LAS VEGAS — After five training camp practices in four days, the Mavericks’ time in Las Vegas has come to an end.
There’s plenty for fans to be optimistic about, including Dereck Lively II’s upside on the offensive end and early production from newcomers Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. However, the injury bug has also reared its head, which has affected the availability of Luka Doncic, Dante Exum, Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards. Head coach Jason Kidd has encouraged healthy competition from the entire team, from rotation players to those at the end of the roster competing for the Mavericks’ final two-way spot.
“I thought it was a great week,” Kidd said. “We got a lot of stuff in and we’re excited. The energy was high. There was a lot of competition. We’ll go back home and start back up on Sunday.”
Sunday’s practice won’t be as intense as their sessions in Vegas, simply because it’ll be a show for fans as the Mavericks host Fan Jam at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks will get a real opportunity to use what they’ve implemented during their time in Las Vegas in Monday’s preseason opener when the Memphis Grizzlies come to town.
Here are five things we learned from the Mavericks’ first week of training camp in Las Vegas: Related:Quentin Grimes gets a fresh start with Mavericks, and perhaps a mentor in Klay Thompson? Doncic is limited, but should be ready for the season opener
The second day of training camp revealed that Luka Doncic has a left calf contusion, so the five-time All-Star was limited during the Mavericks’ time in Las Vegas. It’s not ideal to have the most important piece of the puzzle unavailable for the most pivotal part of the preseason, especially since Klay Thompson, Marshall and Grimes haven’t had much time to play with Doncic. However, the Mavericks aren’t concerned about the injury and Doncic should be trending toward a return relatively soon. His one-week reevaluation date should fall on Wednesday, one day before Dallas hosts the Utah Jazz in their second preseason game.
Thompson provides shooting boost, early mentorship
When the Mavericks acquired Thompson in the offseason, they didn’t only get one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. They also received another veteran with a bevy of experience and knowledge to offer some of the younger Mavericks players. Thompson used the post-shooting portion of practice to help Quentin Grimes and others with their shooting techniques. More leadership is always beneficial to have on any roster, and Thompson’s early mentorship is a good sign.
Marshall is an early standout
One name has consistently been thrown out when early standouts are discussed. Naji Marshall, another one of the Mavericks’ offseason additions, has brought a high level of intensity on both ends of the floor. Known for his defense, Marshall will look to take the burden of the perimeter defensive responsibilities. However, Thompson praised Marshall’s offensive skills after the first day of camp. Marshall shot a career-high 38% from 3 last season and he’ll receive more opportunities to shoot from distance thanks to the defensive attention that Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Thompson will receive.
Dereck Lively II adding more offense to first unit
Dereck Lively II, who received the majority of the starting center reps, is primed to take a leap in his sophomore season. He showed an innate ability to serve as a lob threat and rim protector in his rookie season, while also showing flashes of his post game. Kidd revealed on the first day of camp that Lively has improved his interior scoring by showing the ability to finish with both hands. This is an important development in Lively’s emerging offensive game. Lively, who made the first 3-pointer of his career in the NBA Finals, has also been praised for his 3-point shooting during camp. The Mavericks would likely prefer Doncic, Irving and Thompson to be the main 3-point threats but a triple from their potential starting center wouldn’t hurt every now and then.
Backup point guard spot is up for grabs
The Mavericks enter this season with several players who could compete for the backup point guard position behind Doncic. With Dante Exum sidelined indefinitely due to a right wrist injury, there is an opportunity for Spencer Dinwiddie or Jaden Hardy to emerge as the lead guard in the second unit. Kidd could look to Dinwiddie, who’s familiar with the Mavericks’ system due to his history with the team. He can knock down spot-up 3-pointers, which comes in handy when playing alongside other shooters. Hardy has the ability to penetrate into the paint and create plays for himself or others. Whoever wins the backup point guard competition will need to be able to score, but also throw lobs to either Lively or Gafford.
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LAS VEGAS — After five training camp practices in four days, the Mavericks’ time in Las Vegas has come to an end.
There’s plenty for fans to be optimistic about, including Dereck Lively II’s upside on the offensive end and early production from newcomers Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. However, the injury bug has also reared its head, which has affected the availability of Luka Doncic, Dante Exum, Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards.
Head coach Jason Kidd has encouraged healthy competition from the entire team, from rotation players to those at the end of the roster competing for the Mavericks’ final two-way spot.
“I thought it was a great week,” Kidd said. “We got a lot of stuff in and we’re excited. The energy was high. There was a lot of competition. We’ll go back home and start back up on Sunday.”
Sunday’s practice won’t be as intense as their sessions in Vegas, simply because it’ll be a show for fans as the Mavericks host Fan Jam at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks will get a real opportunity to use what they’ve implemented during their time in Las Vegas in Monday’s preseason opener when the Memphis Grizzlies come to town.
Here are five things we learned from the Mavericks’ first week of training camp in Las Vegas:
Related:Quentin Grimes gets a fresh start with Mavericks, and perhaps a mentor in Klay Thompson?
Doncic is limited, but should be ready for the season opener
The second day of training camp revealed that Luka Doncic has a left calf contusion, so the five-time All-Star was limited during the Mavericks’ time in Las Vegas. It’s not ideal to have the most important piece of the puzzle unavailable for the most pivotal part of the preseason, especially since Klay Thompson, Marshall and Grimes haven’t had much time to play with Doncic. However, the Mavericks aren’t concerned about the injury and Doncic should be trending toward a return relatively soon. His one-week reevaluation date should fall on Wednesday, one day before Dallas hosts the Utah Jazz in their second preseason game.
Thompson provides shooting boost, early mentorship
When the Mavericks acquired Thompson in the offseason, they didn’t only get one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. They also received another veteran with a bevy of experience and knowledge to offer some of the younger Mavericks players. Thompson used the post-shooting portion of practice to help Quentin Grimes and others with their shooting techniques. More leadership is always beneficial to have on any roster, and Thompson’s early mentorship is a good sign.
Marshall is an early standout
One name has consistently been thrown out when early standouts are discussed. Naji Marshall, another one of the Mavericks’ offseason additions, has brought a high level of intensity on both ends of the floor. Known for his defense, Marshall will look to take the burden of the perimeter defensive responsibilities. However, Thompson praised Marshall’s offensive skills after the first day of camp. Marshall shot a career-high 38% from 3 last season and he’ll receive more opportunities to shoot from distance thanks to the defensive attention that Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Thompson will receive.
Dereck Lively II adding more offense to first unit
Dereck Lively II, who received the majority of the starting center reps, is primed to take a leap in his sophomore season. He showed an innate ability to serve as a lob threat and rim protector in his rookie season, while also showing flashes of his post game. Kidd revealed on the first day of camp that Lively has improved his interior scoring by showing the ability to finish with both hands. This is an important development in Lively’s emerging offensive game. Lively, who made the first 3-pointer of his career in the NBA Finals, has also been praised for his 3-point shooting during camp. The Mavericks would likely prefer Doncic, Irving and Thompson to be the main 3-point threats but a triple from their potential starting center wouldn’t hurt every now and then.
Backup point guard spot is up for grabs
The Mavericks enter this season with several players who could compete for the backup point guard position behind Doncic. With Dante Exum sidelined indefinitely due to a right wrist injury, there is an opportunity for Spencer Dinwiddie or Jaden Hardy to emerge as the lead guard in the second unit. Kidd could look to Dinwiddie, who’s familiar with the Mavericks’ system due to his history with the team. He can knock down spot-up 3-pointers, which comes in handy when playing alongside other shooters. Hardy has the ability to penetrate into the paint and create plays for himself or others. Whoever wins the backup point guard competition will need to be able to score, but also throw lobs to either Lively or Gafford.