Fender depth is a concern that the Dallas Mavericks have not yet been able to resolve. THE Jason KiddThe team’s run has resolved its frontcourt issues during the NBA trade deadline and its ball-handling conundrum last season. Luka Doncic just needs a reliable presence on the perimeter who can create shots for the team when needed. They may have just found the solution in NBA G League star AJ Lawson.
This need for more wings prompted the Mavericks to convert that of AJ Lawson two-way contract, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. He will now enjoy a standard NBA contract after showing up with the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ NBA G League affiliate.
Lawson has been an elite goal-scoring machine. He averaged 20.7 points for the team this year and was a consistent presence in all areas. Last season, he made 48.2% of his shots at all three levels for a total of 20.1 points. Along with that, Lawson has proven that he can be a growing threat for the Mavericks’ G League team when it comes to outside shooting. He averaged 6.4 shots from outside and sank 32.8% of them.
What else can he do for the Mavericks?
Scoring isn’t the only thing he can offer to the Mavericks led by Luka Doncic. Lawson also grabbed 8.9 total rebounds last year in the G League and developed a knack for hitting bodies inside. His defensive prowess also allows him to contest shots at the top of someone’s form. This earned him 0.7 blocks per game. Not to mention, this is all complemented by his elite skills as a pickpocket. Lawson knows when a ball carrier is vulnerable or when a passing lane can be exploited. 1.7 steals is the result of all that insane skill.
He has already played for Jason Kidd’s Mavericks system for 28 games this season. Lawson is averaging 8.3 minutes, giving the team 3.75 points on a 47.1% field goal shooting rate. If he is given more minutes, he can surely contribute to the Mavericks’ playoff run this year and perhaps for many years to come. After all, he is only 23 years old and can become one of the best wingers in the league.
About the Author
Jay is a lifelong motorsport and tennis fan. His need for speed may no longer be present on the grid or on the courts, but it has remained with him throughout the writing.
