Dallas Mavericks: Ceilings and floors for the rookies

Tyler Bey could be the skeleton key for the Dallas Mavericks

In today’s game, every team is looking for versatility, and the Dallas Mavericks are no exception. A skeleton key gives one the ability to unlock any door. In the NBA, it gives a coach the ability to keep that player on the floor in any situation. No matter how the opposition is playing that key player will be an asset to have on the floor.

Of course, such a valuable piece is a rare commodity. Examples of these skeleton key-type players are Draymond Green, Aaron Gordon, PJ Tucker, and hopefully one day Tyler Bey.

At 6’7, 215-lbs, Bey has a similar build and athleticism as the others. He also has the potential to build upon the necessary skills of interior and perimeter defense, playmaking, ball-handling, and floor-spacing. Once he turns those potential skills into bonified aspects of his game, he could be the key to Dallas’s lineup versatility.

Although Bey has been healthy and available, he’s only appeared in 16 games for a total of 63 minutes this season.

He did give the Dallas Mavericks a good sample size in the G League, playing 12 games for the Salt Lake City Stars including nine starts. In his time with the Stars, he posted 20.4 points, one assist, one steal, and grabbed 12.2 boards per 36 minutes. He also slashed 49/33/71 percent. Bey already has the touch necessary to be a versatile, three-level scorer in the NBA.

With more consistent playing time, he’ll improve his game IQ and familiarize himself with defending and scoring on NBA bodies.

Next: Bey's ceiling and floor