Signed and Sealed! Former Lakers Center Joins Luka Dončić in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks have officially announced the signing of big man Kaeler Kelly to a two-way contract. The 7-foot center, who previously played for the South Bay Lakers, will wear jersey No. 50 as he joins a Mavs squad desperately in need of reinforcements in the paint.

Kelly, an undrafted prospect from the 2020 NBA Draft, has been grinding through the G League, showcasing his shot-blocking ability and athleticism. This season, in nine appearances with South Bay, he averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and an impressive 1.7 blocks per game while playing 24.3 minutes per contest.

Why the Mavs Signed Kelly

The Mavericks' frontcourt has been ravaged by injuries, leaving the team in dire need of depth. Starting center Dereck Lively II is sidelined with a stress fracture in his ankle, Maxi Kleber is recovering from a broken foot, and Dwight Powell is dealing with a right hip strain. This leaves Daniel Gafford as the only reliable big man available, and he’s been heavily mentioned in trade rumors, making the situation even more uncertain.

Kelly isn't expected to be a game-changer, but he serves as an emergency reinforcement at a critical time for Dallas. His shot-blocking and rim protection will be valuable, especially for a team that struggles defensively in the paint.

The Mavericks' Injury Woes and Season Struggles

Coming off an NBA Finals appearance last season, the Mavericks were expected to be among the Western Conference's elite teams this year. However, injuries have derailed their momentum, and they currently sit at 24-22, placing them 9th in the West.

The absence of franchise superstar Luka Dončić has been a significant blow. The Slovenian sensation has been out since late December due to a lingering calf strain. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dončić is expected to return before the All-Star break, which would be a massive boost for Dallas.

Dončić's All-Star status took a hit due to his extended absence. He ranked third in fan voting, sixth in player voting, and fourth in media voting, ultimately missing out on a starting spot. However, once he returns to full strength, the Mavericks will regain their identity as a legitimate playoff contender.

Kyrie Irving’s Heavy Load

With Dončić sidelined, Kyrie Irving has taken on a massive workload. Over the past five games, he has averaged over 38 minutes per contest, carrying the offensive burden nearly single-handedly.

For the season, Irving is averaging 24.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting an efficient 48.3% from the field, 42.5% from beyond the arc, and 90.6% from the free-throw line. He is tantalizingly close to joining the prestigious 50/40/90 club, a testament to his elite scoring efficiency.

What About Klay Thompson?

Some might argue that Klay Thompson should be considered part of the Mavericks’ core, but his production this season suggests otherwise. Once regarded as one of the most feared shooters in NBA history, Thompson has struggled to regain his peak form.

So far this season, he is averaging just 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. While his three-point shooting remains respectable (38.3% on 2.9 makes per game), his overall scoring output ranks only fourth on the team, trailing even P.J. Washington’s 13.8 points per game.

Thompson's struggles highlight the Mavericks’ need for Dončić’s return, as Irving alone cannot carry the team deep into the playoffs.

Looking Ahead

Once the Mavericks get healthy, they will once again be a dangerous force in the Western Conference. Dončić and Irving form one of the most lethal backcourts in the NBA, and with a solid supporting cast, they have the potential to make another deep postseason run.

The addition of Kaeler Kelly won’t make headlines, but it addresses an immediate need. If he can provide solid minutes as a shot-blocker and rebounder, he could earn a more permanent role with the team.

For now, all eyes are on Dončić’s return, and if he comes back at full strength, Dallas could be a nightmare matchup for any team in the playoffs.