Dallas Mavericks: Ranking all the Mavs preseason players, Part 1

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DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 21: Salah Mejri #50 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 21, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

16. Salah Mejri

Sometimes I like him and sometimes I hate him, but the fact is that Salah Mejri really does have some basketball skill. It is just masked with a personality and prowess that drips with cockiness and pride. Sometimes that pride is funny and entertaining, but every once and awhile it gets him into some trouble, causing the Mavs fans to groan.

Either way, it doesn’t seem like Salah will get much time this coming season. DeAndre Jordan has been very healthy throughout his career and will garner the most center minutes. Then there’s Dirk, Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber who will all likely play some minutes at the 5.

When Coach Carlisle was asked about Salah last year, he talked about how there are two different sides to Salah and how you never know if you’ll get him or “The Mej”. If we can see a little more of Dr. Jekyll and a little less of Mr. Hyde this year, it could move him up the list a little bit.

15. Kostas Antetokounmpo

For starters, I was one of the biggest advocates for the Mavs drafting Kostas Antetokounmpo. I knew he was nowhere near the player that his brother has become, but I know potential when I see it. And 6’9” is a lot of room for potential.

Kostas was not very successful in his one year of college basketball. There is really no nice way to put that statement. On the bright side, however, it looks like Kostas is learning well during his time surrounded by NBA players.

It will take a lot of time and development to get Kostas fully NBA ready and for him to have the best chance of becoming anything like his brother. With a two-way contract and the opportunity to play with a coach like Carlisle, his chances of hitting his potential are better than in many other areas.

I like Kostas but he has plenty to prove before he can move his way up this list. For now, 15th isn’t so bad.

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