Latest news with #MelvinAjinca
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Dallas Mavericks Face Setback as Major Injury Updates Surface Amid Summer League Action
Melvin Ajinca (Image via Getty) The Dallas Mavericks have encountered an early hurdle in their Summer League campaign, as newly acquired forward Melvin Ajinca remains sidelined with a groin injury. The update could have a lasting effect on how the Mavericks approach the rest of the tournament and assess their young talent. Melvin Ajinca's Groin Injury Keeps Him Out Melvin Ajinca, the 21-year-old forward from France who was traded to Dallas after being drafted 51st overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, continues to recover from a groin strain. After missing the team's opening game against the Los Angeles Lakers , Ajinca has now also been ruled out of the upcoming clash with the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Josh Broghamer, Miles Kelly, Melvin Ajinca | Post Practice | 07/09/25 Before the setback, Ajinca was seen as a promising addition to Dallas' Summer League squad due to his size, defensive versatility, and scoring upside. Having played overseas last season, his ability to contribute across multiple positions made him a standout name to watch in Las Vegas. But with his recovery still ongoing, his development has temporarily been put on hold as team officials monitor his condition. Who Will Replace Melvin Ajinca in the Dallas Mavericks Roster? Even with Ajinca unavailable, the Mavericks ' Summer League squad continues to pique people's interests—especially with the presence of Cooper Flagg , the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Las Vegas: How Much Does It Cost To Replace Old Windows? Beautiful Energy-Efficient Windows Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Flagg's much-anticipated debut was a mixed performance: while he thrilled the crowd with a spectacular dunk and solid defense, he struggled offensively, finishing with just five made shots out of 21 attempts and going scoreless in the second half. Other young talents have picked up the slack. Ryan Nembhard impressed with a 21-point outing in the opener, while Miles Kelly chipped in 17 points, helping Dallas edge out the Lakers in a tight 87-85 win. With Ajinca still out, both Nembhard and Kelly are expected to take on greater roles moving forward, giving the coaching staff critical insight into the team's bench strength and future potential. Veteran Presence Fueling Locker Room Energy Helping guide the young core through the ups and downs are veterans Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington, who have been active on the sidelines in Las Vegas. Their courtside presence has not only boosted morale but has also offered crucial mentorship to the younger players, creating a balanced blend of competition and support as Dallas manages both performance goals and roster setbacks. The Mavericks are optimistic that Ajinca's groin issue won't be a long-term concern and that he might still see game time before the Summer League concludes. His skillset is viewed as a valuable asset heading into the 2025–26 NBA season, making his health a top priority for the team's development staff. Also read: Cooper Flagg's Relentless Competitive Fire Turns Heads at NBA Summer League - No. 1 Pick's Mentality Impresses Mavericks and League Insiders Alike In the meantime, the focus shifts to Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks' young roster as they aim to build chemistry and momentum under the bright lights of Las Vegas. Dallas will face off against the Spurs next on Saturday at 4 PM EST—a game that promises high-level matchups and continued opportunities for rising stars to shine. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
French Sharpshooter Could Shock Mavs Fans In Summer Roster Bid
French Sharpshooter Could Shock Mavs Fans In Summer Roster Bid originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Dallas Mavericks prepare for the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, all eyes will naturally be on No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg making his professional debut. But don't sleep on another French talent who could steal some headlines: Melvin Ajinca, the Mavericks' 2024 second-round draft-and-stash prospect who spent this past season developing in Europe's top competition. Advertisement After a full campaign with LDLC ASVEL in both the French LNB Pro A and the EuroLeague, the 6-foot-8 wing returns to Vegas with newfound confidence, improved skills, and a legitimate opportunity to prove he deserves a spot on Dallas's main roster. When the Mavericks acquired Ajinca's draft rights from the New York Knicks on June 27, 2024 — one day after his 20th birthday — they knew they were getting a developmental prospect with intriguing upside. Rather than rushing him into the NBA, Dallas wisely let him continue to grow overseas with ASVEL, one of Europe's premier basketball programs. The decision paid off. After struggling with efficiency in his initial Summer League stint (shooting just 29.5 percent from the field), Ajinca dramatically improved overseas, playing alongside veteran guards Theo Maledon and Paris Lee. He averaged 5.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game across 27 EuroLeague contests — modest stats that don't reflect the strides he made. Most notably, Ajinca transformed his three-point shooting, hitting 42.7 percent from deep in EuroLeague play — a dramatic improvement from his previous numbers. His best performance came in December when he dropped 20 points against Paris, going 8-of-12 from the field with four three-pointers. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison pointed to Ajinca's age and overseas development plan as key factors. 'The beauty of his age and the fact that he is playing in Europe is that we can kind of figure it out,' Harrison said on draft night. Advertisement That patience appears to be paying off. Several factors align to make Ajinca a prime breakout candidate this summer. For one, there's a family connection to the franchise — his cousin, Alexis Ajinca, played for Dallas during the 2010–11 season, giving Melvin familiarity with the organization and added motivation to carry on the family legacy. More importantly, Ajinca's skill set fits today's NBA. At 6-foot-8 with above-average athleticism, he projects as a true '3-and-D' wing. According to Synergy Sports data from his pre-draft evaluations, Ajinca ranked in the 69th percentile in transition (1.20 points per possession) and shot 38.2 percent coming off screens — both elite indicators for a wing prospect. Under assistant coach Josh Broghamer, who will lead the Mavericks' Summer League squad, Ajinca enters with realistic expectations and a clear set of goals. This time around, he brings not only confidence but a defined role. The Mavericks will look for shooting consistency, defensive versatility, and improved basketball IQ — all areas where his EuroLeague tape suggests real growth. Ajinca's three-point efficiency will be tested against NBA-caliber athletes. At 6-foot-8, his defensive versatility is promising, and his year playing against seasoned European veterans could translate into better awareness and anticipation on both ends. He credits much of his improvement to learning alongside Maledon, who helped teach the nuances of spacing, ball movement, and quicker decision-making. Advertisement With the Mavericks holding just one remaining two-way contract slot, Ajinca will face legitimate competition in Vegas. But his unique combination of size, shooting and seasoning makes him a strong candidate for that final spot. Dallas values developmental upside, and Ajinca fits the mold. The Mavericks open Summer League play on July 10 against the Lakers at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN, with Ajinca expected to play meaningful minutes alongside Flagg and two-way signees Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly. After a year of growth in Europe's pressure-cooker environment, Ajinca returns to Las Vegas as a transformed player. With improved shooting, better decision-making, and the confidence of having contributed at the highest level overseas, he's poised to be one of the summer's biggest shocks for fans. The cousin of a former Maverick might just become the breakout story of Dallas's Summer League run. Related: Mavs' Official Summer League Roster and Schedule Announced Related: ESPN Suggesting Dallas Mavericks Trade Cooper Flagg to Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs Still Rings False This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
