourth quarter, the second (and third) units let that lead dwindle to single digits.

Brendan Haywood, who has assumed a starting role due to Erick Dampier's dislocated finger, finished the game with a career-high tying 20 rebounds, 13 points and three blocks. But even more impressive than his line was the fact that he attempted TWELVE free throws in a single game. Even Dirk rarely makes it to the line twelve times in one game. As crazy and over the top as it may sound, ESPN 103.3 FM's Randy Galloway has christened Haywood as "the Mavericks' best center of all-time," and after sampling of just five games, I'm having a hard time disputing his claim.

Although the recent trade with the Washington Wizards was touted as essentially a Howard-for-Butler swap, it’s beginning to seem more likely that Haywood was the true key piece of the puzzle. Mavs fans such as myself, who have followed the team for the past two plus decades, have a greater appreciation for a player of Haywood’s caliber at the center position because we have seen this team struggle through a series of mediocre big men, such as Donald Hodge, Shawn Bradley, DJ Mbenga, and DeSegana Diop. As fans, we appreciate anyone who leaves it all on the court every night, but what we appreciate even more is someone who can catch the ball down low when it’s thrown to him and put it in the hole. That, along with his constant hustle and aggressive effort below the basket, is what has quickly made Brendan Haywood the new “it” man around the AAC.

I guess his first real test will come on Wednesday night, when Haywood will face off against Andrew Bynum as the Mavericks play host to the Lakers. I can’t wait to watch that game within a game and see which strong young center comes out on top. My vote, of course, is for Brendan Haywood.