The Dallas Mavericks have been struggling lately, dropping three of their last four games by a total of 47 points. While they are working to get healthy, their luck in that area has been limited—aside from Caleb Martin nearing a return.
With Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis all sidelined until at least March 6, the Mavericks have had to rely on an unexpected trio of big men. Kessler Edwards was given minutes at center, even starting at times, while Moses Brown dominated in the role for four games after signing a 10-day contract. Additionally, Kylor Kelley was brought in on a two-way deal to add some depth.
Mavericks Waive Kelley, Open Roster Spot for Former Clippers Big Man
Kelley saw little playing time during his stint in Dallas, and as of Sunday morning, the team has decided to move on. An NBA source revealed that the Mavericks plan to waive Kelley to make room for Kai Jones, their next two-way signing. Jones, a first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, was originally selected by the New York Knicks before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He spent two years at the University of Texas before entering the league.
This move was expected once reports surfaced about Dallas’ interest in signing Jones. Edwards remains a key rotation player, and the team has continued to prioritize Brandon Williams. Kelley’s lack of playing time didn’t help his case, but he still gained valuable NBA experience, making his league debut late last month.
With Jones now in place, the Mavericks add a more refined big man with a skill set better suited for NBA play. Over 95 career NBA games—including 28 appearances with the LA Clippers this season—Jones has averaged 2.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 60% from the field. His athleticism makes him a strong fit for Dallas, particularly in the center role.
“Jones runs the floor hard, finishes strong above the rim, and is a great vertical threat in the pick-and-roll,” an analyst noted. His athleticism is immediately noticeable, and beyond his ability to throw down flashy dunks, he also brings solid shot-blocking and defensive skills.
Although Jones may lack the physicality to consistently battle against stronger bigs in the paint, his quickness allows him to provide help-side shot-blocking and switch defensively when needed. This versatility could make him a valuable piece for Jason Kidd, especially as the team searches for reliable frontcourt options while waiting for their regular bigs to return.
Dallas recently found unexpected success with Brown, and they’ll be hoping for a similar impact from Jones. While he won’t bring the same size as the 7-foot-2 Brown, his energy, athleticism, and finishing ability could make him a key contributor in the Mavericks’ rotation.
