Dallas Mavericks Summer League Awards: MVP, Best Rookie, and more

One of the most exciting parts of the NBA offseason has come and gone. The NBA 2k24 Summer League concluded on July 17, with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking home the Summer League crown.

As for the Dallas Mavericks, they ended Summer League on a high note. After losing their opening matchup against a well-rounded Thunder squad, they rattled off four consecutive victories.

This summer was full of positives. Dallas fielded a much better roster this time around. Last season, the Mavs lost every game in Summer League. They finished 0-5 and had the worst point differential (-10.2) amongst all 30 teams. Dallas finished second in point differential this season at a positive 8.2, only behind the Summer League champ Cavaliers.

Dallas Mavericks Summer League Awards: MVP, Best Rookie, and more

The turnaround is in part to a very solid 2023 draft class. Dereck Lively II and Oliver-Maxence "O-Max" Prosper proved to be worthwhile additions. Also, the Mavs' undrafted free agents showed out in the best way possible.

Lively II averaged 8.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while shooting 68.0% from the field. His two-way versatility was on full display throughout Summer League as well.

O-Max proved to be a menace on both ends of the court. He finished with averages of 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He also affected the game on defense in a myriad of ways.

Hats off to undrafted free agents Mike Miles Jr. and Jordan "Jelly" Walker. Both guards brought their A-Games this summer. Miles Jr. provided a steady scoring output and managed the offense well by making sound decisions and taking care of the ball. He didn't start the first two games but was inserted into the starting five for McKinley Wright IV after some stellar play in limited action off the bench.

As for Walker, he only appeared in four out of the five contests, but he made the most of his opportunity. Walker averaged 13.0 points and 3.5 assists per game while also contributing 3.3 three-pointers per game in only 15.7 minutes of action. Ending the exhibition slate on a high note, Walker made 10-of-19 three-pointers in the final two contests.

All in all, it was a successful summer for the Mavs. The future looks bright and Mavs fans can be assured that the roster has some serious young talent.

Let's take a look at which Mavericks performed the best this summer. I'll be giving out awards out for Best Rookie, Best Rookie Undrafted Free Agent, Best Veteran, and Summer League MVP.