3 reasons why Olivier-Maxence Prosper is key to the Dallas Mavericks' season

2023 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot
2023 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot / Jamie Squire/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

Olivier-Maxence Prosper (O-Max) was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Originally, the Mavericks only held the 12th overall pick, but a draft night trade with the Sacramento Kings would send center Richuan Holmes and the 24th overall pick, Prosper, to Dallas.

O-Max would become a highly touted draft prospect after he shined during the NBA Draft Combine, in which he impressed many scouts with his savvy play on the court. He would impress none other than Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison. Harrison would go on to tell Prosper that he was going to find a way to bring him to Dallas. This is exactly what came to fruition.

During Prosper's inaugural Summer League run, he would impress many fans with his lockdown defense and 3-point shot-making ability. Instantly, fans were comparing Prosper to Dallas fan-favorite Dorian Finney-Smith, who months prior had been traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

Prosper still has yet to play in an NBA game, but his presence can already be felt on what previously was a lackluster roster. The addition of Prosper will certainly be felt on day one of the NBA season for the Mavs. Here are three reasons why Olivier-Maxence prosper will be key for the success of the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks v New Orleans Pelicans / Jonathan Bachman/GettyImages

3. Olivier-Maxence Prosper is the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic

Olivier-Maxence Prosper checks off many boxes of needs for the Dallas Mavericks. Athleticism, defense, shooting, and even work ethic. It just so happens that these are all the best qualities to fit next to Luka Doncic.

The Dallas Mavericks lacked a great role player alongside Doncic after the absence of Dorian Finney-Smith. O-Max Prosper has the potential to be one of the most impactful role players for the Mavericks for this exact reason.

O-Max's 3-point shooting capabilities will make him a prime target for Doncic's dazzling wrap-around passes. As long as Prosper can adapt to the fast-paced NBA offense, he will fit right in.

Prosper's ability to play off-ball, which we saw a prime example of during the NBA Summer League, will be the difference between him seeing the floor or not. However, he should have no problem stepping in on day one and making an impact, especially with Doncic feeding him open shots.

Doncic has longed for a wing player to play alongside, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper could be the solution to many of the Mavericks' problems. Time will tell, but O-Max Prosper has the chance to be one of Doncic's favorite targets.