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Mavs: McGee’s Status Opens Door for Salah Mejri Heading into Camp

Jay Knodell|

The Dallas Mavericks will be opening training camp before we know it, and while this time of the summer is always intriguing for fans itching to get their first look at the team this year is especially interesting.

A lot of that stems from all the rotation spots up for grabs. The bench has a whole new look, and with some key players set to be held out of on-court activities when camp begins others will have a chance to shine.

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One of those key players still working on getting healthy is JaVale McGee. The Mavericks brought him in provide some length and athleticism to the front court but he has had a tough time remaining on the court the last few years.

This could open the door for 29-year old Tunisian center Salah Mejri, who played well for his home country in AfroBasket 2015 and can provide a lot of the things the Mavericks hope to get from McGee.

The 7’2″, 235-lb big man hasn’t played a single minute of NBA action and didn’t see the court a whole lot during his time with Real Madrid, but he’s probably more prepared for joining the Mavericks than you might think.

European ball has been known for its use of pick-and-roll sets as a major part of spaced out offenses for quite some time, which figures to make Mejri’s transition to a pick-and-roll heavy team in a pick-and-roll heavy league all the smoother.

And a lot of the allure of signing McGee was his potential as a rim protector, but Mejri can provide that, too. He averaged 2.5 blocks for Tunisia during his six games at AfroBasket 2015 while showing off his excellent timing.

McGee still figures to be a big part of the Mavericks rotation if he’s able to get healthy but his absence at the beginning of camp does give Salah Mejri a great opportunity to show the Mavericks coaching staff what he can bring to the roster.

Next: Biggest Battles Heading into Mavericks Training Camp

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