LAS VEGAS — Melvin Ajinca played his way into Jared Dudley’s starting lineup on the second day of the Mavericks’ preparation for the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League.
Dudley, the Mavericks’ Summer League coach for the second consecutive offseason, openly admitted his unfamiliarity with Ajinca’s game after Tuesday’s practice. With only video clips to evaluate the French forward, Dudley opened the summer training sessions with Ajinca on the bench.
However, Ajinca quickly became an early standout because of his size at 6-foot-8, combined with his ability to handle the basketball. The Mavericks traded up from the 58th pick in last month’s draft to select Ajinca — cousin of former Mavericks center Alexis Ajinca — with the 51st selection in the second round.
It’s unclear if Ajinca fits within the Mavericks’ plans for this season or if he’ll remain in France as a draft-and-stash prospect. While his future is a bit cloudy, his present is quite clear in Dudley’s rotation with the Summer League roster.
“That’s [a question] for the front office,” Dudley said when asked if Ajinca needs more preparation for the NBA, “But my game plan is, ‘Listen, the best people play.’ ... Ajinca, he was gonna play regardless and the first day, I didn’t really know his game. I watched clips of him. I didn’t have him with the starters. With what he showed me [Monday], he’s now with the starters.”
That first unit could likely include Olivier-Maxence Prosper, AJ Lawson and Brandon Williams, who the Mavericks recently re-signed to a two-way contract. The Mavericks will kick off their Summer League slate Saturday against the Utah Jazz (9:30 p.m./NBA TV). It’s the first of a four-game schedule before the tournament’s elimination rounds begin. The Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are also guaranteed opponents during the opening week of Summer League.
Dudley’s offense could have Prosper, Williams or Ajinca bring the ball up the floor. Ajinca comes to the Mavericks with one year of professional experience under his belt. He was a rotational player for Saint-Quentin BB in LNB Pro A, France’s top-tier league. He averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds for the season.
“It’s funny, my age is showing a bit because I played with his [cousin]. My second year [in the NBA with the Charlotte Bobcats], he was a rookie,” Dudley said. “[Melvin] is bigger and taller than you think he is. He’s taller than me. Can handle. I can see him doing a little point forward. He made decisions out of the pick-and-roll.”
If you ask him to describe his game, Ajinca points to his defense first before rounding out with the rest of his abilities.
“I know I can defend from different positions,” Ajinca said. “I can take some good shots. Tough shots. 3-point shots. I like to attack the closeouts, transition game and bring some energy. I like to help my teammates do everything on the court to win the game.”
Ajinca is one of five Frenchmen selected in the NBA draft, which set a record for the European country. His favorite French player is Nic Batum, which tracks given he and Ajinca share similar versatile skill sets.
“I’m very happy about that because we represent the French people and the French player,” Ajinca said. “It’s very good for our nationality. We’re just happy. That’s only the work. We work every day in France.”
Ajinca was in New York with his agent, Bouna Ndiaye, and family during the second round of the draft. His main goal was to become drafted into the NBA, so he was elated when the Mavericks selected him. Alexis Ajinca called his younger cousin to express his excitement while also relaying the message that they were the only players with the last name “Ajinca” to make it to the NBA.
“I was excited,” Ajinca said. “I was very stressed because my goal was to be in the NBA and I was to be drafted. I couldn’t speak. It’s crazy but I’m super excited to be here, to work with the team in Summer League.”
His impressions of Dallas are positive so far, but more importantly, he’s looking to provide a spark for the Mavericks’ summer squad.
“I love this city,” Ajinca said. “I love this atmosphere with the team. During the practice, we bring some energy. I’m glad to be here.”
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