Top 4 candidates for Mavericks' final roster spot heading into training camp

The Dallas Mavericks began their 2024 offseason by first drafting Melvin Anjinca, with their only 2024 NBA Draft pick, in the second round of the draft. The team began free agency by making a big splash with completing a sign-and-trade for Klay Thomspon.

Despite losing Derrick Jones Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Mavs signed Naji Marshall, acquired Quentin Grimes in the Hardaway Jr. trade, and were able to bring back Spencer Dinwiddie. General manager Nico Harrison has put together a roster well enough to make another run in the Western Conference.

Now that the offseason is complete, the next focus for the Mavs shifts to training camp. When training approaches, it's a great opportunity for the superstar players to grind again, but also offers a chance for under-the-radar players to showcase their skills.

Top 4 candidates for Mavs' final roster spot heading into training camp

The Mavs are in need of someone stepping up to secure one more roster spot, and it will make head coach Jason Kidd think about who deserves it.

The final roster spot is a worthy spot for young players who need to prove themselves as it is a two-way spot. While it will be a tall task to make the opening night 15-man roster, a two-way roster spot would give them a chance and confidence.

4. Jazian Gortman

For 21-year-old Jazion Gortman, he has yet to play an NBA regular season game. However, Gortman may have caught the Mavs' eyes with his performance in the G-League last season.

In just 14 games, with 13 coming off the bench, Gortman averaged eight points per game. Gortman was also able to work his passing in as he averaged 3.1 assists per game. Gortman had good shooting percentages off the bench with 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from three. To add another bonus, Gortman shot an impressive 90 percent from the free-throw line.

Gortman is due to earn more playing time with an NBA team in training camp with his numbers coming off the bench. In a Summer League game in July, Gortman filled in well for an injured Brandon Williams and scored 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field. For a team like the Mavs, guard depth is always utilized.

For Gortman being a guard, it offers him a chance to fit in and learn more with the guards the Mavs have on their roster. With plenty of veterans, they can help him work on his game.

3. Jamarion Sharp

Having a big man in the middle will never hurt a team to help prevent giving up points in the paint and playing big. Jamarion Sharp offers that with being 7-foot-5 and having an impressive defensive career.

While playing for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Ole Miss Rebels, Sharp was a defensive standout. In three years in college, Sharp averaged 0.8 steals per game and an impressive 3.7 blocks per game.

Another positive that can help Sharp take the last two-way spot on the roster is his ability to play off the bench. Last season with the Rebels, Sharp started only 15 of his 31 games played, but he was able to make an impact in the paint. Sharp averaged 3.3 points per game on 59 percent from the field and secured 4.1 rebounds per game.

The Mavs' roster doesn't have a big man in the presence that will clog up the lane and defend the paint to the core outside of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Sharp can be a player who has the ability to do it with his size and learn behind Lively II and Gafford.

If Sharp were to be a part of the Mavs' roster, it could help Sharp adjust to the NBA-level talent, speed, game, and size with his height. With being a standout big man on two different teams in college, the Mavs have a good opportunity to fill a spot for Sharp.

2. Emanuel Miller

For 24-year-old Emanuel Miller, Texas basketball is all he knew after high school. Miller played two seasons with the Texas A&M Aggies and played the past three seasons of his career with the TCU Horned Frogs. With having Texas basketball roots, Miller being on the Mavs' roster would give him an extra boost. One thing that was consistent with Miller that any team in the NBA needs is to have the ability to score.

Last season, Miller averaged 15.8 points per game and was a Second Team All-Big 12. Despite shooting 49 percent in his college career, Miller went undrafted in 2024. After he signed with the Mavs, Miller made a good impression in Summer League for the Mavs.

One thing that helps Miller's game is his 3-point shooting. Miller shot above 38 percent from three in his final two seasons at TCU. Last season, Miller attempted the most 3-pointers per game in the 2023-24 season in his college career, so Miller is not afraid to shoot the ball and let it fly.

It was obvious that the Mavs needed 3-point shooting when they fell to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals. Even with having Klay Thompson now, having a good amount of 3-point shooters doesn't hurt.

If Miller was to be on the Mavs roster, he would be able to provide more 3-point shooting for Dallas. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson can also help him develop a better 3-point shot if they were to work with him in training camp.

1. A.J. Lawson

Even with guard A.J. Lawson playing 42 games last season, his roster spot isn't guaranteed, but being 24 years old and playing half the season for the Mavs last season can give him the best chance for the Mavs to bring him back.

Being in Jason Kidd's system and playing along with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, can help Lawson. While Lawson didn't start a game last season, he is still able to provide depth for the guard and wing position for the Mavs.

A big thing that may have helped Lawson get more confident was getting playing time in the 2024 NBA Playoffs by playing in 10 games. Even though Lawson got small minutes when the games were mostly over in the playoffs, it helped him see just how hard playoff basketball is. Even with averaging just over one point per game, Lawson did shoot 33 percent from three.

Lawson can show his experience with the Mavs by being on the final roster. The Mavs need Lawson to show what he learned by playing 42 games in the 2023-24 regular season and with his experience in the playoffs.

Unlike Emanuel Miller, Jamarion Sharp, and Jazian Gortman, Lawson has the NBA experience. The Mavs might not be ready to give the other three players a chance without having NBA experience, but Lawson has the experience.

A likely scenario is cutting Lawson to make room for Markieff Morris on the 15-man roster and bringing him back on a two-way deal.

Having the NBA experience could help give Lawson a better chance to make the training camp roster, but he needs to improve his game immediately. For all the latest on the Mavericks, stay tuned.