Mavericks have an overlooked answer to their 7-foot-5 hole no one is talking about

For the first time, 7-foot-5 center Jamarion Sharp will not be in the Dallas Mavericks organization for training camp after signing a two-way contract with the LA Clippers in free agency. Dallas signed Sharp to a contract during the 2024 offseason, and he remained with the organization for the following two years. Sharp earned training camp invites for both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons in Dallas, but never earned a standard contract.

Instead, he spent both of the last two seasons with the Texas Legends in the G League. This allowed him to develop under the Mavericks' supervision, and he was named the G League Defensive Player of the Year last season after blocking nearly four shots per game. His growth was obvious, and his improvements ultimately helped him land his first two-way deal with LA.

While Sharp was never part of the Mavericks' regular-season roster, there is certainly a 7-foot-5 hole the organization needs to fill this offseason. Sharp was a staple for the Legends over the last two seasons, and the Mavs already have the perfect replacement for him that no one is talking about: Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu.

The bouncy big man deserves more buzz, as his strong Summer League showing has flown under the radar. After watching his highlights, it's easy to see why fans should remember his name.

Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu's Summer League is impossible to ignore

Akobundu-Ehiogu wrapped up his second Summer League with the Mavericks earlier this month (2023 and 2026), and he looked like someone who would be an outstanding player to develop in the organization, with the hope that he can earn a contract with Dallas one day. The Legends suddenly need depth inside without Sharp around, and KAO would certainly provide that.

The 6-foot-10 big man, who has a 7-foot-4 wingspan, averaged 6.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just 12.4 minutes per game while shooting 77.8 percent from the field. Of players who played in five games at Summer League, he was tied for the second-highest field-goal percentage.

His efficiency around the bucket was his biggest strength, and this was largely because of his ability to catch alley-oop passes and finish with ferocious dunks. Akobundu-Ehiogu has a 48-inch maximum vertical, and he was a walking highlight reel for a couple of games to end Summer League.

The 26-year-old big man had 28 points and four blocks during Dallas' third and fourth games combined, and this is where he put his name on the map. He was dunking everything, even through contact, and this is exactly when he looked like someone the Mavericks should keep around.

Why the Mavericks should keep Akobundu-Ehiogu around

His alley-oop finishing, athleticism, and rim protection reminded Mavericks fans of Brandan Wright, as he was always playing with great energy and impacting the game with his explosiveness.

His build and physical tools alone should make him an intriguing prospect for Dallas. The G League is the ideal place to develop these types of players, and if his offensive game can become more well-rounded, he could find himself in the NBA one day.

Akobundu-Ehiogu would be one of the most athletic players in the NBA right away, and Dallas should give him a G League contract at the very least. He is familiar with Dallas, as he went to Poteet High School and played at UT Arlington for two seasons, and playing for the Legends in Frisco would be a smooth next step for him.

KAO isn't getting the respect he deserves after a couple of excellent Summer League games, and the Mavericks should ensure he remains in the organization heading into next season.

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