Mavericks' Summer-League standout is reviving memories of a former fan-favorite

The Dallas Mavericks have found a hidden gem in Summer League with Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, as Akobundu-Ehiogu is a freakish athlete at 6-foot-10. He has been reminding Mavericks fans of former fan-favorite center Brandan Wright, who played for the team for over three seasons, through his ability to convert lobs and block shots at a high rate.

This isn't Akobundu-Ehiogu's first go-around with Dallas in Summer League, but it's his first time playing a significant role on the team. After not playing much in Dallas' first two Summer League contests, he's scored 28 points on 12-for-16 shooting from the field in Dallas' last two games, also totaling four blocks in this stretch.

Akobundu-Ehiogu mirrors Brandan Wright's skillset and athleticism

Akobundu-Ehiogu is a quick leaper and has put on significant muscle since his debut with Dallas in the 2023 Summer League. He has an eerily similar build to Wright, and with a 45-plus-inch vertical, he can simply bring down rebounds and convert lobs that barely any other player is capable of reaching.

Wright was nicknamed "The Helicopter" when he was a Maverick, and fans were drawn to him through his absurd athleticism and relentless effort, which are both attributes Akobundu-Ehiogu possesses as well. Dallas has all their two-way spots and regular roster spots filled, but if Akobundu-Ehiogu finishes strong in Dallas' Summer League finale versus the New York Knicks, they should definitely consider giving him an invite to training camp.

And with as fluid as two-way spots are, Dallas could always sign him to a two-way contract and cut someone else if nothing else.

Dallas already has a ton of wings and power forwards, but Akobundu-Ehiogu's roll-cut ability and insane vertical give him the ability to play center, especially since he's added some size in recent years. With Dallas still not having brought back Moussa Cisse, perhaps Akobundu-Ehiogu could be the third center in Dallas' rotation behind Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

Dallas should consider bringing Akobundu-Ehiogu to training camp

There's no doubt fans would cling to Akobundu-Ehiogu in the same way they once clung to Wright, as Akobundu-Ehiogu and Wright are the type of athletes that make your jaw drop, and are the type of players that make the NBA such an exciting game.

With Sergio De Larrea already establishing himself as a great lob passer, maybe Akobundu-Ehiogu's two-man game with De Larrea could translate to training camp with the Mavericks. Akobundu-Ehiogu has worked relentlessly to progress his game and body while playing in the EuroLeague over the past few seasons, as he was an extremely raw athlete when coming out of college, but there's no denying the progression he's shown in his game in the last couple of seasons.

After finishing a wild one-handed lob from half-court in Dallas' Summer League win versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz looked elated by the play Akobundu-Ehiogu made while in the background on the slow-motion replay. Perhaps that moment could be foreshadowing that Akobundu-Ehiogu's time with the Mavericks organization isn't over quite yet, as he could become the next "Helicopter" in Dallas.

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