Mavericks' forgotten forward could become team's secret weapon quickly

The Dallas Mavericks are set to begin their season this week, as they tip off against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. This will be the first big test for Dallas' centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. The Mavs duo will have their work cut out for them, as they will be tested against Victor Wembanyama. He will be the first of many elite centers the Mavs will face.

Whatever big man comes their way, Dallas will be ready. Lively II has been working on his shooting this offseason and added a new skill to his bag. The former rookie is comfortable shooting from the post and isn't afraid to work for his own shot. He seems ready to take his game to the next level.

The Mavs have a ton of players ready to take the next leap. Dallas added various veteran players who bring diverse shooting and defense. They also have three players on two-way contracts, including Brandon Williams.

Kessler Edwards could join Mavericks' rotation quickly

One player who could make a splash next season is two-way forward Kessler Edwards. The 24-year-old forward has all the intangibles to compete for minutes this season.

In a recent podcast from DLLS Mavs, insider Marc Stein mentioned the possibility of Edwards joining the Mavs' rotation this season.

"They want Kessler Edwards in the mix," Stein said. "They think there might be a rotation opportunity for him depending on injuries and other factors."

Dallas' roster is stacked going into the 2024-25 season, but it sounds like the Mavericks have belief in Edwards considering that Stein has heard there may be a spot for him in the rotation. It's not common for two-way players to get big minutes, but Edwards is undoubtedly one of the best two-way guys in the NBA.

Last season, Edwards averaged 1.7 points per game with the Kings. However, he shot 41.5 percent from the field. He had his best game against the Mavs when he scored nine points and shot 100 percent from the 3-point line.

His shooting is one of many things that stands out. In two seasons in the G League, he averaged 13.2 points per game, shooting 39 percent from the field. Edwards made 37.5 percent of his attempted 3-pointers during his first year in the G League.

Edward's defense also makes him a perfect 3-and-D player. He has a long wingspan and can make things difficult for his opponents. At 6-foot-8 he is an interchangeable forward who can guard multiple positions. Edwards is quick on his feet as he works well on either side of the court.

It is no wonder he is considered a steal for Dallas. His experience and versatility make him a perfect candidate to move up on the team's roster. You can never have too many 3-and-D wings, and Edwards has the experience, defense, and shooting to be a versatile rotation piece this season.

If Oliver-Maxence Prosper fails to develop at the rate Dallas hopes or if something happens to Maxi Kleber, Edwards could be the next man up.

He has all the skills and tools to help Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving if the team requests his presence. Until then, Edwards will likely need to show off his talents with the Texas Legends.

It's possible Mavs' fans could see him in uniform very soon.

Stay tuned for the all latest on the Dallas Mavericks and their quest for a second NBA championship.