Best-case scenario for each of the Mavericks' young talents

4. A.J. Lawson

The most nondescript player on the list, A.J. Lawson, has been with Dallas for just one season. Although Lawson did compete with the 2022 Dallas Mavericks Summer League team.

Lawson was undrafted out of the University of South Carolina. And unlike Hardy, Lawson lacked a true standout skill. He averaged 16.6 points per game as a junior for the Gamecocks, but he only shot 39.4 percent from the floor.

Neither a sharpshooter nor an adept driver, Lawson is more of an opportunistic scorer in the NBA. He is a solid spot-up shooter who typically relies on assists to get good looks.

On offense, Lawson knows how to move without the ball. He is a good cutter who continuously moves without the ball in his hands. Additionally, Lawson likes to follow shots and grabs offensive rebounds when the opportunity presents itself.

The NBA is always looking for 6-foot-6 wings with long wingspans. And that's exactly what Lawson offers. Like Josh Green, Lawson can defend multiple positions and use his length to defend bigger wings. Unlike Green, Lawson isn't a nonstop hustler. He competes, but defense isn't his calling card.

A best-case scenario for A.J. Lawson would be becoming a rotation player. He has the build and the skill to contribute, but having a strong skill would differentiate him from other end-of-the-bench players. Lawson also flashed some potential at the end of last season.

If Lawson demonstrates the ability to consistently knock down open threes while competing on defense, look for him to play consistent minutes off the bench. 3-and-D players are, and will be valuable commodities for years to come, and Lawson may just fit that narrative.

Best case scenario: Rotation player