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Rob Dillingham just became an intriguing option for Mavericks' final roster spot

Dallas should take a flyer on Rob Dillingham now that the Hornets released him on Monday.
ByNoah Weber
Rob Dillingham
Rob Dillingham | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

When the Dallas Mavericks' training camp roster was first released last week, one of the biggest things that stuck out was that they had multiple open roster spots. Even with Dwight Powell under contract, the Mavericks still had two open roster spots to sign players. These players would obviously have to fight to make the opening-night roster, and Dallas' roster seems pretty set, but having as many bites at the apple is important in today's NBA.

If you have 21 roster spots for training camp, you might as well use them. Leave no page unturned.

Dallas should consider signing Rob Dillingham

The Mavericks filled the first open spot by signing Seth Lundy over the weekend, and former lottery pick Rob Dillingham should be considered by Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz for this final roster spot after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.

The Mavericks need more guard depth

Dallas needs more guard depth, as Sergio De Larrea and Marcus Sasser are the only two point guards behind Kyrie Irving heading into the 2026-27 season, and signing Dillingham would give them some needed insurance. He would obviously need to earn a roster spot through a strong preseason and training camp, but with Dallas' two-way trio lacking a point guard, Dillingham could bring some balance to this group.

Dillingham could make a case for a two-way contract

As things stand, the Mavericks have Tobi Lawal, John Poulakidas, and Jett Howard on two-way contracts. Lawal is a high-flying forward with great length and athleticism, while Howard and Poulakidas are both known for their shooting. Dallas already added enough shooting through several offseason additions, and it could come to the point that Howard and Poulakidas are redundant.

The Mavericks don't have any point guards in this group, and if they want some emergency depth behind Irving, De Larrea, and Sasser, bringing in Dillingham could be a sneaky low-risk, high-reward move. He was the No. 8 overall pick just two years ago, and while he hasn't panned out in the NBA yet, the Mavs should do their due diligence and invite him to training camp.

Dillingham's speed and creation would fit the Mavs

Last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls, Dillingham averaged 6.3 points, 2.2 assists, and 0.7 steals per game. He is a strong ball handler and self-creator, and with Dallas' need for more instant offense, he would be a great fit.

His speed and handle help him get downhill to finish around the basket, and he's also a solid passer in these situations. He likes to push the ball in transition, and with Dusty May wanting to play fast, Dillingham would be a natural fit.

His shiftiness and quickness have long been highlights of his game. Pair this with his speed in the open court, and the Mavs would have an exciting young player to grow behind Irving. Kyrie has been known for taking young guards under their wing, and taking a swing on Dillingham would make training camp even more exciting.

Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz like taking swings like this

Schmitz and Ujiri have made multiple moves this summer to acquire players who were high draft picks but may have been underutilized, as the team traded for Zaccharie Risacher and signed Howard. Dillingham could be the next sleeper pickup in this mix if they pursue him.

Dillingham would not be guaranteed a spot on the final roster if Dallas signs him, but since they have an open roster spot, he's a good option.

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