Offseason Wishlist - Eddie the enforcer

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Offseason Wishlist - Eddie the enforcer

Heart and hustle. Those are two attributes the Dallas Mavericks knew they were going to get from big man Eduardo Najera when the team brought him back to Big D. He later proved that he provides much more.

When the Mavericks sent along forwards Kris Humphries and Shawne Williams to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Najera on Jan. 11, they knew that they were going to get a fan favorite back in return -- known for his energetic play on the court.

"My game hasn't changed...(My hustle) is what has kept me in the league and that's what I'm going to keep on doing," Najera said.

But the native of Chihuahua, Mexico showed that he is much more than just a high-energy guy, developing into the team's defensive enforcer inside. Throughout the regular season and the Mavericks' first-round playoff series with the San Antonio Spurs, Najera didn't shy away from delivering a hard foul when needed. The 6-8, 235-pounder also patrolled the painted area, forcing offensive fouls and rejecting shot attempts.

"(Najera) plays one way and that's full speed ahead," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's a guy that contest everything on the court, and guys like that you always want to have as many as you can on your team."

Najera spent his first four seasons with the Mavs, after a Draft Day deal in 2000 brought the former Oklahoma standout into the fold. In his first stint with the organization, Najera suited up in 208 regular-season games (34 starts) and 39 postseason matchups, averaging 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in his 17.4 minutes of game action.

"Najera is a veteran guy," point guard Jason Kidd said of his teammate. "He's been here before and he understands what it takes to win."

But when his all-out play caused nagging injuries and put his career in question, No. 14 developed new aspects of his game. The 10-year veteran returned to the Mavericks with the ability to stretch the court, thanks to his refined shooting from behind the 3-point arch. In his 33 appearances in a Dallas uniform this season, Najera connected on 34 percent of his shots from long range.

"Najera came in, hit some threes and was solid defensively," Carlisle said when breaking down the forward's role this season.

Often undersized against some of the NBA's 7-foot post powers, Najera also gave the Mavs a reliable backup at the five spot. In addition to starting three games for the team's "small ball" lineup, he also relieved centers Brendan Haywood and Erick Dampier by securing the interior for the squad's second unit.

"Starting, playing, it doesn't really matter to me," Najera said. "I'm like a kid...If I get any kind of time on the basketball court, I love it. Especially here in this building (the American Airlines Center), you feel the energy of the people. I'm just very excited."

And after spending time in the cellar of the standings during his time with New Jersey, Najera admits that he is now willing to do whatever it takes to help the Mavs contend for a championship.

"It's amazing how you can see the difference between a New Jersey Nets' team, just in their attitude. And you come in here and everybody is having a lot of fun," Najera said. "Winning has a big role in that...When I left, I still came back and kept a home here. I'm just happy, happy to be back."

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