Mavericks' most desperate flaw could thrust overlooked rookie into the spotlight

The Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft within minutes after it began by selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick despite only having a 1.8 percent chance to land the first pick, but they also made two moves following day two of the draft that can't go overlooked as the 2025-26 season quickly approaches.

Dallas signed Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly to two-way deals after the second round of the draft concluded, and both players have a ton to offer to the Mavericks. Nembhard's skill, passing, and poise were off the charts in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League, causing him to be shut down after just three games, but Kelly was also extremely impressive, largely thanks to his 3-point shooting.

Kelly is never afraid to let it fly, as his range is truly limitless, and the Mavs' lack of 3-point shooting could propel him into the rotation faster than anyone expects. It isn't typical for two-way players to have real roles in the rotation right away, especially on contenders, but Dallas' need for more shooting could help Kelly find himself as someone who Jason Kidd relies upon as a rookie.

Miles Kelly's 3-point shooting could quickly become valuable for Dallas

As a senior at Auburn, Kelly averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 40.6 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from downtown, showing the entire nation that he could be a deadly 3-and-D wing at the next level if given the opportunity.

Kelly's ability to drain movement threes from anywhere on the floor and occasionally get to the rim while playing sound defense made him a coveted prospect coming out of Bruce Pearl's program, and the Mavericks struck while the iron was hot by snagging him following the second round of the draft before any other team could.

Kelly started his Mavericks career strong with some solid Summer League performances, including a 21-point game against the Philadelphia 76ers, and he gave Dallas' coaching staff a great preview of what they can expect out of him next season. He isn't like any rookie, as he has four years of college experience, and this could be another reason that he is ready to contribute.

His ability to curl off threes and drill shots with confidence was off the charts, and he quietly showed some similarities to Klay Thompson's game over his five Summer League appearances. Defensively, he has active hands and moves his feet well, and his 6-foot-6 frame and wiry build should help him guard multiple positions for Dallas.

Considering that the Mavs were absolutely abysmal from downtown to end last season (25th in 3-point percentage (34.1) and 30th in 3-pointers attempted per game (30.7) in March and April), they are going to need some volume shooters to join the rotation, and that's where Kelly comes into play. Mavericks fans already know that players like Thompson, Max Christie, and D'Angelo Russell are going to get some threes up every single game, but outside of that group, the Mavs lack pure shooters.

Shooting is Kelly's specialty, and if the Mavs need help from downtown to begin the year, they should consider giving him a chance. The preseason is going to give Mavs fans a great look into if Kelly is ready to join Kidd's rotation or not, and Kelly being able to secure a rotation spot by the end of the year could solidify the Mavs' rookie class as the best in the NBA.

Flagg is poised to take over the NBA right away, Nembhard looks like he has what it takes to be a backup point guard in this league, and Kelly's range, smooth release, and confidence could be all he needs to win Kidd over if Dallas' 3-point shooting goes south.