Mavericks were just forced to let go of a young talent who never got a fair chance

The Dallas Mavericks waived Olivier-Maxence Prosper this week, using the stretch provision to free up roster space for re-signing Dante Exum. For Prosper, this ends a tenure that never really started. Drafted in the first round just two years ago, the young forward now seeks an opportunity in the open market that Dallas could not provide.

Prosper’s limited playing time with the Mavericks had nothing to do with his talent or work ethic. Rather, it was due to the circumstances. From the moment he arrived in Dallas, the forward rotation was already full. Grant Williams came in from Boston to fill a similar combo-forward role, while Maxi Kleber remained a reliable veteran. Derrick Jones Jr. added athleticism and defense on the wing, and by the 2024 trade deadline, P.J. Washington joined as a full-time starter at the four. With so many established players ahead of him, Prosper never got the consistent minutes he needed to develop.

That doesn’t mean Prosper lacked moments of promise. In his limited opportunities, he showed the energy, length, and defensive activity that scouts expected when he left Marquette. His ability to guard multiple positions and rebound hinted at a 3-and-D role that could flourish with time. Unfortunately, the Mavericks' focus on winning now meant that time was something they could not afford. When faced with the choice to stretch a contract for financial flexibility, Prosper’s place on the roster became expendable.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper never got to prosper in Dallas

The real question now is what Prosper can provide to a new team. At 21, he is still raw but certainly interesting. His 6-foot-8 frame, athleticism, and defensive skills make him an ideal project for a team that values length on the perimeter. With the right coaching, he could develop into the type of wing that every contender wants: someone who can switch defensively between positions, create space on the floor, and work within a team structure.

Where might he fit best?

Rebuilding teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and the somewhat-rebuilding Sacramento Kings could offer him the chance to grow without the pressure of needing immediate results. Even a playoff team with a thin forward rotation could take a chance, hoping to unlock his defensive potential while gradually boosting his offensive game. In today’s NBA, teams always want wings with size and mobility, and Prosper fits that profile.

His offensive game needs some refinement, especially his outside shooting and decision-making, but those are areas where development teams have seen progress with players in similar situations. What can't be taught is the combination of energy, length, and defensive instincts that Prosper already possesses.

For Dallas, this decision is about roster space and making the most of the present. For Prosper, it’s about the future. He leaves the Mavericks without a real chance to prove himself, but in doing so, he has the opportunity to find a team willing to support his growth. If that happens, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him emerge as a valuable role player in a year or two.

The Mavericks might even regret not having had more time to see his potential.