3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' Summer League opener loss against Jazz

On Saturday night, the Dallas Mavericks tipped off their first of four guaranteed Summer League games which will all take place in Las Vegas. Many fans have anticipated that Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Brandon Williams could headline this year's Summer League roster. They both have something to prove if they wish to crack next year's rotation.

With the Mavericks being thin around the power forward spot, many eyes will be on Prosper to see what he can do in his second Summer League. Mavericks Summer League head coach Jared Dudley hinted at the possibility of Prosper being a focal point of the Mavericks Summer League roster by guarding the opposing team's best players and getting the opportunity to control the offense.

While Prosper has a guaranteed spot for next year, AJ Lawson's future in a Mavericks uniform looks uncertain after the team's recent moves and their rumored interest. Lawson will need to prove a lot over these next few weeks if he wishes to remain in Dallas and as a potential piece with the team looking to return to the Finals.

3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' Summer League opener loss against Jazz

With this year's Summer League roster being headlined by many current Mavs, newly drafted rookie Melvin Ajinca may have the most to prove over these next two weeks. Ajinca was selected in the second round after the Mavericks traded up to get the French forward but with one roster spot open, Dallas may look to give Ajinca the final spot if he can play up to par during the Summer League.

Despite all the hype surrounding this year's Dallas Summer League squad, they failed to get an opening night win against a stacked Utah Jazz squad, the Mavericks would drop their first of four guaranteed games 90-89 after a hard-fought four quarters.

Here are three studs and two duds from the Mavericks' first Summer League loss to the Jazz.

5. Stud - Jamarion Sharp

When the Dallas Mavericks announced their Summer League roster a few weeks ago, many fans were surprised when they saw 7-foot-5 Jamarion Sharp on their roster. Like many lanky centers, Sharp is an excellent shot blocker which is maybe why Dallas signed the big man to their Vegas roster for the summer.

Sharp would go on to average four blocks at the collegiate level and against the Utah Jazz many were exposed to just how good the lengthy shot blocker can be. Sharp recorded four blocks for Dallas while being a lockdown defender in the paint against multiple Utah drive attempts.

While Sharp could have looked cleaner on the offensive end, he did snag many second-chance boards, which Dallas used to get out to a sizable lead in the third quarter. Sharp will undoubtedly man the five spot for Dallas and could be a potential candidate for one of the Mavericks' two-way roster spots if he showcases what he can do on both ends.

With this going down to the final seconds, Sharp became an intricate piece for the Mavericks as they tried to come back in the fourth quarter. Many fans will keep a close eye on Sharp for the Mavericks' second Summer league game.