Melvin Ajinca has therefore become the fifth Frenchman drafted in 2024, since the Mavericks bet on him with the 51st choice (which previously belonged to the Knicks), during the second round. The franchise's GM, Nico Harrison, was very complimentary when justifying his choice.
“He's 2m03, he's athletic, he can shoot, he's young, he's a 3&D: he has enormous potential,” list the leader. “He can finish near the circle, defend. He is so young and can still improve. I would say he's a bit of a 3&D guy. »
We also remember that, last year, Dirk Nowitzki, legend of the Mavericks, was seduced by the young French player during the U19 World Cup. “I really liked Melvin Ajinca, and I played with his cousin Alexis Ajinca,” the German had declared.
Summer League to begin
“I told him we couldn't wait to have him. He thanked me and said he was ready. He's a great kid, who speaks excellent English.” continues Nico Harrison. “We were pleasantly surprised that he was still available at this point in the Draft. When we saw the opportunity to move up a few spots, we did it.”
Ready for what? Because the Mavericks have planned to have Melvin Ajinça (19 years old) play during the Las Vegas Summer League, starting on July 12. The rest, however, is more unclear. Will the Saint-Quentin winger be part of the 2024 finalists group? With a two-way contract? Or will he be primarily a G-League player?
“The advantage of him being European is that we have a lot of options and they are on the table. We don't have many places in our group. This is what makes the charm of his age, and the fact that he plays in Europe. We can find solutions”announces the Mavericks GM.
