3 reasons why Mavericks fans will love Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Most fans probably didn't have the Dallas Mavericks trading back into the first round in the 2023 NBA Draft on their bingo cards. Regardless, that is exactly what the Mavericks did, and they did it to select Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Prosper started his collegiate career at Clemson and then transferred to Marquette where he was a key player under Shaka Smart.

Prosper brings a lot of versatility with his 6-foot-8 height and his 7-foot-1 wingspan. He should slot in as a solid power forward option and could even play some center minutes in a pinch. One of the biggest things that fans will start to like about him is his ability to make effortless rebounds.

3 reasons why Mavericks fans will love Olivier-Maxence Prosper

If you watched the NBA Summer League this offseason, Prosper was always in front of the rim, easily getting offensive and defensive rebounds. He may not have the build nor skillset to play full-time center minutes, but his size and rebounding certainly make him capable of filling in in a pinch.

Another reason why I think that fans will love Prosper is his potential to be an influence in the Dallas community. Mark Cuban and the Mavericks always want to make an impact in the community, and they have done so through many initiatives so far. This includes creating basketball courts and building resource centers for kids and adults.

Let's take an in-depth look into three reasons why fans are going to love Prosper.

1. Rebounding/Wingspan

The Dallas Mavericks have had a rough stretch of trying to find solid rebounders in the NBA Draft. I think the fanbase is going to love how Olivier-Maxence Prosper is going to incorporate rebounding into his game.

As mentioned, Prosper did a great job on the boards during Summer League, but let's take a step back because most of the guys he was going up against won't make an NBA team this season.

One of the features that really drew a lot of attention to Prosper during the NBA Combine was his wingspan. There are not many 6-foot-8 rookies that come into the league with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. It's like finding a diamond in the rough. I can see why the Mavericks draft scouts and General Manager Nico Harrison targeted him as a late first-round pick.

In the highlight reel below, watch how he's always at the rim trying to make a play. He's constantly trying to get a tip-in or the rebound. Some of the time, he is grabbing a rebound over another player. The Mavericks have wanted a power forward like this for some time. This should give you a bit of an idea of how Kidd could use him on both ends.

I can see Kidd using him as a stretch four most of the time, while also giving him some minutes at the three or five. His rebounding and wingspan make him an extremely versatile option for Dllas.

2. Work ethic

Another reason why fans are going to love Olivier-MaxenceProsper is his work ethic on the court. He's not someone who is entering the league thinking he's the top dog. Prosper is constantly works on his craft during practice.

Prosper recently spoke about his work ethic in a conversation with CBS Sports' James Herbert.

"I've got significantly better each and every year, and that trajectory is going to stay the same, even in the pros. Just because of the work I put in and my work ethic, the way I'm determined, the way I feel like I'm never satisfied, the way I'm disciplined about doing what it takes. And by having that mindset, I will only grow. The player I will be in five, six years is not the player I am now, and I know that."

Olivier-Maxence Prosper

This is what NBA Owners and GMs look for in prospects. He is going to fit in well with the winning culture that Kidd is trying to install in Dallas with Luka Doncic at the helm.

Prosper was even caught on video when he first got to Dallas talking about being ready to "get to work." I'm sure he will have his rookie growing pains throughout the season, but fans will like his humbleness when it comes to his craft.

Another thing Prosper will have to deal with as a rookie is earning his minutes. Kidd is not going to automatically give him a spot in the starting lineup unless the Mavs run into injury issues. The same thing goes for Lively as well.

Both rookies will have to earn their minutes if they want to have a long career with the Mavericks, and Prosper seems very prepared to do just that.

3. Effect on the Dallas community

Prosper has a real chance to make a huge impact on the community in Dallas. He seems like a guy who could do a lot of community service during his tenure with the team, especially if he continues to earn the hearts of fans.

I think there will be a lot more kids signing up for Mavericks summer camp if he continues to thrive, as he already got the attention of the fanbase with his impressive Summer League showing.

The Mavericks do a lot of community work in the Dallas area. They have built 31 basketball courts and 23 community resource centers where kids and adults can have safe spaces to learn and do schoolwork. If he leans into the culture, expect Prosper to begin popping up in these spaces, helping build a greater sense of community in Dallas.

Fans are going to love Prosper. He is unlike other prospects I've seen join the league recently. He is going to be what I call a "franchise's dream."

Prosper will bring his work ethic to practice every day, and he should be able to have a very long career in Dallas as a fan-favorite.