Official Site of the Mavs · Jul 13, 2025
Eyes still on the NBA, Ajinca eager to show development
LAS VEGAS – To be honest, Frenchman Melvin Ajinca knew he wasn’t NBA-ready when the Mavericks drafted him in the second round in 2024.
He had a nondescript run in last year’s NBA Summer League. And, partly because fate has conspired against him, he’s having trouble making headway during this NBA Summer League session.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the goal of one day joining the Mavericks. He most certainly does.
But, as he and a lot of others in his position have learned, it’s a process. And Ajinca has a realistic approach to it. That is, he’s working his way up the ladder of confidence, because his abilities for a 6-8 swingman who just turned 21 are considerable.
