The Dallas Mavericks have upgraded A.J. Lawson to a standard NBA contract after he started the season on a two-way deal. Lawson is set to compete in the Summer League again this year, seizing the opportunity left by the Mavericks’ lack of a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Lawson aims to use the Summer League to demonstrate his defensive skills, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions, while also showcasing his shooting capabilities, which remain valuable for any complementary wing player.
“The emphasis for me is definitely going to be defending,” Lawson stated regarding his Summer League goals. “I want to show I can defend one through four (point guards to power forwards). And also to be able to knock down the open shot. Everybody knows I got speed.”
Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley, who is coaching the Summer League team, highlighted that Lawson’s performance is not only to impress Dallas but to showcase his talent to the entire NBA. Dudley stressed that taking advantage of this opportunity should come through strong defensive play.
“Even though he might be with the Mavericks, he’s playing for all teams,” Dudley said. “Use this opportunity for everyone to see you, and what better opportunity than Utah in the first game. If you have a good game and lock someone up, that’s how you get a deal.”
Dudley added, “You’re gifted athletically. But what you can control is your energy and picking up the ball and make it a living hell for some of these offensive players.”
Continuing to emphasize the importance of defensive impact, Dudley remarked, “He’s extremely athletic. So he has to be extremely tough, get steals, deflections. Like a Pat Bev (Patrick Beverley) type in the sense that he’ll do anything. A.J., you have to now show it. Defense is not a cute thing. It’s rugged. It’s tough.”
During the regular season, Lawson averaged 3.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 42 games with the Mavericks. His most significant contributions came with the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G-League affiliate, where he averaged 20.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 33.7 minutes per game over seven games.
As the Mavericks prepare for the Summer League, Lawson is determined to make a significant impact, utilizing his standard contract as a stepping stone to further his NBA career.