Dallas Mavericks: Salah Mejri helps propel Tunisia past Morocco

Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri started for Tunisia in their Sept. 14 win over Morocco in a World Cup qualifying game.

The Dallas Mavericks brought back veteran center Salah Mejri this offseason on a one-year deal.  Mejri is entering his fourth season with Dallas after playing four professional seasons in Europe.

He is 32 years old but has yet to average more than 12.4 minutes per game in the NBA.  Mejri is never going to be more than a role player.  He plays stout defense, blocks a shot, and shoots efficiently from the field, though.

The signing came in question for the Mavs after adding DeAndre Jordan.  Jordan figures to start at the five and play at least 32 minutes per game.  That leaves only 18 minutes to split between Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Powell, Ray Spalding, and Mejri.  The Mej can play a role and should be Dallas’ most effective option against certain matchups, though.

Mejri made headlines on Sept. 14 because he went to play for his national team.  Tunisia is in the second round of their World Cup qualifiers.  They were undefeated in six games heading into this phase of the competition.

Mejri plays well in victory

Salah Mejri earned the start in Friday’s game against Morocco and Tunisia picked up a 65-50 victory.  He played over 25 minutes and produced seven points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, three blocks, and two turnovers in the contest.  Mejri also had a plus/minus of ten and had the second highest efficiency in the game.

It was a strong performance by both Salah Mejri and the Tunisia National Team.

Next game

Tunisia plays again on Sept. 15 against Egypt.  Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ at 1 p.m. Eastern time.  Egypt is coming off a victory over Chad and has four wins in the competition so far.  Expect them to give Mejri and Tunisia a stern test on Saturday.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks big man Salah Mejri led the Tunisia National Team in rebounds and blocks in their victory over Morocco on Sept. 14.  Mejri is playing for his national team for the first time in three years.  Expect him to continue to start and play a crucial role in their success in this round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Do not worry Mavs fans.  Mejri will be back for training camp and be ready for the upcoming season.  Media day is under a week away, so the excitement should be quickly gaining steam.  Stay tuned.

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