If you happened to miss yesterday’s Suns-Mavs tilt, you missed a hell of an offensive showcase. After staying close for three quarters, the Mavs decided to revert to the defense of their early 2000s teams. The Suns shot 65% on the day and outscored Dallas by 15 points in the fourth quarter. Apparently this didn’t please the Mavs’ front office. They went out and signed a veteran big man…Kevin Willis!

Looking for another big body for the postseason, the league-leading Mavericks on Monday signed 44-year-old 7-footer Kevin Willis to a 10-day contract.

A 20-year veteran, Willis has not played in the NBA since appearing in 29 games for Atlanta in the 2004-05 season. He had a reputation as one of the best-conditioned players in the league.

Being well-conditioned is one thing. Being 44 years old is something entirely different. Compare Miami’s veteran presence inside to Dallas’. Alonzo Mourning is 37 years old. Willis has him beat by seven years. Dallas’ guard Devin Harris was born in 1983. Willis was drafted in 1984.

What can Willis bring to the Mavericks besides discounted prescription drugs? Hopefully, an inside presence. The Suns carved up Dallas inside, doing whatever they wanted. If the Mavericks want to do anything in the playoffs, they’re going to need to toughen up inside. Willis should be able to bring some experience to the table. But this will definitely impact his Pros vs. Joes schedule.