Roster - Dallas Mavericks

MAVERICKS NEWS

With NLL regular season coming to an end, and the Mavericks (although mathematically still a chance) not going to make the playoffs, the coaching staff have turned their attention to scouting, and giving every player a chance to really show why they deserve to be around next season.

In the 2016 NLL draft the Mavericks had two selections, one of which was Paul Zipser (now with the Warriors) and their first pick at #26 Ivica Zubac. “Although we weren’t 100% sure on who we were going to select, Zubac was a kid of interest for us the whole time.” Carlisle said. Zubac is a 19 year old from Croatia who grew up a huge LA Lakers fan, and although he would have loved to be there, he is extremely happy with the opportunity he has in Dallas.

Three weeks ago, when Nerlens Noel went down with injury and was to miss week 15, this opened up the door for the young Zubac, and he has grabbed that opportunity with both hands and ran with it. Over the last three weeks of the season, Zubac has averaged 12.6points, 13.2rebounds, 2blocks, and 1steal. “He has improved with every game he has played so far as a starter.” Carlisle said. “And it shows, as his third week as a starter was his best yet (13.3ppg, 16.8rpg, 2.3bpg).”

With only three weeks left in the regular season, Zubac will surely continue to start to get the minutes into his legs, and then take that into what will be a huge summer for the young rookie. “I have really enjoyed my opportunity the last three weeks.” Zubac said. “I started the year with the thought it might take years to get an opportunity behind Jordan, but now I feel like the franchise has/is starting to show a lot of trust and belief in my abilities.”

The Future is bright for Zubac, and all of the Young Dallas Mavericks players. Heading into the draft the Mavericks carry four 1st round picks which will hopefully turn into a massive building block for the franchise moving forward.