Jorge Díaz-Graham Signs with Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks now have a third Spanish player in their locker room. Jorge Díaz-Graham has signed an Exhibit 10 contract and joins Sergio de Larrea and Santi Aldama on head coach Dusty May's preseason roster. The deal is for the minimum salary and is not guaranteed, so the Canary Islander has two crucial weeks ahead. To make room, Dallas waived Chris Mantis and Darin Green Jr.

The power forward's path to the NBA has been long and quiet. He spent three seasons at Pittsburgh and the last one at Oregon State, where he played 32 games (11 as a starter) and averaged 6 points and 3.6 rebounds. Additionally, he was his team's leading shot-blocker. His NCAA numbers never fully reflected his game: he stands 2.11 meters tall, shoots the three-pointer, and handles the ball with unusual fluidity for his height.

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Summer League opened the door

His summer in Las Vegas changed things. He played Summer League with the Mavericks, started in three games, and averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. That performance convinced the Texas Legends, Dallas's G League affiliate, who selected him with the No. 1 pick in the league's international draft. His brother Guillermo was selected at No. 3.

Two games to earn a two-way

The Exhibit 10 is a contract designed for the preseason. It allows the club to convert it into a two-way, a contract that splits the player between the NBA and the G League. The problem for Díaz-Graham is that Dallas's three two-way spots are occupied by John Poulakidas, Jett Howard, and Tobi Lawal. To get in, the Mavericks would have to give up one of them. He has two opportunities left to convince Dusty May: games against the New Orleans Pelicans (October 15) and the Atlanta Hawks (October 17).

If he doesn't make it, all signs point to him staying in Frisco with the Texas Legends, within the Mavericks organization. On the court, he'll compete for minutes with Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr., and his main weapon will be his outside shot.