The NBA recently released its regular season schedulebringing a slight spark to the dog days of the off-season, but the off-season is in full swing until training camps open in early October.
We asked fans on social media to send their questions to the nonconformists and what intrigues them as the season approaches. If you have any, send them to [email protected] or to @MikeACurtis2 on Twitter/X, and we’ll post them as we respond.
We got questions about Dallas’ offseason moves, which included the acquisitions of Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes; the health of Luka Doncic after an injury-riddled postseason; and more.
Here are the answers to questions about Markieff Morris’ future with the team and Grimes’ injury status.
What’s going on with Markieff Morris? He seemed pretty confident about his return, but there’s currently no roster spot for him. [Quentin] Any news on Grimes’ injury would be nice. – @BigDBamBam
As of today, the Mavericks have 20 players on their roster: Spencer Dinwiddie, Luka Doncic, Kessler Edwards (two-way), Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, Jazian Gortman*, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Kyrie Irving, Maxi Kleber, AJ Lawson, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, Olivier Maxence-Prosper, Emanuel Miller*, Dwight Powell, Jamarion Sharp*, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Brandon Williams (two-way).
*Gortman, Miller and Sharp are likely Exhibit 10 signees, but any one of them could give the Mavericks the third two-way spot.
Melvin Ajinca, second-round pick He has yet to sign a contract, meaning he could be used as a reserve player until the Mavericks decide he’s ready to move to the NBA. They’ll have to cut that number down to 18 by the end of training camp, as teams are only allowed to have 15 guaranteed contracts and three two-way players.
The Mavericks wouldn’t have enough cap space to renew Morris’ contract unless they release someone, which could still happen. Morris played just 26 games last season, but he showed veteran leadership and was highly respected within the organization and in the locker room.
Morris joined the conversation Thursday, when he responded to a message on X that read, “Hello… Today would be a great day for the Dallas Mavericks to re-sign Markieff Morris.” The veteran forward quoted the message and replied, “One of these days!”
Grimes, who missed the last 29 of 35 regular-season games with a lingering knee injury suffered in January, spoke about his health during his introductory news conference.
“I am 100%“I feel very good, I train every day,” he said.
Other questions about the Mavericks mail
No. 1: Is Klay Thompson the fourth best player in Dallas?
No. 2: Are Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes as impactful as Klay Thompson?
No. 3: What’s going on with veteran forward Markieff Morris?
No. 4: Coming soon…
No. 5: Coming soon…
Find more Mavericks coverage in The Dallas Morning News here.
