Dallas Mavericks rookie could leave millions on the table at Summer League

When the Dallas Mavericks couldn't prevail to win the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, the team focused on their attention to the 2024 NBA Draft. The Mavs only had one pick in the draft.

The Mavs would eventually trade up from 58th to 51st to select Melvin Ajinca from France.

As Summer League approaches, Ajinca is one of the rookies that could potentially make the Mavs roster. But, if Anjinca doesn't rise to the occasion, it could be the start of a rough Summer.

Melvin Anjinca could leave millions on the table at Summer League

The 6-foot-8 rookie spent the 2023-24 season with the Saint Quentin BB team in the LNB Pro A league in France. Anjinca averaged 9.3 points per game, but caught people's eyes with his 3-point shooting and lockdown defense. The Mavs needed a lockdown defender after losing the Finals.

Anjinca also has the ability to be aggressive when getting to the rim or not be afraid to take a tough jump shot. So what would happen if Anjinca underperforms at Summer League?

Going back to France to let him grow his game internationally wouldn't be the worst thing, but it could leave Anjinca disappointed. General manager Nico Harrison talked about the Mavs' plans for Anjinca based on the roster.

The Mavs drafting and stashing Ajinca could be key for his development, but him not making the roster would prevent him from getting a head start on earning some big bucks. A spot on the 15-man roster would net him millions, but a disappointing Summer League could lead to him going back to Europe to continue to develop his game.

“The beauty of him being a European player, we have a lot of optionality, and I think both things are on the table," Harrison said. "We don’t have a lot of roster spots available."

Based on Harrison's comments, if Anjinca was to have a decent Summer League, he could potentially be a two-way player and get time in the G League with the Texas Legends. But, a potential strong performance at Summer League could land him a roster spot.

It's also important for a rookie at 20 years old like Anjinca to see as much playing time in the NBA Summer League as possible. If Ajinca were to play his way into a roster spot, the Mavs have an elite superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving that can immediately help lead Anjinca and help him mature as a rookie and see what it takes to play in the NBA coming from overseas.

Summer League ball is approaching for the Mavs, and Anjinca is a rookie who could be destined to make the Mavs roster in October. If Anjinca performs well, it can lead the Mavs in discussions to have him on the roster to start the 2024-25 season.