The Dallas Mavericks brought Tyler Dorsey back to the NBA for the first time since 2019 by signing him to a two-way contract this summer. The 26-year-old spent the last three seasons playing in Europe where he won the Finals MVP in Greek League last season.
Dorsey was a second-round pick in 2017, but he failed to earn a consistent role in his first two NBA seasons. Instead of playing in the G League, the 6’5 wing decided to go to Europe to continue his career. After three successful seasons, Dorsey is back and ready to prove that he is deserving of being an NBA role player.
The 26-year-old plays for the Greek National Team, and he showcased his skill set in a 85-68 win over Belgium in World Cup qualifying on Aug. 28. Here is a look at how Dorsey performed before talking about what is next for Dorsey, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Greece.
Tyler Dorsey showcases needed skills as Greece tops Belgium in World Cup qualifying
Dorsey is a 6’5 wing with plus length that was tasked with guarding Belgium’s point guard from the start. The Mavericks are committed to playing defense under head coach Jason Kidd, so he will need to be able to hold his own on the perimeter if he wants to crack the rotation.
Dorsey also showcased his ability to space the floor, create out of the pick and roll, and make plays on Sunday. The 6’5 wing had it all on display as he finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 27 minutes of action. Dorsey was seven of 11 from the field, and he drilled three 3-pointers.
He had 16 points in the narrow loss to Serbia in the first World Cup qualifier in this window, and the Mavericks wing will be a key scorer for Greece as they look to keep building momentum.
Dorsey shot 39.3 percent from 3-point range over the last three years in Europe. If he can space the floor and become a secondary playmaker, the 6’5 wing could earn a role with the Dallas Mavericks this season, but he still has work to do with the Greek National Team.
Tyler Dorsey and Greece now head to EuroBasket where they open with a battle against Croatia on Sept. 2. They are likely to be favorites to win their group because of Giannis Antetokounmpo with Croatia and Italy representing their stiffest challenges. What will Dorsey do at the European championships? Stay tuned to find out.