As the Dallas Mavericks gear up for the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, attention is primarily drawn to No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. However, a lesser-known prospect, Melvin Ajinca, could be the surprise standout. This French talent, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, has spent his past season honing his craft in Europe, specifically with LDLC ASVEL in the French LNB Pro A and the EuroLeague.
The Mavericks acquired Ajinca’s draft rights from the New York Knicks shortly after his 20th birthday, recognizing his potential for development without rushing him into the NBA. This strategy appears to have borne fruit, as Ajinca has returned to Las Vegas with enhanced skills and confidence. After an underwhelming debut in the Summer League where he shot just 29.5% from the field, his performance in Europe was a major turnaround. Over 27 EuroLeague games, he averaged 5.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, but more significantly, he showcased a remarkable improvement in his three-point shooting, hitting 42.7% from deep.
Ajinca’s breakout performance came in December, where he scored 20 points in a game against Paris, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison emphasized the benefits of Ajinca’s age and overseas experience, suggesting it allows greater flexibility in his development. Moreover, Ajinca has a family connection to the franchise, as his cousin Alexis Ajinca played for the Mavericks during their championship season in 2010-11, providing him with additional motivation.
At 6-foot-8 with athletic capabilities, Ajinca fits into the modern NBA archetype of a “3-and-D” player. His performance data indicates he excelled in transition and shooting off screens, positioning him well for the current demands of the league. Under the guidance of assistant coach Josh Broghamer at the Summer League, Ajinca is set to enter with clear objectives, focusing on shooting consistency, defensive adaptability, and enhanced basketball intelligence—areas in which he has reportedly progressed during his EuroLeague stint.
The competition for the remaining two-way contract slot will be fierce, but Ajinca’s unique attributes and experience could make him a viable candidate. His journey back to Las Vegas represents a chance to showcase the growth and skills developed over the past year.
The Mavericks kick off their Summer League on July 10 against the Lakers, where Ajinca is expected to have a significant role alongside Flagg and fellow two-way signees Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly. As he takes the court, Ajinca embodies the potential to surprise both fans and analysts alike, possibly emerging as one of the summer’s most exciting stories.