Luka Doncic is the leader in points, assists, rebounds, and steals this postseason. Nobody else has ever done that.

Last night was a stinker, but it was a successful season for sure. Just wish Kyrie was about 4 years younger

GoodOleBaylorLine said:

---

Last night was a stinker, but it was a successful season for sure. Just wish Kyrie was about 4 years younger

---

Younger but still wiser like he is now. He's been a bit of a stinker in other places over the years

Next season is gonna be interesting. Wembaya in San Antonio is a force. And they have the #4 and #8 picks in the draft. If they draft right, gonna be Texas tough in the NBA

Assassin said:

---

GoodOleBaylorLine said:

---

Last night was a stinker, but it was a successful season for sure. Just wish Kyrie was about 4 years younger

---

Younger but still wiser like he is now. He's been a bit of a stinker in other places over the years

---

That's true. I am not sure I want actual Kyrie from 2020.

Dallas Mavericks selected 20-year-old Saint-Quentin wing Melvin Ajina with the No. 51 pick.

G
Melvin Ajina
6'7"214 lbsFrance
27POS RK
48OVR RK

Melvin Ajinca's NBA draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from NBA draft prospect Melvin Ajinca.

Pre-Draft Analysis
Strengths: Ajinca is a promising role player coming off a solid season in Pro A France. He had several impactful stretches, finding his range impressively and bringing great energy on the defensive end of the floor.

Weaknesses: While Ajinca has run red-hot at times, his consistency as a shooter is critical (career 32% mark from 3-point range). He has an even wingspan and lacks great ballhandling and the playmaking ability to consistently create his own shot. He will also have some lapses at times on the defensive end.

The verdict: Ajinca improved his standing considerably at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer, flashing dynamic shot-making prowess and bringing aggressiveness on both ends of the floor. He did that in spurts in Saint-Quentin last season and has intrigue when he puts everything together offensively. He's young, with his 20th birthday on June 26. -- Jonathan Givony

The #Mavs are trading Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks (2025 and two 2028's) to the #Pistons for Quentin Grimes, according to a person knowledgeable about the transaction.

The trade was first reported by @wojespn.

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) June 28, 2024

The trade positions the Mavs to be able to use part of the $12.9 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception. Dallas had been limited to the $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel with Hardaway on its books.

Sounds like it was made to clear room to sign Derrick Jones to a deal. Grimes was just the throw in

Anjica note https://www.fox4news.com/sports/dallas-mavericks-trade-up-nba-draft-select-french-star

Klay Thompson reportedly speaking to Dallas about the MLE. Would he be better then D Jones for that MLE?

Yes, but I can't believe he can be had for that

Keyser Soze said:

---

Yes, but I can't believe he can be had for that

---

I had the same thoughts, but maybe he's made all the money he needs to make. He's been making tens of millions a year for a long time. Just speculating. Plus, if he really paid attention to the NBA Finals, maybe he thinks that he is that little bit of something to push them over the top

Guess who's coming to dinner?

BREAKING: Free agent Klay Thompson plans to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50M deal with a player option, sources tell ESPN. Thompson ends his historic Warriors run as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade that’ll also send Josh Green to Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/4GJ5hR3H5o

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

Thompson had four-year offers for more money, but taking less was offset by the chance to win a fifth championship with the Mavs and difference in state taxes. Agent Greg Lawrence of @wassbasketball led Thompson in serious talks with Mavs and Lakers, among others.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

5 things to know about Naji Marshall, the newest addition to Mavericks' roster
Marshall is the next 3-and-D wing to join the group led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

NBA free agency has arrived and the Dallas Mavericks are on the board.
A few hours after the negotiating period started, Dallas reportedly added a 3-and-D wing to its ranks. Former Pelicans forward Naji Marshall will join the group led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, replacing Derrick Jones Jr. after his reported move to the Clippers.

Here are five things to know about Marshall:
1. The basics
Age: 26
Height: 6-foot-7
Position: SF

College: Xavier
2. Found his role
In four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans organization, Marshall worked his way up from undrafted free agent to key contributor. He originally signed a two-way deal with the Pelicans in 2020 and spent some time with the Erie Bayhawks, New Orleans' G League affiliate.
Marshall made his Pelicans debut in Dec. 2021, earning a multi-year contract from the team a few months later. Throughout his New Orleans tenure, Marshall established himself as a strong defender and catch-and-shoot 3-point threat.

His ability to close out on shooters and keep ballhandlers in front of him makes him a solid fit next to Doncic and Irving. Marshall averaged 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds this season with a 3-point clip of 38.7%, which is a career-high.
3. A willing enforcer
In Dallas' latest playoff run, fans quickly grew to love P.J. Washington after he stood up for Doncic in a battle with the Clippers. Dallas might have another enforcer in Marshall.

A 2022 profile from The Athletic's William Guillory detailed how Marshall was ready to protect his star teammates in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
"Anybody mess with (Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram), they've gotta see me," Marshall said.
4. His dad was an athlete
Marshall isn't the only athlete in his family. His father, Maurice, was a professional boxer in the 1990s.

According to Marshall, he never felt pressure to follow his dad's footsteps in the sport. If anything, Maurice supported his son's jump into basketball and other athletic activities.
"He was a professional boxer. He was a heavyweight," Marshall said in a Big East Conference profile. "I think he fought like five fights. But he never wanted me to be boxer. He wanted me to be either a football or basketball player."
5. What Marshall's first name means
The name "Naji" has a deep meaning for the new Mavericks player and his family.

A 2018 story from The Cincinnati Enquirer highlights how Marshall's dad, Maurice, embraced the name thanks to his faith.
"My dad is actually Muslim," said Naji, when asked about the origin of his name. "I'm a Christian. It means strong warrior or survivor. My dad's real name is Maurice but his Muslim nickname is Naji. So his name is Maurice Naji Marshall; my name's Naji Maurice Marshall."


[url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2024/06/30/ex-mavericks-f-derrick-jones-jr-agrees-to-three-year-deal-with-clippers-reports-say/][/url]

The arrival of Klay Thompson

Dallas hard capped themselves at the first apron when they signed Naji Marshall. By sending out Josh Green for Thompson, the Mavericks remain below. pic.twitter.com/ml4fN6TamN

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 1, 2024

Hoping they find a trade partner for Maxi Kleber. A rotational big would be nice!

Dallas talking to Dallas FA forward Markieff Morris twin brother, Marcus Morris about a deal. 6'8, he played at power forward and center when needed. Morris averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 17.2 minutes while shooting 40.0% on three-pointers. Played for Philly last season before being traded to the Spurs. Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves have also expressed some level of interest. He has career averages of 12.0 points and 4.4 rebounds over 13 seasons with the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Clippers, and Sixers.

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have acquired 5-time All-Star Klay Thompson and a future 2nd-round pick as part of a six-team sign-and-trade deal in exchange for Josh Green and a future 2nd-round pick.

It marks the first six-team trade in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/BKHszomMay

— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) July 7, 2024

Tim MacMahon: Source confirms that Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to a one-year deal to return to Dallas. Dinwiddie, the sixth man on the Mavs' conference finals team, provides proven guard depth behind the star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

9 hours ago via Twitter

Missed this from a few days ago. Mavericks sign a 7'5 center. I assume to take on the 7'4 Spur center. He looks a little stiff to me https://www.forbes.com/sites/doylerader/2024/08/03/dallas-mavericks-sign-7-foot-5-center-jamarion-sharp-to-1-year-deal/

Assassin said:

---

Missed this from a few days ago. Mavericks sign a 7'5 center. I assume to take on the 7'4 Spur center. He looks a little stiff to me https://www.forbes.com/sites/doylerader/2024/08/03/dallas-mavericks-sign-7-foot-5-center-jamarion-sharp-to-1-year-deal/

---

Sharp went undrafted as a 22-year-old five-year college player. He started out by spending the first two years of his collegiate career with John A. Logan College - a community college in Carterville, Illinois - where he averaged an eye-popping 5.8 blocks per game during his sophomore year.

Sharp then spent the next two years of college at Western Kentucky, where he averaged 7.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks while shooting 68.2 percent from the floor in 28.3 minutes per game. As a fifth-year senior, Sharp saw his usage decrease after transferring to Ole Miss, where he averaged 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 15.8 minutes of action per contest.

After joining the Mavs' Summer League team in Las Vegas last month, Sharp impressed spectators with his incredible length, averaging 2.6 blocks in just 14.7 minutes of action through five games.

Dallas takes out the Spurs behind Klay Thompson bombs

WHAT A START to the @KlayThompson era in Dallas:

🔥 22 PTS on 7-13 FGM
🔥 7 REB, 3 STL

He sets a @dallasmavs record with 6 threes in his debut! pic.twitter.com/g3nQMBM9ty

— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2024

Keyonte vs the Mavs tonight.

Mavs come out of a deep hole but lose the Houston 108-102

In other Mavs stuff:

2,500 career👌s for Captain Klay 🔥@ModeloUSA // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/XZ55eVvZqB

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 1, 2024

Courtesy The Athletic

Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks
Klay Thompson: It's not quite a surprise, but it is important for the Mavericks that Thompson has played well. It was always going to be interesting to see how good he'd be in Dallas since he's 34. It's not like the Warriors let him walk because he's in his prime. But Thompson has shot the ball well he's hitting nearly 40 percent of his nearly 10 3s per game, though he struggled Thursday against Houston. It's even more pertinent since he's historically been a slow starter he's a career 35.7 percent 3-point shooter in October. Thompson has fit in well with Luka Doni and Kyrie Irving, and his dip in scoring makes sense since he's playing a less vital offensive role than in Golden State (his usage was down to 19.4 percent entering Thursday), but the Mavericks need him to hit shots. Mike Vorkunov

Houston Rockets
Jump in offensive efficiency: The Rockets have a borderline top-10 offense (11th in efficiency entering Thursday, per Cleaning the Glass), and it's not just about Jalen Green's fourth-year leap, shooting improvement or a major change in scheme. It's simply about the subtle power of screening. Last season, coach Ime Udoka urged starting center Alperen engn, who generated 9.6 points off screens per game, to be more willing to create scoring opportunities for others around him. engn got stronger and improved his conditioning in the offseason in addition to the arrival of Steven Adams, the screen god himself which has worked wonders. Entering Thursday, Houston was scoring 15.6 points per game directly off engn screens, and the Rockets' athletes are thriving. Kelly Iko

Memphis Grizzlies
Santi Aldama: With all due respect to the Jay Huff experience (wahoowa!), I'd say Aldama's start has been more notable for Memphis' long-term future. Perhaps motivated by the lack of a contract extension, Aldama has broken out in his fourth season, averaging 12.8 points on 52.1 percent shooting while being pressed into service as a starter three times in five games. Included in that total were 10 made 3s after Aldama shot just 33 percent on low volume from distance last season. If the 23-year-old Spaniard adds a true stretch game to complement his mobile 6-11 frame, he becomes a much more credible inside-outside threat. John Hollinger

New Orleans Pelicans
Zion's inefficiency: Throughout his career, Zion Williamson has proven to be one of the most efficient, high-volume scorers in NBA history, but he's been the exact opposite to start the 2024-25 season. After missing the Pelicans' regular-season opener due to an illness, Williamson is shooting just 36.4 percent from the floor in his last four outings, and his team has lost three of those four games by at least 15 points. He's had bad shooting games before, but he's never struggled this much over a four-game span. Will Guillory

San Antonio Spurs
Wemby's Jekyll-and-Hyde start: The Spurs' offense is a mess (29th in efficiency as of Thursday morning), which is somewhat understandable in the second year of a rebuild, but Wembanyama's scoring has ebbs and flows. On some nights, like the first home game against Houston and Thursday against Utah, he looks like the dominant, versatile big we've come to adore. On other nights Wednesday's national TV showdown against Chet Holmgren he looks out of it. Coach Gregg Popovich said it might take Wembanyama about a month to find an offensive rhythm after a lengthy summer of basketball. But the second-year big said he feels fine physically, speaking more about the quality of shots he's getting. And he's right; there's responsibility on the part of Chris Paul and Popovich to create advantageous situations but the Spurs will ultimately go as far as Wembanyama's shoulders will take them. Devin Vassell is inching closer to a return, which should bring some spacing familiarity and prevent defenses from loading up. Kelly Iko

Would be great to get an active Mavs thread on here!

Dallas 5.5 favorite over Indiana tonight

TeamPlayer said:

---

Would be great to get an active Mavs thread on here!

---

It was a lot of fun for our run right up to the NBA championship last season. Even Rockets and Spurs were posting

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/mavericks_bounce_back_with_dominant_win_over_bulls_119_99/s1_16622_41191215

THIS LUKA PASS TO KLAY 🤯

Suns/Mavs on ESPN pic.twitter.com/4dBaRudtga

— NBA (@NBA) November 9, 2024