Charlie Villanueva battled odds to make Mavs’ 15-man roster

Competing hard and showing that he was ready when his number was called during preseason play, veteran big man Charlie Villanueva battled the odds and personal tragedy to make the final roster.

Despite joining the Mavs on a non-guranteed contract during training camp while looking to make the team, the 6-foot-10 Villanueva impressed Rick Carlisle and the front office by outcompeting other roster hopefuls.

“It’s been a roller-coaster ride for me,” Villanueva admitted. “You know, from the beginning not knowing where I was going to end up and then having an opportunity here, but having all the odds against me. They already had 15 players guaranteed bringing me into camp. And it’s been hard, too."