3 Reasons the Mavericks' Kylor Kelley signing will be a sneaky masterpiece

It's no secret that the Dallas Mavericks are suffering from some of the worst injury luck in franchise history, as they seemingly cannot get healthy. The Mavs not only suffered an injury to their superstar Luka Doncic but almost every player on the roster has missed an extended period of time.

When it seemed like things couldn't get any worse, on Saturday night the Mavericks not only suffered a crushing defeat to the Boston Celtics, but Maxi Kleber was diagnosed with a fractured foot. Kleber's injury is not only impactful because the team loses yet another forward off the bench, but Kleber was likely one of Dallas' best trade pieces considering his defensive versatility and tradable contract.

With Kleber out for an extended period of time and the team losing much-needed depth, the Mavericks were forced to waive a fan-favorite guard in Jazian Gortman in favor of a G League standout on Sunday evening.

Former South Bay Laker standout Kylor Kelley is the Mavericks' newest addition and he may offer Dallas the much-needed depth at center that fans have been begging for.

3 Reasons Kylor Kelley is the perfect addition in Dallas

While fans expected the Mavericks to make a roster move in the coming days, Kelley's signing came out of nowhere. Kelley was not only a South Bay standout but he also made an appearance for the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason.

After going undrafted out of Oregon State in 2020 and playing overseas, Kelley was signed to South Bay due to his unique ability to roll off screens on the offensive end and block shots at an elite rate. In the G League this season, Kelley averaged 9.2 points and 1.7 blocks per game, which could be his most eye-popping stat.

3. Kelley's defense is pro ready

One thing Dallas has sorely missed with Dereck Lively II injured for the foreseeable future has been the 7-footer's shot-blocking capabilities. However, Kelley could prove to have an upside on the defensive end as well.

On South Bay, Kelley became the team's ideal shot blocker as he manned the paint down low and recorded just under two blocks per game. In addition to Kelley's blocking abilities, his 7-foot frame and 7-foot-3 make him an ideal five in the modern NBA.

While Kelley's defense is far from what Mavs fans are used to with Lively II, he does have the potential to be an above-average defender right away.

2. Kelley is the perfect Lively II replacement

On the offensive end, Kelley has a unique ability to become one of the Mavericks' leading rim-rolling centers. Without a stable point guard in South Bay, Kelley showcased glimpses of his elite rolling capabilities, but along with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the 7-footer may have his best opportunity yet.

With this in mind, Kelley shot 63.5 percent from the field in his time with South Bay this season. This stat not only got fans excited but it proved the Mavericks did their homework when selecting a player to sign to fill their much-needed depth problem.

Kelley still has a lot to prove, but on a two-way contract, he may have the perfect opportunity to showcase why he belongs in the league with the Mavericks. Rim-rolling bigs who can catch lobs have thrived in Dallas for years, and Kelley may join the list of successful Maverick lob catchers soon.

1. Mavericks add much-needed depth at the five

Despite Kelley only being a two-way signing, he offers the Mavericks much-needed depth at the center that they needed badly. Kelley is not only an ace at the role Dallas needs him to play, but he could be the perfect reserve center as the team still suffers from the injury bug.

Kelley's role in Dallas is still undefined but it's clear the Mavericks needed flexibility at the five spots with Dwight Powell, Kleber, and Lively II sidelined. He will likely play big minutes right away, and that could begin on Monday night against the Washington Wizards.

The Mavericks now have the perfect opportunity to get the most out of Kelley as he looks to prove why he deserves to spend more time in the NBA.