4 non-guaranteed players that could make the Mavericks' final roster

1. Dexter Dennis

After Dexter Dennis officially signed with the Mavericks on an Exhibit 10 deal this past summer, he very well may have solidified himself as the leader in the clubhouse for the Mavericks' final two-way spot after two preseason games. Dennis posted averages of nine points per game, three rebounds per game, and a 3-point field goal percentage of 35.7 percent during his time playing for the Orlando Magic’s Summer League team this past July in Las Vegas.

Dennis has an NBA-ready body at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. He also has a nearly 7-foot wingspan and won AAC Defensive Player of the Year in the 2021-22 NCAA season playing for Wichita State before transferring to Texas A&M for his final season of collegiate hoops.

Dennis has been impressive early on in Dallas’ two preseason games. He’s played great individual defense on the wing and at the point of attack and was disruptive as a transition defender on multiple possessions in the Mavericks’ second game in Abu Dhabi.

Dennis’ shot is also coming into form as his mechanics look extremely good thus far en route to nailing three 3-point baskets so far in preseason play. He also had a ferocious slam after a good pump fake to get by the close-out defender in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ second preseason game versus the Timberwolves.

A ball-stopping wing who can guard multiple positions and shoot well while also being dynamic on offense is the archetype of player that Dennis is, and the Mavs can never have too many of those. There also seems to be a call to action for someone to step up from the wing position on this Mavs roster, as it isn’t necessarily understaffed, but doesn’t have as much proven talent toward the back half of the depth chart as is ideal.

Dennis may have very well planted himself in a position to get the Mavs’ final two-way roster spot, but only time will tell. We’ll have you covered with Dennis and how the rest of the Mavs’ roster fares in their remaining two preseason games ahead of the regular season starting on October 25 in San Antonio.