The Mavs finished the preseason 4-2 with some really nice showings, including a 47 point win over Chicago. However, the team success in the preseason has no real correlation to the regular season, so let’s focus on the individual players that are aiming to make end of roster spots.
Dennis Smith JR: DSJ isn’t a fringe rotation guy, but he is a newcomer, so I’ll keep it short: Smith made plays everywhere and showed a lot of promise. He averaged 10-4 on 42% shooting and on good volume shot 45.5% from 3. I look forward to seeing how he adapts his athleticism to in game situations.
Salah Mejri: Mejri did not perform well, logging the lowest minutes per game while playing every game. He shot 43%, and did not look good on offense. However, he is likely to make the roster as he’s proven he can play in the regular season as a rim protector and rim runner.
Gian Clavell: I had very low expectations for Clavell heading into the preseason, but he has set himself above the competition in his performance: In just about 19 MPG, he averaged 8.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 1.4 APG on 37% shooting and 39% from 3 while showing the ability to draw fouls, especially on 3 point shots. He also averaged a steal a game, thanks to his hustle in willing to dive for any and every loose ball, and his ability to defend both with lateral quickness and staying in front of his man and by using his active hands. People compare Clavell to John Jenkins, but Jenkins did not have the hustle or defensive intensity that Clavell possesses. With his performance, he almost certainly locked himself into a roster spot, but whether it’s a 15 man roster spot or a 2-way contract is TBD.
PJ Dozier: Dozier showed flashes of portions of his game, but they were very short flashes. For example, on Thursday night he hit his first two threes (with very good arc) and then the next one was an airball and the following one was a bad miss. His shot is very far from effective, but he has potential to be a solid defender in the league, and that’s his selling point right now. Saturday morning, Dozier was waived. He may get a chance in Frisco playing for the Legends.
Jonathan Motley: Extending Motley’s SL review, Motley played below the rim still, but moved a lot better and looked more fluid. Motley’s health was clear in the preseason, compared to when he looked less mobile in the summer league. He did not get much time, but he did hit a game winning bucket vs Milwaukee in the opener. He has tons of upside, and his offensive game should develop some in the G-League this season. Motley has already signed a 2-way contract with the Mavs for this season.
Maxi Kleber: Kleber showed that his best strength currently is his ability to stretch the floor, particularly as a pick ‘n’ pop threat. Against Atlanta, who had the worst perimeter defense, especially versus screens, Kleber exploded for 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists on 6-11 shooting with 4-8 from 3. He even showed his athleticism with a nice slam in traffic in the home finale on Monday versus Orlando. Kleber is in an interesting spot, as contract details have not been very public about him, so he can be in play for the 2-way or the 15th roster spot.
Jeff Withey: Withey showed he can stretch the floor as a shooter, shooting 37% from 3. He also showed excellent rim protection and rebounding, as he led the team in RPG. He has a tough battle making the team, as his role would be very similar to Salah Mejri.
Brandon Ashley: The first roster cut on Friday, Ashley was a stretch 4 that didn’t hit many of his threes, shooting sub 30%. There wasn’t a lot else about him, besides being a good rebounder. He should catch on in the G-League for a while this season.
Maalik Wayns: Wayns excels in the pick & roll, but he turned the ball over too often and the Mavs already have enough point guards. Waayns looked way better than I had anticipated, and deserves a shot on a team with less PG depth than Dallas has.
Yogi Ferrell: Just like the summer league, Yogi looked too good against a lot of his competition. Many times he was playing with the fringe roster guys, and was a step ahead of his opponents. Ferrell averaged 8.5 PPG and 2.8 APG on 43% shooting and 36% from deep. He was able to find open shooters frequently. Yogi is a lock to make the final roster.
Overall, this Mavs preseason roster was arguably the most enjoyable and likable group the Mavs have brought in. Every player brought in has shown they can play at the NBA level and were more than just a training camp body. Cuts should be coming throughout the day on Saturday and in the coming days.
My prediction on the final roster spots: final 2 way spot will be Gian Clavell, final 15 man spot will be Maxi Kleber
Mavs Draft 