Mavericks' 7-foot-5 project is chasing the fix that could finally change everything

Last season, when the Dallas Mavericks signed Jamarion Sharp to a training camp deal after he put together a solid Summer League performance, fans were ecstatic to see what he could do at the NBA level. Following an up-and-down 2024-25 preseason that included some major flashes of his potential, the Mavericks ultimately decided not to give Sharp a two-way deal, and he spent the season with the Texas Legends.

Sharp developed his game with the Legends last season, as he averaged 6.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game in 21.6 minutes of action per game, showing that he could play for longer stretches without getting tired and having to be subbed out. Sharp knew that his conditioning had to improve after last season, and this is clearly an area that he worked hard at during his time with the Legends, and the Mavs' coaching staff took notice.

While in Las Vegas at Summer League, Sharp told The Smoking Cuban that the Mavericks' coaching staff was pushing for him to improve his conditioning last season in the G League, and after a few games in Vegas, it was clear that he took that seriously as he wasn't getting winded as quickly as we've seen in the past.

Jamarion Sharp is out to prove he belongs in Dallas for good

"Mostly my conditioning," Sharp told The Smoking Cuban when asked about what the Mavs' coaching staff was looking for him to improve while in the G League. "Getting up and down, being able to set screens and getting out and just affecting the game like I always do."

According to multiple Mavericks staffers familiar with Sharp's progress, his conditioning has improved over the last calendar year, as he was able to play harder for longer stretches at Summer League, helping him affect the game on both ends much more. Mavs Summer League head coach Josh Broghamer would still sub Moussa Cisse and Sharp in and out of the lineup after short stints to always have a fresh body in the game at center who can play as hard as they can at all times, but it's promising that Sharp at least showed improvement in this area, taking him one step closer to being an NBA center.

Sharp's size is always what's going to stick out about him most, as his 7-foot-5 frame would make him the tallest player in the league if Dallas were to sign him to their final two-way spot later this offseason, but as everyone knows, size isn't everything in today's NBA. Even bigs have to be extremely skilled, and Sharp has to improve his hands and on-court awareness, along with making his offensive game more polished and not one-dimensional, to be a real threat among his NBA peers.

After five Summer League games, it's clear that the battle for the Mavs' final two-way spot will stretch into training camp, as no one is a frontrunner yet. Sharp still has plenty of work to do if he wants to fulfill his dream of making the NBA, and he knows exactly what he wants to work on over the next few months to give himself a shot at being a full-time Maverick.

"Being more dominant on offense," Sharp told The Smoking Cuban when asked about what he wants to improve the most ahead of training camp. "I'm more of a defensive player, but I need to be more dominant on offense so I can have both sides of my game complete."

Now, Sharp's offensive game is mostly centered around him feasting off of shots that others create for him, as he is a solid lob and put-back finisher, and him working on his back-to-the-basket game as well as his touch around the rim will only help him become more effective. Also, during Mavs Summer League practice, Sharp was one of the best shooters among the other centers, and while his jump shooting is still a major work in progress, he could add this tto his game one day as well.

Sharp has an opportunity to secure an NBA deal with the Mavericks in just a few months, and with his improved conditioning combined with his intense focus on becoming a better offensive player, he could finally break through and secure a two-way deal to be a player the Mavs can work into their rotation when needed.

Injuries have not been the Mavericks' friend over the past year or so, and with Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis having well-documented injury histories, having one more big in the mix wouldn't be a bad idea for Nico Harrison as he solidifies the roster.