Mavericks rookie is already on thin ice long before training camp even begins

Despite criticism over the Dallas Mavericks' lack of positional depth at the guard spot with Kyrie Irving set to miss an indefinite amount of time rehabbing from a torn ACL next season, the Mavericks still have an extremely deep rotation overall and have a few shooting guards and small forwards that can also play some point guard occasionally as well.

The Mavericks were smart to use two of their two-way contract slots on guards for this very reason, as they signed point guard Ryan Nembhard and sharpshooter Miles Kelly to deals ahead of Summer League in Las Vegas this past July, and both young players showed enough promise to be considered fringe rotational candidates for the Mavericks once the season starts.

Despite how well Nembhard did as a playmaker and shot creator, as well as how dynamic a movement shooter Kelly was during Summer League, it still won't be easy for either of the youngsters to actually cement a role for themselves in Dallas' rotation. It will be even tougher for Kelly, considering Nembhard is a lead ball handler, though, which Dallas needs more than anything until Irving returns

Miles Kelly will have to be elite to get in Dallas' rotation

While Kelly will likely still get plenty of clock with the Texas Legends if he is hard-pressed to join Dallas' rotation this season, it's without a doubt that he will have a tough path to minutes anytime he is suiting up with the main squad, especially whenever there are little to no injuries in the rotation. Kelly will be going up against the likes of Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy, and maybe even Dante Exum if he wants to get onto the court next season.

Of those six guards/smaller wings, probably only four or five of them will be consistent valves in Dallas' rotation next season, and there's a world where none of those players are even starting. If that scenario prevails and Dallas truly commits to big-ball, meaning Thomson would likely come off the bench, then it would be nearly impossible for Kelly to carve out a solid spot in the rotation.

Kelly possesses the type of stroke from outside that is seldom seen from collegiate players entering the league, and he'll have NBA range from the get-go. The Mavericks certainly could use more knockdown threats from outside, as they have plenty of decent shooters on the roster, but don't have any bona fide marksmen outside of Thompson and Kelly.

If Kelly shoots lights out in preseason and training camp, which is certainly a possibility given his 40.6/37.8/90.9 shooting splits at Auburn University, as well as how he shot the rock at Summer League, then he could easily surprise some people and actually make a case to be in Dallas' rotation quickly.

However, Kelly will be under a microscope by the coaching staff, considering he's still on a two-way, and he likely won't have nearly as much leash from head coach Jason Kidd and company if he gets minutes and isn't producing much.

Kelly is a very intriguing prospect at only 22 years old, and his experience as a four-year college player will prove valuable at the NBA level, so he could still develop into a great player for the Mavericks even if he struggles to see the floor this season, but fans must be prepared for an uphill climb if he wants to establish an actual role in Dallas' loaded rotation.