Dallas Mavericks Waive Former First-Round Draft Pick

DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 12: Olivier-Maxence Prosper #18 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up the court during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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The Dallas Mavericks have waived forward Olivier Maxence-Prosper, using the stretch provision to clear his salary, and get under the second apron, which makes sense given the financial commitments to Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and even Cooper Flagg.

Maxence-Prosper, 23, was drafted 24th overall in 2023 and played two uninspiring seasons for the Mavericks, averaging just 3.5 points, and 2.2 rebounds across 92 appearances.

Free agency interest?

The news of his waiving should have several team take internal meetings to discuss how they view his upside.

At 6’8, and 230 pounds, the soon-to-be third-year player has the size to play both forward spots, and could absorb minutes if he were to take a step forward offensively.

Despite being a first-round draft pick, the Mavericks never quite gave Maxence-Prosper a shot, playing just a grand total of 920 minutes during his tenure with the organization.

There should be teams around the league willing to take a flier on a young wing with that size, despite a lackluster production level in Dallas.

Improvement areas

This is where things get a bit muddy. Most will look at his performance as a Maverick, and reach the conclusion he’s lacking in the skill set department.

He might, as he has yet to demonstrate a consistent floor-spacing component, and his defense is, quite frankly, still a question mark as he simply hasn’t been able to string together enough minutes for anyone to get a good idea of him on that end.

Even his college metrics are difficult to take inspiration from, as he didn’t set the world on fire while at Marquette.

As such, for any team that takes a gamble on him, the number one priority with Maxence-Prosper is to turn him into a niche player, and go from there. Be that as a slasher, a defender who hedges high to pressure ball-handlers, or something third entirely, it’s just crucial he finds something that works as a sticking point of which he can build upon.

Should NBA teams not stand in line for his services, there could be numerous European teams ready to inquire, as his frame is practically tailored to the power forward position across the Atlantic.

Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.