While retooling around the star-studded duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving was needed to have a chance at returning to the Finals, getting Thompson could have made the Mavericks a true contender in a loaded Western Conference.
Despite the Mavericks making multiple splashes in the free-agent department, one Mav who saw little time on the floor last season could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential going into next season.
Former first-round draft pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper may be more critical to Dallas’ success than fans realize. With the Mavericks losing Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency to the LA Clippers, the team was stripped of much-needed length and size at the forward position. As it currently stands, Prosper would be one of the few backups at the four spot on Dallas’ roster.
While the Mavericks’ acquisition of Naji Marshall was in the direct cause of losing Jones Jr., he won’t add too much depth at the power forward spot. He can play the four, but his true position is small forward.
Prosper’s role wouldn’t just be to add more defense and 3-point shooting off the bench, but it would also be to add size and depth to the four spot in Dallas’ rotation.
If rosters were to be finalized today, the Mavericks’ depth chart at the power forward position would compile of P.J. Washington, Maxi Kleber, and Prosper being the third and final name.
Maxi Kleber will likely be one of the first guys off the bench, but the German’s track record proves he won’t be available for all 82 games of the regular season. Prosper will need to be ready for an increased workload when Kleber is out with injury or Washington misses time.
With the NBA Summer League in full effect, Prosper headlines the Mavericks Summer League Roster. Prosper is not only getting an increased workload but he is being asked by Summer League head coach Jared Dudley to guard the opposing team’s best players in preparation for his increased regular season role.
Despite getting a star role in Summer League, Prosper has struggled through three games. Not only has the former rookie struggled to defend, but Prosper has struggled to showcase his potential from behind the arc. Prosper will need to prove more if he wishes to get an increased role in Dallas’ rotation next season.
If Prosper is able to provide consistent minutes and play his role, the Mavs may be heading back to the Finals again. He may be relied upon more than fans realize, and him developing more heading into next season is key.
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