This summer, the Dallas Mavericks have already made some significant acquisitions. The team decided to go all-in and add Klay Thompson to their squad, which already included Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, after making it to the NBA Finals. A key component of maintaining that success is making NBA Draft selections. After a couple NBA Summer League games, acting head coach Jared Dudley was unfortunately forced to explain why the team is ‘down’ on Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
O-Max, often known as Proper, is vying for a rotating berth on the varsity for the upcoming season. The Mavericks have not yet demonstrated the consistency needed to persuade the front office that taking a chance is justified. In his few NBA minutes last season, the 22-year-old was mediocre at best and hasn’t fared well in Las Vegas thus far. The Mavericks’ website states that they made the summer All About O-Max, so it’s not what they were looking for.
ClutchPoints pressed Dudley to elaborate on a previous remark he made regarding the Mavericks being “down” on Prosper’s play and development thus far.
“You want to be able to be a little bit more consistent overall, which is why I say ‘a little down,'” Dudley said. He wasn’t a poor player. Examine his stats. He made good field goals and other shots, but overall, we can see where he needs to improve.
“He needs to attack the hoop and go to the free-throw line with his game. Like everyone else, he is playing with all his heart. Coach went on, “He just needs to slow down and breathe.” “We expect great things from O-Max. We hope he finds success. It is my responsibility to make him aware of his shortcomings, offer him encouragement, and figure out how to best position him for success.
Mavericks showing O-Max Prosper patience
During the second half at Paycom Center, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) shoots a basket while Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (18) defends.
Adams, Alonzo; USA TODAY Sports
In the Summer League debut, Prosper shot 2-10 from the field and 0-3 from beyond the arc. Two turnovers offset the two steals. In 28 minutes, he added six rebounds, an assist, and a block. The Mavericks need more from their first-round choice in 2023, but doing so may mean eschewing flashy features and free-flowing three-pointers in favor of greater substance.
Dudley answered, “I’m trying to help him, coaching while he is out there that it is the fundamentals.” “You observed that the ATO had a split action and threw it into the post following the time out. It is his responsibility to reach the body, curl, and then switch. They made an escape by the backdoor. It’s the simple things, like being the low man and being at the nail.
There are some positive indicators, and the group is putting up with a few difficult changes. It matters how well your opponent and teammates play. Despite their high standards, Doncic and Irving do help others flourish. Propser just needs to pay close attention to details to ensure that he is in sync with the franchise’s mainstays.
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Dallas’ next opponent is the unbeaten Miami Heat. The NBA abilities of Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Heat will put Prosper to the test. Scouting circles would be filled with the same topics of discussion after another unproductive night. Dudley might better argue for Proper heading into training camp if he had a respectable outing here.
“Prosper didn’t play with us very often. In the G-League, he played. Summer League is distinct from (the NBA game), and the G-League game is different from both, according to Dudley. Everything is moving at a hundred miles per hour. He wants to play so badly, but in order for him to play on the court in Dallas, it’s all about the little things and the nuances.
Chris Dodson covers the New Orleans Pelicans for ClutchPoints as a beat reporter. Chris has written for Forbes and Sports Illustrated in the past and is an authority on both the NFL and the NBA in general.
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BREAKING NEWS: Luka Doncic’s assessment of Klay Thompson demonstrates why everyone is misguided about him……
As part of a six-team sign-and-trade earlier this month, the Dallas Mavericks made their largest free agency acquisition in team history when they inked Klay Thompson to a three-year, $50 million contract.
The Mavs gained an unexpected second-round pick as a result of this trade that eventually became a six-team agreement. They made a great transaction by landing Thompson at this price.
With this acquisition, Dallas acquired one of the all-time great shooters, and Thompson is thrilled to be a member of the Mavs. At his inaugural press conference on Tuesday, Thompson made his first appearance in front of the media alongside Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. He had a lot to say about this new phase of his career.
Klay Thompson commends Luka Doncic for his capacity to “elevate” teammates.
Thompson is focused on winning his fifth ring, which is the most important thing to take away from his inaugural news conference. He discussed how he saw himself playing well with this group in the 2024 NBA Finals and had nothing but positive things to say about Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the dynamic pair that leads Dallas.
In addition to discussing how long their friendship dates back and how Irving was among the first to text him during his free agency, Thompson also discussed Doncic’s play and his feelings for the rising star in general.
After the deal, Doncic reportedly reached out to Thompson to express his excitement, and Thompson complimented him on his ability to “not be afraid of the situation.” He also complimented Doncic on his capacity to improve people around him.
Some pundits and experts have questioned this aspect of Doncic’s game, and one source even claimed that his teammates seem relieved when he leaves the court. Some people detest Doncic’s heliocentric playstyle, but Thompson’s assessment of him shows that these people are misguided.
One of the best passers of this generation is Doncic, and Thompson noted that he “elevates his teammates.” It is evident that Thompson understands how Doncic improves everyone around him, and it is important to take note of a commendation like this one from a Hall of Famer.
Players may eventually begin to regret their criticism of Doncic’s play style and impact on his teammates, as he is just going to get better and players are continuing to express how much fun it is to play with him.
Stay tuned for all the latest during the offseason and as the Dallas Mavericks prepare for the upcoming campaign with Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, and the team.
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