Mavericks Notes: Gortman, Marshall, Exum

In the competition for the Mavericks’ open two-way roster spot, point guard Jazian Gortman seems to have captured the current lead, writes Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth.

Gortman went undrafted out of the Overtime Elite in 2023. He’s suited up for G League affiliate squads for the Bucks and Trail Blazers, but has yet to appear in an NBA game. The 6’2″ pro joined the Mavericks on a training camp deal after impressing in Summer League.

Afseth adds that, power forward Markieff Morris, currently on an Exhibit 9 training camp deal, is expected to earn a standard contract. Now that Dallas has waived another intriguing training camp player, shooting guard A.J. Lawson, Morris’ future with the Mavericks appears to be coming further into focus.

There’s more out of Dallas:

• Mavericks CEO Cynthia Marshall intends to retire on December 31, reports Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. Marshall has been in her current role since 2018. “Cynt Marshall is a force of nature,” Dallas co-owner Patrick Dumont said in a team press statement. “I like to say her superpower is bringing people together, but the truth is she has many superpowers… Cynt has always gone above and beyond in everything she has done, and her leadership of the Dallas Mavericks is no exception. She is an indelible fixture in the history of this franchise, and we are eternally grateful.”
• Now that Mavericks reserve guard Dante Exum is slated to miss the next three months following a right wrist surgery, there’s an opportunity for major rotation minutes for some of Dallas deeper-bench backcourt players, writes Afseth in another piece. “With Dante sidelined, we’re looking at guys like Brandon Williams and Spencer Dinwiddie to step up and fill those minutes,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “It’s unfortunate, but we have depth, and guys like Jaden Hardy will also have the chance to contribute more.” Afseth notes that, should Exum miss at least three months, he’ll be out nearly half of the Mavericks’ regular season.
• In case you missed it, newly-acquired young Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes, formerly of the Knicks, is looking to bring his considerable upside to bear for the reigning West champs in 2024/25.