4 Young players the Mavericks should develop, 2 to give up on

Develop: Olivier Maxence-Prosper

The Mavericks surprisingly nabbed a second first-round pick on draft night for taking on Richaun Holmes’ contract, and they took Maxence-Prosper 24th overall. The 6’8 wing played three years of college basketball where he improved every season. Some questioned if Maxence-Prosper would even be drafted, but a standout performance at the combine helped his draft stock skyrocket.

Dallas is excited about his potential, and fans saw glimpses during summer league. The 21-year-old is far from a finished product, but he did average 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 25.4 minutes per game in Las Vegas.

The Mavs are hoping O-Max turns into their Dorian Finney-Smith replacement. The 6’8 forward can guard multiple positions and has a developing jumper. Can Dallas help him become an above-league-average 3-point shooter and unlock his potential?

It will take some time, but O-Max could quickly crack the rotation as a reserve. The 21-year-old’s energy is contagious, and he brings plenty to the floor that does not show up in the box score.

The Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and his staff are eager to help Olivier Maxence-Prosper develop. The 6’8 forward has prototypical NBA size and a willingness to work, which bodes well for his development. Dallas believes they can get the best out of him, but time will tell.