Three-point 26%! Failed to train, the Mavericks officially cut the first round pick

The Dallas Mavericks officially announced a major decision: use extended clauses to cut 2023 first round 24 rookie Olivier Maxans Prosper. The decision means the Mavericks ended their two-year partnership with the 22-year-old forward in an effort to free up cap space to renew guard Dante Exam.

The Mavericks' move is purely a cruel calculation of salary space. Before the layoffs, the team was only $1.58 million away from the second rich line, and renewing Exam required $2.3 million in space.

Prosper's salary next season is $3 million. Through the extended terms, the Mavericks can split the money into three years to pay, with only $1 million in salary space each year, freeing up the necessary space to sign Exam.

During this offseason, the Mavericks have been trying to trade to send Prosper away, and they are willing to accept it even if they can only exchange for a second round pick, but in the end no team is willing to take over the deal.

Prosper was born on July 3, 2002. He is 2.03 meters tall, has a wingspan of 2.16 meters, and is in excellent physical condition. In the 2022-23 NCAA game, he averaged 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, shooting 51.2% from the field and 33.9% from three-point shooting.

But after entering the NBA, his shooting ability dropped sharply. During his two years with the Mavericks, he played in a total of 92 games (5 of which started), averaged only 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, shooting 39.6% from the field and shooting only 26% from three-pointers.

What is even more disappointing is that last season, the Mavericks suffered 210 injuries, and Prosper gained more playing time (11.2 minutes per game), but he failed to seize the opportunity to prove himself.

On March 8 this year, Prosper suffered a right wrist injury and was eventually reimbursed for the season, which further reduced the team's evaluation of him.

The Mavericks suffered serious injuries last season. Eight players of the team once appeared on the injury list, six of whom were inside players. Even so, Prosper failed to make the most of his opportunity to show his value.

In contrast, although 30-year-old Exam was also plagued by injuries, his performance last season was more stable. Although he played only 20 games (13 starts), Exam averaged 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 47.8%, 43.4% and 74.2% respectively in the three games. His three-point shooting percentage was particularly outstanding, reaching 43.4%5.

Exham was the No. 5 pick in the first round in 2014. He left the NBA in 2021 to play in Europe and returned to the league in the summer of 2023. His experience and outside shooting ability are assets that the Mavericks value more.

Prosper's story is a microcosm of the cruel reality of the NBA - even if you are a first-round pick, even if the team once had high expectations for you, young people often fall victim to when cap space and imminent combat power clash.

From Marquette's Hope Star to being cut by NBA teams, Prosper's career is at a crossroads. But his physical talent and defensive abilities may still win him another NBA contract.