After two days, the NBA Draft came to an end on Thursday night. The Dallas Mavericks surprised many by moving up in the second round to select French forward Melvin Ajinca, who at the age of 20 can play lockdown defense and offers more depth at the wing position. With Ajinca’s 6-foot-8 frame, the Mavericks add another young prospect to a team that keeps getting younger and younger.
Dallas Mavericks could draft and stash Melvin Ajinca
While Ajinca is viewed as a promising prospect in Dallas, his playing time has sparked considerable discussion among fans. Dallas acquired Ajinca through a trade aimed at moving up in the draft, fully aware that he would require significant development time, possibly sitting out his rookie season.
The team faces a decision on whether to assign Ajinca to the G League with the Texas Legends or to employ a “draft and stash” strategy, allowing him to hone his skills overseas. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison hinted at this approach when discussing Ajinca’s future plans.
“Being a European player, Ajinca offers us flexibility, and both options are being considered. With limited roster spots available, we’ll assess the situation as it unfolds,” Harrison commented regarding the potential for Ajinca to continue playing abroad.
In his season with Saint-Quentin BB in France’s top professional league, Ajinca averaged 9.3 points per game but struggled with his three-point shooting, hitting only 30.7 percent despite attempting 5.3 shots per game from beyond the arc. Known primarily as a defensive-oriented “3-and-D” wing, Ajinca’s offensive game needs refinement, particularly his long-range shooting, to earn minutes in his rookie NBA season with the Mavericks.
As the NBA Summer League concludes on July 19, Dallas faces a decision regarding Ajinca’s immediate future. Fans will closely watch his performance in the four guaranteed games in Las Vegas, hoping he impresses enough to potentially join the Texas Legends in the G League rather than heading overseas.
If Ajinca can develop effectively, whether abroad or with the Legends, he would provide valuable depth to the Mavericks’ wing rotation, especially if they re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. Adding Ajinca benefits Dallas by alleviating the pressure to immediately contribute to a win-now strategy.
For ongoing updates on Melvin Ajinca and the Mavericks’ offseason activities, stay tuned for more coverage.
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