Olivier-Maxence Prosper reveals reason why Mavericks traded back for him

The Dallas Mavericks have a thing for two-way wings. They love what Josh Green brings to the table, with his stellar defense and great three-point shooting from the corners.

Now, they have Olivier-Maxence Prosper, too. The Mavericks seem to like him a lot, considering they traded back into the first round to acquire Prosper with the No. 24 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

But Prosper wasn't always considered a first-round pick. In fact, before pre-draft workouts and the combine, he was considered a second-round guy. He worked his butt off, scoring 21 points and defending in the combine scrimmage.

If you ask Prosper, he just outworked everyone.

"When I came to the Mavs, just the way I got here, and they received me really well," Prosper told the Mavs Step Back Podcast. "During the workout, I just came in and outworked the people I was against. 

"I was loud, I was energetic, I did what I needed to do, and they really liked what they saw. Based on that, that's why they wanted to come back in the draft and trade for me... I'm glad they decided to come back and trade for me in this draft. I'm glad to be here."

That's how Prosper ended up becoming a Maverick. The work doesn't stop there, though. He has a lot to improve on; however, he can make an instant impact on a team looking to compete for a championship soon.

If he wants to find himself in the rotation often, he will have to continue to work his butt off, as a few guys could start the season ahead of him. Of course, the Mavericks have Josh Green, who plays the two and the three, depending on who he is on the floor with. They have similar play styles because they can both defend and love driving to the hoop.

The other guy that will likely be ahead of Prosper is Grant Williams, depending on how the team decides to use him. Prosper could very well find himself playing some valuable minutes, but it won't be given to him. Luckily, we know he is willing to do whatever it takes.

The Mavericks got a good one.