Mavericks' up-and-coming forward could be in rotation sooner rather than later

With the Dallas Mavericks having finished with most of their offseason roster moves, the organization will set their sights to the 2024 NBA Summer League. 

Dallas is fielding an exciting roster that will feature 2023 first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2024 second-round pick Melvin Ajinca, as well as returning Mavericks from last season A.J. Lawson, Brandon Williams, and Alex Fudge. While Dallas may not have the most star-studded roster at Summer League, they have quite a bit of guys who are desperately pining to stay in the NBA or are trying to make a name for themselves, so there will be no shortage of high-intensity basketball being played despite some silly mistakes being bound to happen. 

Lawson and Prosper will look to be team leaders as they are the only two returning Mavericks from last year’s Summer League roster, though Prosper seems to have the best chance at cracking Dallas’ rotation next season with Lawson’s fit becoming questionable, as he fits the mold for Dallas’ need of a backup bigger-bodied defensive wing. 

Prosper could be in Mavericks rotation with a strong Summer League performance

Mavericks Summer League coach Jared Dudley spoke highly of Prosper after Dallas’ recent Summer League practice, as Dudley said his challenge for Prosper is to guard the best opposing perimeter player on the other team throughout Summer League in preparation to play rotation minutes for the Mavericks next season. 

This would be a huge step for Prosper after scarcely being played in meaningful minutes last season, and it’s great to see that the Mavericks are still prioritizing his development into a NBA role player after making the NBA Finals last season, as Dudley could’ve easily have given a more half-hearted response about Prosper’s potential role on the team next year. 

At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Prosper has the physical tools to become an elite wing defender, especially after being in a NBA strength program for an entire season. Prosper has worked tirelessly to improve his 3-point shot and offensive repertoire since he’s been in Dallas, as we got flashes of what he could potentially become offensively after some strong late regular season performances with the Mavericks and the Texas Legends. 

This Summer League will be a huge proving ground for everyone on Dallas’ Summer League roster, as it could be a make-or-break opportunity for guys like Williams or Lawson, so Prosper will have to prove that he has some offensive dynamism in the tank if he wants to lead the pack for Dallas and catapult himself into a rotation piece next season.

For more on Olivier-Maxence Prosper and the Dallas Mavericks, stay tuned as we will have you covered.