The 2023 NBA Summer League began on July 7. About a week into it, viewers have been able to witness some of the talent and potential of young prospects and players in the NBA. In the case of the Dallas Mavericks, they are currently three games into their summer league schedule with a 2-1 record. The Mavericks have also been able to see their recent draft picks in Dereck Lively II and Oliver-Maxence Prosper in action on the court. Here are a couple takeaways from the Maverick’s summer league games so far.
Dereck Lively II’s Size Impact
Thus far in summer league, Dereck Lively II has shown how much of a presence his 7-foot frame causes. He has been averaging 8.7 rebounds per game up to this point. But more importantly, Lively II has been a major impact on the defensive end. In the three games, Lively II was a great defender around the rim for the Mavericks. In their 98-96 victory over the Warriors on July 12, Lively II made it very difficult for the Warriors to score around the rim and finished the game with two blocks. His average of 0.7 blocks per game do not give the full story of how much defensive potential Lively II has. His size should provide much help for the Dallas Mavericks when the regular season begins.
Oliver-Maxence Prosper
Prosper has provided some quality scoring on the court through the first three games. He has averaged 11.3 points per game. Beyond that, Prosper could be an impactful player with his shooting as well. He has averaged 36 percent from three on 3.7 three-point attempts per game. Prosper has also been a good defender during the summer league, which could mean that he could develop into a great 3-and-D player for Dallas.
Along with his scoring, Prosper also showed the potential that his size may benefit the Mavericks in their struggles with rebounding. So far, he has averaged 5.7 rebounds per game, which is a solid amount for a player who is not playing the center position. While he will not likely play the center position during the regular season, he can still contribute to more rebounds for the Mavericks.
Jaden Hardy
Jaden Hardy was one of the more exciting young players on the Mavericks last year. He was an energetic rookie that would bring an offensive spark off the bench. Heading into his sophomore season, many wondered what improvements he would show. So far, the improvements have been mixed.
Hardy has been the Maverick’s leading scorer this summer league, with 23 points per game. However, he has been scoring at an inefficient rate of 35 field goal percentage and 24 percent from three. His playmaking abilities have remained about the same, which is to say that it is mostly absent from his game. However, his higher scoring and slight defensive improvements could translate into the regular season as well.
Overall, the first three summer league games have been good for the Mavericks. Their 2023 draft prospects have been demonstrating their potential to improve the the Mavericks in their weakest areas. However, the summer league is very different from regular NBA competition. When the regular season arrives, the Mavericks and their fans will a better vision of what their young players provide.
Stay tuned for more breaking NBA content, including offseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
“From Our Haus to Yours”