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

1. Stud - Melvin Ajinca

It was no shock to fans when they saw newly drafted forward Melvin Ajinca on the Summer League roster. However, it was a shock to many when they witnessed what Ajinca could potentially bring to an NBA floor.

Through one game, the French product whizzed around the floor and dazzled in just about every category that is needed to win basketball games. Ajinca started his scoring with multiple drives to the baskets which resulted in athletic finishes at the rim. Ajinca would also cap off a great night on the offensive end by making a deep three from behind the arc.

Before draft night, Ajinca wasn't looked at as an elite offensive talent, which is why many fans were shocked when they saw the potential that the French forward could bring to Dallas.

While Ajinca wasn't scouted to be an elite offensive threat, he proved he could belong in an NBA system with his constant cuts and movements around the perimeter. To add more icing on the cake, Ajinca's dribble package gave him constant open looks in the mid-range, it's just a matter of draining the shot now.

While this may be an overreaction, Ajinca has become a prime candidate to take the last Mavericks roster spot. After Dallas selected the French standout with the 51 pick in the 2024 draft, many expected Ajinca to be a draft-and-stash guy after the offseason. However, through one game of Summer League play, Ajinca may have proven enough to spend the season in Dallas.

Defensively, the French product dazzled with a steal and a block. Ajinca constantly guarded Utah's best perimeter player and despite Cody Williams scoring 21 points on the Mavericks defense, Ajinca had a near-perfect night on the defensive end.

With three more guaranteed games left in Las Vegas, Ajinca will need to continue fighting for the potential to be in Dallas for the next calendar year.