Dallas Mavericks make shocking roster move involving rookie forward

On Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks took on the Portland Trail Blazers for the first of two back-to-back matchups. After losing three of the last four games, the Mavericks welcomed back star point guard Kyrie Irving for the first time at home since his 12-game absence.

Everything seemed to be going Dallas' way. By halftime, the Mavericks led by 31 points, and the duo of Irving and Luka Doncic clicked all night. Both Doncic and Irving combined for 70 points when the final buzzer rang.

Unfortunately for Mavs fans, the injury bug seems to still be running rampant. Forward Grant Williams went down with an ankle sprain. Along with Williams' injury, rookie phenom Dereck Lively II went down with a similar ankle injury.

Dallas Mavericks make shocking roster move involving rookie forward

With the Mavericks already struggling on defense and the rebounding department, having these two out will only make it more difficult. Williams was brought in over the offseason to address the Mavs' need for defense and rebounding. The same goes for Lively II.

Despite this news, many fans expected rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper to have a bigger role after seeing very little time on the court. Instead, fans will have to see Prosper in the G League playing for the Texas Legends, as he was sent down earlier this morning.

Entering his rookie season, Prosper was looked at as a defensive specialist. With the Mavericks' current need for depth at the forward position, this couldn't come at a worse time. Prosper needs development, but this could have been the perfect time to see the rookie take leaps within his game.

Within his first few months of being a professional, Prosper has had some big performances. In a game against the Houston Rockets, Prosper dropped a game-high 20 points and showed promise on the defensive end.

Prosper will now be assigned to the G League in the hope that he will get more playing time with the Legends. The young forward can get called back at any point, so fans are hoping for a big-time performance out of Prosper while playing in Frisco.

For more updates on Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the Texas Legends, and Dallas Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in.