Tobi Lawal's debut suggests Mavericks may have found their next dirty-work wing

The Dallas Mavericks have had their fair share of forwards willing to do the dirty work over the years. Both of their most recent playoff runs, in 2022 and 2024, had multiple of these types of players on each roster, with Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith in 2022 and Derrick Jones Jr. and P.J. Washington in 2024.

These players played key roles in the Mavs' playoff success in their respective seasons, and they have a new player ready to join this conversation soon: Tobi Lawal. Dallas drafted Lawal with the No. 48 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and later signed him to a two-way contract. In his first NBA game earlier this weekend, he looked like he belonged.

Tobi Lawal could be the Mavericks' next impact wing

The Mavericks took on the Houston Rockets on Friday, and Lawal finished with a bench-high 13 points while shooting 5-of-6 from the field to go along with an offensive rebound and two steals. He was running in transition, playing hard-nosed defense, and finishing well around the basket.

Despite Lawal's defensive feel being critiqued by some before the draft, his game against Houston showed why Mavs fans should believe in his upside on that end.

He has the lateral quickness and athleticism to play strong defense on the perimeter and the length to be a disruptor off the ball. Both of Lawal's steals were great plays, as one was an on-ball steal while full-court pressing Bruce Thornton that led to an and-one layup, and the other was an interception in a passing lane that resulted in another easy layup.

The Mavericks don't need Lawal to be a scorer

All five of Lawal's baskets came in the paint, and his 13-point performance showed why he could make an impact for Dallas as soon as this season. He plays hard on defense, runs the floor, and has the ability to finish above the rim due to his athleticism. Lawal doesn't need the ball in his hands to make an impact, and he's going to be in a great spot if he continues to improve as a play finisher.

He's not going to be an elite scorer right away, as his offensive game is still raw, but the Mavs don't need his scoring. They need his hustle, rebounding, and knack for doing the little things.

Dusty May can utilize him as a defensive specialist during his rookie season, and his role can expand as his offensive game develops. As he becomes more comfortable with the ball in his hands and improves his jump shot, he could be well on his way to being a rotation 3-and-D wing.

Lawal can follow in Derrick Jones Jr.'s footsteps

Lawal often drew comparisons to Jones Jr. before the draft, and him developing into a similar player would be huge for the Mavs. DJJ's point-of-attack defense, ability as a lob threat, and significantly improved 3-point shooting were pivotal for the Mavs in their run to the 2024 NBA Finals, and Lawal could find himself in a similar role one day if he continues to grow in all areas of his game.

Jones Jr. wasn't successful in Dallas due to his elite scoring or being flashy. Instead, he guarded the other team's best player, hit some timely shots, and used his athleticism to his advantage on both ends of the floor.

He was the definition of a dirty-work wing, and by the looks of things, the Mavs potentially have another one waiting in the wings in Tobi Lawal.

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