By Chalien Dantes

After a whirlwind NBA 2024/25 season that left fans reeling thanks largely to the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic packing to the LA Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks are officially turning the page.

And with No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg now in the fold, the franchise is setting its sights on a fresh start.

As training camp approaches at the end of the month, the Mavericks continue rounding out their preseason roster. The latest addition? Forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who joins on a training camp deal. It’s a short-term opportunity, and he’ll have to earn his spot, literally. Nothing is guaranteed except a chance to prove himself.

Robinson-Earl brings the Mavericks’ camp roster to 21 players. He joins another recent signing, Dennis Smith Jr., who returns for a second go-around in Dallas. While the reunion is sentimental for fans, Smith faces steep odds in making the final cut.

As of now, Brandon Williams is the only regular on the roster without a fully guaranteed deal. Williams played a key role during last season’s injury-riddled stretch and still has the inside track on that coveted 15th roster spot. Still, it’s not out of the question that Robinson-Earl or Smith could challenge him, especially if either puts together a strong camp showing.

Robinson-Earl, the 32nd pick in the 2021 draft, is still trying to find stable ground in the league. He had a promising start with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but injuries stalled his momentum. A trade to Houston never amounted to anything, as the Rockets waived him before he even suited up.

Last season, however, he found a bit of a groove with the New Orleans Pelicans. He logged a career high 66 games, including six starts, averaging 6.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 18 minutes per game. His efficiency was solid across the board: 45.5% from the field, 34.1% from deep, and 83.6% at the line.

Now, Robinson-Earl gets another shot to carve out a role, this time with a Mavericks team in transition and hungry to re-establish itself in the Western Conference. The competition will be fierce, but the opportunity is real. And for Dallas, every move matters as they try to rebuild around their new franchise cornerstone.