Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards, who is on a two-way contract with the team, wasn’t expected to play a whole lot at the NBA level this season. However, due to all the injuries in Dallas, Edwards has been thrust into a key role in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old has started 13 of the club’s past 16 games, primarily at center, and has acquitted himself well as a small-ball five. In his past six outings, he has averaged 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, with a shooting line of .558/.556/.900. According to Edwards, adjusting to a new role hasn’t been overwhelming.
“I think just IQ is the main thing—learning how to play not only with these guys, but within the certain role they have me in,” Edwards told Grant Afseth of Sportskeeda. “Just knowing what to do with the ball, how to play in different ways, and learning how to make the right decisions on the floor.”
As important as Edwards has become in Dallas, the clock is ticking on his ability to play at the NBA level. He’s just two games from reaching the limit of 50 active games for two-way players. Promoting him to the standard 15-man roster would make him eligible to play in every remaining game, including potential play-in contests, but that won’t be an option for the Mavericks until April 10 due to their hard-cap restrictions.
“Honestly, I try not to think about that too much,” Edwards said of his fast-approaching 50-game limit. “I’m just thankful for the games I’ve been able to play with this group. I’m just thankful for that opportunity.”
Here’s more on the Mavericks:
- The Caleb Martin/Quentin Grimes trade hasn’t worked out so far for the Mavericks, as Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News details. Grimes has been playing some of the best basketball of his life in Philadelphia, while Martin has been limited to just five appearances for Dallas due to ongoing hip issues. According to Curtis, Martin is still trying to make an impact from the bench when he’s not available, calling attention to trends and defensive schemes. “I’ve always been the type that if I see something, I say something,” Martin said. “I just feel like that’s a way I can impact the game, whether I’m playing or not.”
- Speaking to Grant Afseth for RG.org, former NBA first-round pick Zhaire Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity he has gotten with the Texas Legends, noting that they’ve “welcomed me with open arms.” In addition to discussing his experience with the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, Smith talked about scrimmaging alongside Mavs players rehabbing from injuries, including Anthony Davis. “I think we’re going to do it again sometime this week,” Smith said, indicating that another brief G League assignment could be in store for Davis.
- The Mavs could have as many as 10 players available on Wednesday in Indiana. In addition to their seven healthy players, they’ve listed Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Kai Jones (left quad strain), and Brandon Williams (left hamstring tightness) as questionable to play. Marc Stein reported earlier this week that Hardy and Jones, both of whom have missed seven consecutive games, have a chance to return on Wednesday.
- While this is just my speculation, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Mavericks hold Williams out of tonight’s game if both Hardy and Jones are able to suit up. That would allow the team to avoid using up another of Williams’ active games — he only has five remaining on his two-way contract.
The Grimes for Martin Trade Was stricly a move about roster issues and Money. Nobody doubts that Grimes is the better Player.
With Irving Experten to stay, they have 4 guards on longtime contracts. Hardy, Thompson and Christie. They will loose Grimes as a Free agent or sign a fifth hefty contract for a fifth guard while the third guard behind Thompson and Irving should better be a very good defender like Christie or Exum. For scoring they can re-sign Dinwiddie to a much cheaper contract.
Grimes would have been a very Costly luxury. Martin at least plays 2 Positions they needed some depth, while being a little overpaid but on a manageable contract.