The Mavericks added another layer of shooting to their frontcourt on Tuesday, signing Jorge Diaz Graham and giving him No. 23. Among the three players Dallas cycled through in its wave of roster moves, Diaz Graham was the one who received a jersey number, a small detail that points to the possibility he could stick through the end of the preseason.
That fits the direction Dallas has taken with its big-man group. A year ago, the Mavericks didn’t have a center rotation built to spread the floor, and the plan to lean on size and rim protection never really took hold. That path eventually led to the trade of former superstar Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards at the deadline.
Now the picture looks very different. Dallas has three players who can regularly play center and hit open threes: Diaz Graham, Morez Johnson Jr., and Santi Aldama.
Daniel Gafford may be next in that conversation after knocking down the first 3-pointer of his NBA career in the Mavericks’ preseason opener against the Houston Rockets last weekend. Dusty May also wants him taking threes as part of the offense this season.
The makeover has been intentional, with the Mavericks targeting shooting throughout the frontcourt as they build around Cooper Flagg heading into the 2026-27 season. Diaz Graham is another piece of that effort. The 6-foot-11 forward/center put up 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 block per game as a senior at Oregon State while shooting 36.5 percent from deep.
He carried that skill set into Summer League with Dallas, where he averaged 7.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks across five appearances. What stood out there was the blend of shooting, touch and versatility. Diaz Graham looked comfortable catching and firing from three, and his release appeared clean and repeatable.
There’s more to his game than just the jumper, too. He’s a capable passer for his size, handles the ball better than you’d expect, and plays with a level of skill that makes him an interesting development piece. His offensive game is further along than he gets credit for, and as he adds strength, he becomes a tougher player to overlook.
His size and length should also give him a chance to hold up defensively as a rim protector. He rebounded well in Las Vegas over five games, and with the way the roster is currently built, this late signing gives him a real opportunity to compete for attention over Dallas’ final two preseason games this week.
A long-term spot still looks like a steep climb. John Poulakidas, Tobi Lawal and Jett Howard already fill the Mavericks’ three two-way contracts, so Diaz Graham’s path beyond the preseason is narrow. Even so, if he catches the staff’s eye fast enough, he could make himself part of the conversation for a two-way deal.
For now, Dallas has another big who can space the floor and move the ball. That alone makes Diaz Graham worth watching.
In Other News...
Mavericks Keep Giving One Young Big Man Another Look
The Mavericks have spent the early part of camp cycling through the back end of their preseason roster, and the 21st spot has become a revolving door for a string of young players. Dallas has signed and waived Matt Cross, Darin Green Jr. and Chris Mantis along the way, a pretty clear sign the team is keeping its options open while sorting through developmental depth.
Jorge Diaz Graham is the latest big man to get another look, and there is at least some indication the Mavericks want to keep him around for a while. The broader picture is familiar for this time of year: Dallas is auditioning prospects, while other teams are making similar housekeeping moves, including the Clippers bringing back Fletcher Loyer on an Exhibit 10 deal and the Jazz opening a spot after waiving Mohamed Wague. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Just Made Their Two-Way Wing Battle Even Tougher
The Mavericks added another name to the mix on the wing, signing 6-foot-7 forward Matt Cross and bringing their preseason roster to 21 players. Cross is expected to be around for the teams final two preseason games, giving Dallas one more look at a player whose appeal comes from activity, rebounding, energy and a workable shot.
For a roster still sorting out its depth, Cross only adds to the pressure on the clubs two-way wing competition. His spot in the regular-season picture is far from settled, but the signing does increase the number of options Dallas has on the perimeter as the preseason winds down and decisions get closer. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Face A Risky Dereck Lively Decision They Can't Ignore
The Mavericks have an important front-office call looming on Dereck Lively II, the promising 2023 first-round pick whose defensive upside has already made him a meaningful part of the teams long-term picture. Lively has battled through injuries and multiple surgeries, which has complicated what might otherwise be a straightforward extension decision for a young center the organization still believes in.
ESPNs Bobby Marks outlined one possible way to split the difference, suggesting a shorter-term structure that protects Dallas if the health questions linger while still rewarding Lively for what he has shown. The idea reflects the basic tension here: the Mavericks want to keep a valuable piece in place, but they also have to weigh availability as carefully as talent, and for now the final shape of that deal remains unresolved. [Read more 🡒]