Dallas Mavericks
NFC | High Stakes Fantasy Sports
News
Kessler Edwards
Kessler Edwards agrees to two-way deal with Dallas
Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 8:38 AM
Shams Charania on X
Kessler Edwards has agreed to a two-way contract with the Mavericks, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Analysis: Edwards has proven himself to be solid depth piece in the NBA, but on a two-way deal, he will likely spend more time in the G-League this upcoming season. He can play a reserve role if Dallas needs him to, but he isn't a player that will impact fantasy basketball next season.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie returns to Mavs on one-year deal
Mon, Jul 22, 2024, 7:03 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Mavericks.
Analysis: Dinwiddie played for Dallas for parts of the 21-22 and 22-23 campaigns, and he'll be back for another run with the defending Western Conference champions. Dinwiddie should offer microwave scoring and playmaking to bolster a bench that lost Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the offseason.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving undergoes surgery on broken left hand
Tue, Jul 16, 2024, 5:02 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Kyrie Irving underwent surgery to repair a broken left hand.
Analysis: Irving apparently suffered the injury while training in early July, but the severity of the injury and a potential timeline for return are unknowns.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
O-Max Prosper scores team-high 16 points vs. MEM
Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 4:11 PM
Olivier-Maxence Prosper logged 27 minutes in Monday's 108-88 loss to Memphis, scoring 16 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: Dallas got off to a brutal start on Monday and never recovered, getting blown out for the second consecutive game. Prosper was one of the bright spots, as he hit two 3-pointers on four attempts and tied for the team lead in assists with Brandon Williams. As a rookie, O-Max did not see much action, and he'll face an uphill battle for rotation minutes in 2024-25. However, the loss of Derrick Jones Jr. may lead to more opportunities for Prosper to contribute, especially as a defender.
A.J. Lawson
AJ Lawson tallies 16 points and eight rebounds
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 6:52 PM
AJ Lawson accumulated 16 points (4-of-16 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and one 3-pointer in 29 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Jazz.
Analysis: Lawson had a rough night shooting the basketball, going 25% from the field, but he produced a solid effort on the glass. Only Isaiah Whaley (nine) had more rebounds than Lawson among Mavericks players. And he has work to do in Las Vegas. While Lawson did sign a four-year deal last season, his contract for the 2024-25 season is not fully guaranteed until January 10. And even if Lawson does enough to secure his place on the roster, he may not be able to offer tangible fantasy value.
Emoni Bates
Melvin Ajinca puts up 13 points, full stat line
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 6:47 PM
Melvin Ajinca finished Saturday's 90-89 loss to Utah with 13 points (5-of-13 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and one 3-pointer in 24 minutes.
Analysis: Ajinca was selected by the Knicks with the 51st overall pick in last month's draft, with his draft rights being traded to the Mavericks. Dallas has one open two-way slot to work with, which could be what Ajinca is competing for this summer. He was solid against the Jazz, even if the shooting accuracy left something to be desired. He was active on both ends of the floor, and that effort stands to be Ajinca's best path to an NBA contract.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic scores 21 in OQT loss to Greece
Sat, Jul 6, 2024, 10:11 AM
FIBA
Luka Doncic finished Saturday's 96-68 loss to Greece with 21 points (7-of-14 FGs, 2-of-6 FTs), seven rebounds, five assists, one steal, and five 3-pointers in 34 minutes.
Analysis: After finishing fourth at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Slovenia will not appear in Paris. Doncic led the way offensively but was also responsible for 10 turnovers, as Greece jumped out to a 13-0 lead and did not look back. While the Mavericks certainly weren't opposed to Doncic representing his country, the time off this summer should be a positive for the perennial MVP candidate. After playing at the FIBA World Cup last summer and winning a silver medal, Doncic aggravated a prior leg injury during the preseason. While good to go to begin the 2023-24 campaign, having a healthy Doncic in training camp this time will be a positive for Dallas.
Klay Thompson
Woj: Klay Thompson to Dallas in sign-and-trade
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 8:33 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on X
Klay Thompson intends to join Dallas on a three-year, $50 million deal, which will happen to a multi-team sign-and trade that will also send Josh Green to Charlotte, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Analysis: Thompson reportedly had four year offers that were worth more money, but he took a pay cut to try and win a championship with the Mavs. His departure will open up a starting spot that will likely be filled by second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, barring more moves by the Warriors. Thompson should fill out the starting forward spot opposite PJ Washington, which means that Naji Marshall will likely fill a reserve role behind them. Green will have a chance to see big minutes for the Hornets next season, though his fantasy upside will be limited. As part of the sign-and-trade, the Mavericks have sent two future second-round picks to the Warriors.
Naji Marshall
Woj: Mavs, Naji Marshall agree to three-year deal
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 4:05 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Mavericks and Naji Marshall have agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal.
Analysis: A solid bench contributor for the Pelicans during his four seasons in New Orleans, Marshall is headed to Dallas for the next step in his career. Appearing in 66 games last season, he averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 3-pointers in 19.0 minutes. Marshall's signing calls into question the future of Derrick Jones Jr., who is also a free agent. Jones was a consistent starter for the Western Conference champions, and his exit would free up additional minutes for Marshall. In fact, Marshall could start if Dallas was unable to sign Klay Thompson.
Emoni Bates
New York selects Melvin Ajinca at pick 51
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 4:59 PM
The Knicks have selected Melvin Ajinca with the 51st pick of the draft and have traded him to Dallas.
Analysis: Ajinca played one professional season for Saint-Quentin in the Betclic Elite league in France where he averaged 13.6 points, 4.9 boards, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.4 triples per-36-minutes. His shooting percentages of 37.5% from the field, 79.7% from the charity stripe and 30.9% from beyond the arc left a lot to be desired, but at 6'8, 218, he's athletic and has the physical tools to succeed at the next level. Ajinca is a raw talent in need of development, but he's got a high ceiling which is likely what made him attractive to the Mavericks. It is unclear what they had to give up to move up in the draft, but they have a high upside project to develop. He may not come over to play in the NBA immediately, but he does have some fun upside.
Tim Hardaway
Stein: DET possible option for Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tue, Jun 25, 2024, 4:36 PM
Marc Stein on Twitter
According to Marc Stein, Detroit has emerged as a “potential trade destination” for Tim Hardaway Jr.
Analysis: A fixture in the Mavericks' bench rotation throughout the regular season, Hardaway did not see much action as Dallas made its run to the NBA Finals. With one year remaining on his contract and the Mavericks needing to free up money to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr., it makes sense that THJ would be the subject of trade rumors. And based on comments made on social media by his father (which have since been deleted), it appears Hardaway is ready to move on, provided he has a more significant role at his next stop. During his introductory press conference, Pistons lead executive Trajan Langdon said he's open to using the team's cap space to take on contracts, provided future draft assets are attached.
Tim Hardaway
Mavs to shop Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason
Sat, Jun 22, 2024, 2:54 PM
Marc Stein
According to NBA reporter Mac Stein, Dallas will search for a trade partner to take Tim Hardaway Jr. as part of the team's strategy to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr.
Analysis: Hardaway Jr. is entering the final year of his current deal and is set to make $16.2 million in 2024-25. THJ averaged 15.1 points and 2.8 triples in five seasons with Dallas, and the sharpshooter should be attractive to teams in need of three-point shooting.
Dereck Lively
Dereck Lively II unlikely to be ‘pick-and-pop' big
Fri, Jun 21, 2024, 7:36 PM
Mavs.com
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison said on Friday that he does not envision Dereck Lively II turning into a “pick-and-pop” big man next season.
Analysis: While Lively hit his first career 3-pointer during the NBA Finals and showed off his range during workouts throughout the series, fantasy managers should not expect to see him offer Brook Lopez-like production in that area next season. Dallas does not need him to do that, especially with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving running the show. “He's not going to be a pick-and-pop guy,” Harrison said of Lively. “He has the skill to do it, but for our team, that's not what we're going to ask him to do. He's really good in the short-roll, he can pass to both sides of the floor. He's just going to get better. I think there's a lot of room for him to grow, and he'll do it.”
Derrick Jones
Mavs see keeping Derrick Jones Jr. as a ‘priority'
Fri, Jun 21, 2024, 7:32 PM
Mavs.com
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said on Friday that re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. this summer is a priority for the franchise.
Analysis: Jones was a fixture in the starting lineup throughout Dallas' run to the NBA Finals. While his production did not make him a great option in most fantasy leagues, he fits nicely into Jason Kidd's rotation alongside star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas's issue is that they don't have much room financially heading into free agency, but that does not impact their view on Jones and his importance to the team. “I don't know how we're going to do it,” Harrison said of re-signing Jones. “But he's priority 1-A (and) 1-B. I think he fits in with our team. He loves it here. We have to figure out the dynamics to get him to stay. But yeah, that's a priority. We'll do what we have to do to get it done.” “Airplane Mode” should make considerably more than the $2 million he did this season, whether in Dallas or elsewhere.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic expected to play in Olympic qualifiers
Fri, Jun 21, 2024, 5:16 PM
Tim MacMahon on X
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison said on Friday that he expects Luka Doncic to play for Slovenia in the nation's upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Analysis: While he was banged up during the Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals, it takes a lot for Doncic to pass up on an opportunity to represent his country. Slovenia is playing in one of four Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, with play scheduled for July 2. Harrison said he expects the Mavericks' star point guard to play “as long as he can walk.” Doncic played in the FIBA World Cup last summer, so advancing to the Paris Olympics would mean another “offseason” with limited rest.
Dereck Lively
Dereck Lively II struggles in Game 5 defeat
Mon, Jun 17, 2024, 11:13 PM
Dereck Lively II finished Monday's 106-88 loss to the Celtics with two points (1-of-2 FGs), four rebounds, and one blocked shot in 24 minutes.
Analysis: After recording double-doubles in Games 3 and 4, Lively had a rough Game 5 in Boston. The rookie center still played over twice as many minutes as starting center Daniel Gafford, as his skill set appeared to be a better fit for this matchup. The ending to the season wasn't good, but this was a rookie year that Lively can build upon. Lively, the 12th overall pick in last summer's draft, landed in an excellent spot regarding his career path. He's played well off of star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, showing signs of being able to take on the “Tyson Chandler role” the Mavericks envisioned when they acquired his draft rights from Oklahoma City. Lively finished the season as a 10th-round player in 9-cat formats, with injuries and the passing of his mother limiting the rookie to 55 games. Another offseason to strengthen his skill set should boost Lively's value, even if he continues to share the center responsibilities with Daniel Gafford.
Daniel Gafford
Daniel Gafford limited to 11 minutes in Game 5
Mon, Jun 17, 2024, 11:10 PM
Daniel Gafford recorded a stat line of six points (3-of-5 FGs) and three rebounds in 11 minutes in Monday's 106-88 loss to the Celtics.
Analysis: Gafford struggled in the NBA Finals, as this was not the best matchup for his skill set. He only surpassed 20 minutes once in five games, playing 10 and 11 minutes in Games 4 and 5. To say this was a rough conclusion to the season for him would be an understatement. Gafford's season took a turn for the better at the trade deadline as the Mavericks acquired him from the Wizards. While participating in a timeshare with rookie Dereck Lively II meant fewer minutes for Gafford, it did not negatively impact his fantasy value. Despite averaging 21.5 minutes per game, DG was a 6th-round player in 9-cat formats after joining the Mavericks. Gafford will still have solid fantasy value in 2024-25, but Lively may offer a higher fantasy ceiling, especially if he can add a perimeter shot to his toolbox.
P.J. Washington
PJ Washington struggles mightily in Game 5 loss
Mon, Jun 17, 2024, 11:03 PM
PJ Washington played 34 minutes in Monday's 106-88 loss to the Celtics, tallying four points (2-of-7 FGs), six rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots.
Analysis: Washington had a brutal Monday in Boston, as he missed all five of his 3-point attempts and finished with as many turnovers as points (four). It's an unfortunate end to the season for him, as his arrival at the trade deadline was one reason why Dallas made a run to the NBA Finals. Washington began the season in Charlotte, and despite being in a position to start for the then-suspended Miles Bridges, his fantasy ADP remained relatively low (128.1). Sure enough, that's how things played out, with being traded to Dallas only giving Washington's fantasy value a modest boost. From February 14 through the end of the regular season, PJ was a 10th-round per-game player in 9-cat formats. The issue for Washington was percentages, as he shot 41.6% from the field and 63.8% from the foul line. Playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the hope was that Washington would be a more efficient player, but that didn't happen. An entire training camp to strengthen the on-court chemistry should help Washington, but he'll remain a late-round option in most leagues.
Derrick Jones
Derrick Jones Jr. scores 10 PTS in Finals finale
Mon, Jun 17, 2024, 10:52 PM
Derrick Jones Jr. shot 4-of-8 from the field and 1-of-2 from the foul line in Monday's 106-88 loss to Boston, amassing 10 points, one blocked shot, and one 3-pointer in 22 minutes.
Analysis: Despite hitting double figures for the second time in the series, Jones' performance on Monday was not impactful. Besides the points, he only supplied one blocked shot and failed to grab a rebound in Game 5. Jones entered the season competing for a place in the Mavericks starting lineup but remained off the radar in most fantasy drafts. While “Airplane Mode” started 66 of the 76 regular season games he appeared in, he did not offer consistent fantasy value. Jones finished the year ranked well outside the top 200 in 8- and 9-cat formats, which surprised no one. He'll be a free agent this summer, and regardless of where he lands, Jones is likely to be more valuable to his team than to fantasy managers.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving dishes out nine assists in Game 5
Mon, Jun 17, 2024, 10:48 PM
Kyrie Irving finished Monday's 106-88 loss to the Celtics with 15 points (5-of-16 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers in 41 minutes.
Analysis: As in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, Irving struggled in Game 5. The nine assists weren't enough to counter another poor shooting night, which is bound to leave a bitter taste in the Mavericks guard's mouth heading into the offseason. Boasting a Yahoo ADP of 14.1, Irving exceeded that number in 8- and 9-cat formats. The veteran guard was slightly better in 9-cat, ranking within the top 10 according to Basketball Monster. The lone negative for Irving managers was the availability, as he was limited to 58 regular season games. While he certainly has top-10 fantasy potential, availability keeps him outside that threshold in drafts. Irving has met or exceeded 65 games once in his last seven seasons, except his final season in Boston (2018-19).

Dialog

Back
Home
My Teams
Lobby

More
Podcast
Store