The 5 most encouraging interviews from Dallas Mavericks Media Day

4. Olivier-Maxence Prosper's interview

Olivier-Maxence Prosper has been building a lot of hype for himself this summer. After he wrapped up NBA Summer League with Dallas in July, the rookie has been working tirelessly to improve his game.

It was reported a while back that Prosper looked well ahead of the curve during summer runs at Rico Hines and he’s already starting to earn the trust of Jason Kidd.

Prosper is set to start in the Mavericks’ first preseason game in Abu Dhabi this coming Thursday, and Kidd hasn’t thrown out the possibility of starting both Prosper and fellow rookie Dereck Lively II once the season rolls around. The two rookies have already become best friends, and they spend tons of time together on and off the court.

You’ll find that Prosper isn’t shy at all, as he diagnosed Timberwolves’ star Anthony Edwards as a matchup he is looking forward to in his first-ever NBA action.

"It’s gonna be a challenge but I’m up for it. I don’t care who’s in front of me, what your resume is. Are they gonna make tough shots on me? Yes, but it’s part of the game. Anthony Edwards is my first game but I’m gonna make life hard on him."

- Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Prosper’s demeanor when it comes to competition is extremely likable, but you’ll find that he really plans on buying in within all facets of the game ahead of rookie season in Dallas.

"I feel like I can impact them just by the way I play this game. Which is how hard I play, my energy, the way I defend. I think this team needs another defensive stopper guy that can come in and help this team defensively and again I can compliment Luka and Kyrie on offense [by] knock-down open shots, get to the rim, get fouled, and just little things like that. I feel like I can come in and compliment this team very well and help them in places they need help."

- Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Prosper does all of the little things that you need out of a starting wing, and if he earns the trust of Kidd early on he could be the starting wing for opening night against the San Antonio Spurs. His ability to guard multiple positions, knock down open shots, and attack closeouts is intriguing, and Dallas will have plenty of different ways that they can use him early on.