Following their loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks turned their attention to the 2024 NBA Draft. In the draft, the Mavs were given just one pick.In the end, the Mavs would move up from 58th to 51st to select Frenchman Melvin Ajinca.

Ajinca is one of the youngsters who might make the Mavs squad as Summer League draws near. But, it can be the beginning of a difficult Summer if Anjinca is unable to rise to the situation.

At Summer League, Melvin Anjinca might leave millions on the table.

The 6-foot-8 rookie played in the French LNB Pro A league with the Saint Quentin BB squad in 2023–24. Anjinca averaged 9.3 points per game, but his lockdown defense and 3-point shooting made him stand out. With their Finals defeat, the Mavs were in need of a lockdown defender.

Anjinca can also be fearless while making a difficult jump shot or aggressive when advancing to the rim. What would occur then if Anjinca did not perform well in Summer League?

It wouldn’t be the worst thing to return to France and allow him to further his career abroad, but Anjinca might be disappointed. Based on the roster, general manager Nico Harrison discussed the Mavs’ plans for Anjinca.

Ajinca may benefit by the Mavs drafting and stashing him, but he would not be able to start earning large money if he didn’t make the roster. Although a berth on the 15-man roster would bring in millions, he might decide to return to Europe to further his skills after a poor Summer League.

We have a lot of options because he is a European player, and both options are very open to us, Harrison added. “We don’t have a lot of roster spots available.”

Anjinca might be a two-way player and see time in the G League with the Texas Legends if he had a good the Summer League, based on Harrison’s remarks. On the other hand, he might make the roster if he puts on a strong showing at Summer League.

Additionally, it’s critical that Anjinca, a 20-year-old rookie in the NBA Summer League, get as much playing time as possible. If Ajinca manages to earn a position on the team, the Mavs, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, are a formidable combination that can guide the rookie and teach him the ins and outs of playing in the NBA for a player from abroad.

The Mavs are about to play Summer League ball, and Anjinca is a rookie who might end up on the team in October. Anjinca’s good play could prompt the Mavericks to talk about adding him to the roster for the 2024–25 campaign.