It’s Official, Ray Spalding Joining the Dallas Mavericks on 4-Year Deal

According to Shams Charania, former Louisville basketball star forward Ray Spalding will sign a 4 year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks were one of, if not the, busiest team during the 2018 NBA Draft. First they agreed on a trade that allowed them to select Slovenian sensation, Luke Doncic, with the third overall pick. Next they selected the 2017-18 Naismith Player of the year, Jalen Brunson, at the top of the second round. Then to conclude the draft, the Mavericks acquired the draft rights to forward Ray Spalding and Dayton combo-forward Kostas Antetokoumpo (the brother of the Greek Freak) from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Heading into the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League, Ray Spalding was going to have to prove that he was worthy of a roster spot, especially after the Mavericks flurry of offseason moves that including signing DeAndre Jordan from the Clippers, and re-upping reserve big man, Salah Mejri. Not to mention, Spalding had plenty of competition within the Mavericks organization for the final roster spots, as Dorian Finney-Smith, Jonathan Motley (Mavs two-way player), and Kostas Anteokoumpo were all competing for a spot on the team as well.

Through five games with the Mavs, Spalding averaged 8 points on 59% from the field, 5.2 rebounds, and a little under one block per game. His play received high praise from the Mavericks organization, and from his peers, including star point guard Dennis Smith Jr. who had this to say:

"(He’s) very dedicated and a hard worker. (I was) actually surprised to find out he’s younger than I am, but I’m definitely a Ray Spalding fan.”"

While Spalding showed that he could do the dirty work for the Mavericks, such as rebounding, blocking shots, all at a high level, he brought a new set of skills that showed just how much promise the 20 year old forward has moving forward. Not known for his 3 point shooting during his time at Louisville, Spalding displayed new found range, shooting 33% from deep on six attempts, and also showing the ability to handle the ball exceptionally well for a player with his skill set.

The Mavericks saw enough that they decided prior to the end of Summer League that they would extend their second round selection a contract for the 2018-19 season, but at the time they weren’t sure if it would be a two-way spot, or one of their 15 roster spots.

We now know, that Spalding will sign a 4 year, partially guaranteed contract with the Mavericks, that could be worth upwards of $5.72 million when it’s all said and done. However, the partial guarantee means that Dallas will not owe Spalding the full amount, and could decide to release him at any given time if they see fit.

Just like the Summer League, the pressure will be on Spalding to perform and continue to show a high level of growth as he goes about his career. Whether that’s playing minutes for the rebuilding Dallas Mavericks, or spending time with their G League affiliate the Texas Legends.

The way I see it, Spalding could not have landed in a better spot. As mentioned, the Mavericks are currently in a ‘rebuilding” stage, and their roster features a nice mix of veterans and young talent. Spalding will get the chance to sit and watch two all-star caliber big men, that could help develop a very unique set of skills.

DeAndre Jordan, who signed a massive one-year deal with Dallas this offseason, will assume the starting center spot, where he will bring elite defensive abilities (primarily shot blocking), athleticism, and high level rebounding, all skills that Spalding currently has but will need to grow into in order to continue those at the NBA level. While Jordan is blocking shots, slamming home monster dunks, and cleaning the glass, next to him will be 21 year veteran and soon to be Hall of Famer, Dirk Nowitzki, as he goes into what is likely his final season in the NBA. Nowitzki, who is the perfect example of a professional, can help teach Ray how to hone his craft inside, develop a new set of post moves and how to acquire an elite mid-range jumper.

In his first season it’s likely that Spalding won’t see much playing time as the Mavericks currently have a logjam in the front court. Here’s how I expect the rotation to play out.

PG – Dennis Smith Jr./JJ Barea/Jalen Brunson (R)

SG – Wesley Matthews Jr./Luka Doncic

SF – Harrison Barnes/Dorian Finney-Smith Jr./Maxi Kleber

PF – Dirk Nowtizki/Dwight Powell/Maxi Kleber/Ray Spalding

C – DeAndre Jordan/Dwight Powell/Salah Mejri/Ray Spalding

Spalding will likely split time between the four and the five position throughout the season, when he is with the Mavericks. The Mavericks have a great deal of respect around the league for how they develop talent, ultiizing the Texas Legends in the G League along the way. I believe that you’ll likely see Spalding split his time half-and-half, playing with the Mavericks when Nowitzki is out, or if other injuries present themselves.

Either way the Mavericks may have found a gem in the latter part of the second round, which can only help them in their journey to rebuild what was a Championship winning franchise just seven yeas ago.

Former Louisville coach Rick Pitino once said about Spalding, “I’ve not seen anyone in my 15 years at Louisville with more potential. (He) needs time, but when he gets it, look out,” and it looks like landing with the Mavericks could be the right team to help the former Cardinal achieve his goals of being a successful NBA player.

Next: Louisville Basketball: NBA Summer League Player Grades

Congrats Ray!