Top 4 candidates for Mavericks' final roster spot heading into 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.