Mavericks' latest signing turns more heads with stunning career-high performance

Wednesday night, John Poulakidas proved exactly why the Dallas Mavericks signed him to a two-way deal. In the rookie sharpshooter's 11th game as a Maverick, he finished with a career-high 23 points while shooting 8-12 from the field and 5-8 from downtown. His 23 points were a team-high, and the Mavericks were a +8 in his minutes.

Having a 3-point marksman like this is obviously a huge benefit, as Dallas has lacked consistent shooting for most of the season. Poulakidas ranks third on the team in 3-pointers made per game (1.7) behind just Klay Thompson and Max Christie, and fourth in 3-point percentage (37.3) behind Marvin Bagley III, Christie, and Thompson.

Being in the same sentence as renowned shooters like Christie and Thompson, despite only being in the NBA for a month, is a major accomplishment, and these are the type of performances that turn heads. Now is the time for the coaching staff to evaluate young talent and see who fits long-term, and Poulakidas' game against the Suns gave them a glimpse into the type of player he can be when given the proper minutes.

Poulakidas showed off his entire bag in Phoenix

Dallas ultimately ended up tanking this game versus the Suns, but if they hadn't, Poulakidas was poised to lead them to a victory. He scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half, and his ability to nail tough shots was on display all night long.

All of his eight made shots were jump shots, and Mavericks fans quickly realized how dangerous he can be when his shot is going down. His buckets typically come in bunches, and he's extremely hard to stop after he's seen a few shots go in.

He was draining movement threes, attacking defenders off the dribble, and letting it fly with confidence, and there's definitely a case to be made for him to return on another two-way contract next season.

Dallas should bring him back next season

The Mavericks are known for turning two-way players into rotation players, and Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams are a testament to this. They put their guys in a position to succeed, and their growth, minutes, and time spent in the G League help prepare them to be standard-contract players.

Poulakidas' growth in his first season in the NBA is impossible to ignore, and with two games remaining, the Mavericks uncovered a hidden gem. He spent all of this season with the San Diego Clippers of the G League before signing a two-way deal with Dallas, and the Mavs are lucky to have found him when they did.

Their last two games against the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls will give him even more chances to shine, and fans will be dialed in to see if he can keep up this scorching-hot shooting from long range ahead of a crucial free agency this summer.