Mavericks' Jorge Diaz Graham signing gives their frontcourt another 3-point weapon

After a series of signing and waiving three different players on Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks signed Jorge Diaz Graham, assigning him No. 23. The fact that Diaz Graham was assigned a jersey number while the other three players were not is a promising sign that he could finish off the preseason with Dallas, and he gives them even more floor spacing in the frontcourt.

The Mavericks finally have some bigs who can space the floor

A season ago, Dallas didn't have any big men who could consistently space the floor. They believed that they could dominate their opponents inside with strength and stout rim protection, disregarding shooting at the center position. This couldn't have gone further according to plan, and the Mavs traded their former superstar, Anthony Davis, to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline.

A year later, the Mavericks have three players who can routinely play center and knock down open threes: Diaz Graham, Morez Johnson Jr., and Santi Aldama. Daniel Gafford could soon join this group, as he made a 3-pointer for the first time in his NBA career in the Mavs' first preseason game against the Houston Rockets last weekend, and Dusty May wants him to shoot threes within the flow of the offense this season.

Dallas has completely remodeled their frontcourt ahead of the 2026-27 season, specifically targeting shooting across the board to add more floor spacing around Cooper Flagg, and Diaz Graham gives them another intriguing option inside. The 6-foot-11 forward/center averaged 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game as a senior at Oregon State while shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Jorge Diaz Graham shone for Dallas at Summer League

He then played for the Mavs during Summer League, averaging 7.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Diaz Graham showed off his shooting, offensive versatility, and overall skill, and he gives Dallas' center rotation more 3-point shooting and feel for the game.

The young big man looked extremely comfortable when shooting threes off the catch, and his release is smooth. The Mavs need as many shooters as they can get around Flagg, and Diaz Graham displayed the tools to be a strong shooter at the next level.

He's a good passer for his size, has a surprisingly good handle, and is much more skilled than he looks. Diaz Graham's offensive game is further along than he gets credit for, and he's going to be a more intriguing prospect as he adds strength.

Given his height and length, he projects to be a solid rim protector as well. He rebounded well in Las Vegas at Summer League over five appearances, and his late addition to Dallas' roster gives him the chance to fight for a roster spot over the final two preseason games this week.

Diaz Graham faces a difficult path to the Mavericks' roster

It seems extremely unlikely that Diaz Graham will be on the roster beyond the preseason, as John Poulakidas, Tobi Lawal, and Jett Howard occupy the team's three two-way roster spots. But if Diaz Graham impresses the coaching staff quickly, we could see him make a push for a two-way contract.

He gives Dallas' big men much more shooting and playmaking, and Mavs fans should keep an eye on the 23-year-old big man for the rest of preseason.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow