Will the Dallas Mavericks regret not signing Summer League standout A. J. Lawson?

The Dallas Mavericks were the only winless team during the NBA2K23 Summer League in Las Vegas. They lost all five games as rookie second-round pick Jaden Hardy struggled. Hardy had 28 points in the team’s summer league opener before struggling to find his jumper and dealing with double teams. Hardy is just 20 years old, but he did not shine in Vegas as the Mavericks hoped.

A.J. Lawson was the team’s best player in the summer league. The 22-year-old wing averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 steals in 29.5 minutes per over the five games. He showcased his ability on both ends of the floor as Lawson played stout defense and thrived in the team’s system. He spaced the floor, knocked down jumpers, and made the most of his opportunity.

Lawson went undrafted in 2021 after three years at the University of South Carolina. He spent last season playing for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League where he averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. The 6’6 wing did not receive an NBA chance last season, but he will in the upcoming one.

Will the Dallas Mavericks regret not signing Summer League standout A.J. Lawson?

Lawson agreed to a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 19, according to Shams Charania. The deal means Lawson will play for both the Timberwolves and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, next season. He can play a maximum of 50 regular season games with Minnesota, and the 22-year-old is ineligible for the playoffs unless he gets upgraded to a standard contract.

Will the Dallas Mavericks regret missing out on signing their NBA2K23 Summer League standout, A.J. Lawson?