Mavericks perfectly finalize roster by signing defensive-minded menace

The start of the 2024-25 regular season for the Dallas Mavericks is officially less than a week away, and fans can't wait to see the entire team take the floor together for the first time next Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Fans got a good look at what this year's Mavs team looks like during the preseason, but never with Luka Doncic on the floor. He missed all of the preseason with a calf contusion, but things are looking positive when it comes to his availability for opening night.

Everything is moving in the right direction for Dallas right now, and they wasted no time to finalize their roster after Thursday night's preseason finale on Thursday night. The Mavs started the day by waiving A.J. Lawson, Jamarion Sharp, and Emanuel Miller, and they quickly filled the two-way spot that was freed up by waiving Lawson.

Mavericks sign Jazian Gortman to final open roster spot

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavs have signed Jazian Gortman to their final two-way spot. Gortman was excellent on both ends of the floor throughout the preseason, and now the Mavs get to develop him even more over the next year.

Getting Gortman on a two-way deal was a move that seemingly every fan begged for after his dominant preseason, and his play on both ends of the floor led to Jason Kidd and the Mavericks rolling with him moving forward.

Gortman averaged 10.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over four preseason games while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from downtown. He looked comfortable on the floor during all of his minutes on the floor and he has plenty of skills that will help make him a solid rotation piece in the NBA.

Defensively, Gortman uses his 6-foot-9 wingspan, quick feet, and endless motor to pester ball handlers all 94 feet of the floor. He takes pride in locking people up on that end, and he is fearless going into every matchup. His quickness allows him to stay with almost any player, and his long wingspan helps him guard up and contest shots easier.

He is known for being a monster on defense, but his offensive game was just as impressive.

Gortman showed off a lethal 3-point jumper and an ability to finish around the rim with ease. He displayed an ability to score with either hand at the rim, and his craftiness was excellent when getting downhill. His ability to play on and off the ball is special, and Jason Kidd complimented his ability to play alongside Dallas' star players.

Gortman's competitiveness and all-around game ultimately helped get him this two-way deal with Dallas, and he'll have a chance to get some real minutes right away due to Dante Exum's three-month absence following his wrist surgery.

Although Jaden Hardy and Spencer Dinwiddie will likely be the first two point guards off the bench, don't count out Gortman from making waves in the rotation right away. His feel for the game is beyond his years, and he is seemingly always in the right spot on both ends.

If Gortman's hot shot-making and hard-nosed defense can continue into the regular season, the Mavs may have found a hidden gem for the future.