The Dallas Mavericks are halfway through their preseason games, with less than two weeks left until the regular season starts. On Thursday, Dallas got a quick look at its starting lineup, featuring Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II.
This was a significant moment for the team, as it was Thompson’s first game with Dallas. The former “Splash Brother” had an impressive debut, meeting the expectations he set during Media Day. Thompson shot 60 percent from the 3-point line and scored 10 points.
Another highlight for Thompson was his defense. He did a great job of blocking passing lanes and forced scorers into difficult shots.
This was very encouraging for Mavericks fans, especially since some NBA experts had questioned the team’s decision to sign an older star like Thompson. They mainly worried that he wasn’t the same defender he used to be. He proved those doubts wrong on Thursday.
Another player who stood out on Thursday was undrafted rookie Jamarion Sharp. He made an impact with six points, five rebounds, and four blocks in just 12 minutes. Sharp did a great job protecting the paint, not hesitating to go for a dunk or challenge shots inside.
It’s easy to see why Dallas signed Sharp to a one-year contract back in August. The young center showed his skills in the summer by playing a key role with the Mavs’ Summer League team. He averaged 2.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 14.6 minutes. Sharp especially impressed during the team’s last summer game, scoring three points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking five shots.
In college, Sharp was known for being a strong rim protector. He ranked ninth in blocks per game and led Conference USA during his two seasons. Sharp has the potential to be a great defender for Dallas in the future.
However, it’s unlikely he will make the 15-man roster. Still, his growth could be important for the team’s future decisions. If he doesn’t make the cut, the Mavs could add him to their Legends roster.
If Sharp develops into a top center, it could create competition for Dwight Powell or Daniel Gafford. Both centers would need to keep improving if they want to stay ahead of Sharp. Dallas might sign the young center to a two-way contract if they let go of Powell or Gafford.
This all depends on whether Sharp shows progress. The good news is that the Mavs aren’t there yet, and things could change. On the bright side, Dallas has many promising centers in the pipeline.
