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Former Indiana Guard Yogi Ferrell Earns Two-Year Contract with Mavericks

By Kyle Nishida

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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Eight days ago, former Indiana Hoosiers‘ guard Yogi Ferrell signed a 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Saturday, the Mavs gave him a two-year contract.

Ferrell signed with the Mavs after both guards Deron Williams and J.J. Barea suffered injuries. The Mavs instantly placed into their starting lineup, and the 23-year-old guard has not disappointed.

This new contract comes less than 12 hours after former Indiana guard sent the NBA world into a frenzy. He dropped 32 points in the Mavs’ 108-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. In the process, he made nine three-pointers on 11 attempts. He also had two rebounds and five assists.

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In this matchup, Ferrell squared off against a Top 10 point guard in Damian Lillard and outplayed him for a good portion of the game. This performance continued a familiar trend with Ferrell ever since he signed his 10-day contract.

Ferrell started in three games prior to the game in Portland. in his first career start, he faced Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs. He had nine points and seven assists in the Mavs’ 105-101 win.

The following night Ferrell battled against Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals in a winning effort over the defending champs.

In four games, Ferrell has held his own against some of the league’s top point guards. While his six-foot, 180-pound frame is still a concern, Dallas will not care if he continues to perform like this.

Ferrell went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft and had been improving his game in the NBA Development League. Reportedly, he had been considering playing overseas. Instead, the Mavs invited him to join their team with a 10-day contract on Jan. 27.

It also interesting to see the Mavs give him a two-year deal immediately. Under the CBA, the Mavs did have the option of offering Ferrell a second 10-day contract.

However, who could blame the Mavs for skipping the second 10-day contract? Ferrell has been that impressive in the short amount of time he has spent with the team.

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With Williams and Barea still nursing their injuries, Ferrell will continue to start for the Mavs. It is great to see a former Indiana Hoosiers’ star make the most of his opportunity in the NBA.

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