Kylor Kelley Details Rapid Transition to Mavericks Amid Frontcourt Injuries: 'Stay Ready'

Kylor Kelley discusses his sudden move to the Dallas Mavericks and his readiness to step up amid injuries to Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell.

Photo: Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks, grappling with a spate of injuries to their frontcourt, bolstered their roster by signing 7-foot center Kylor Kelley to a two-way contract. The signing came after Maxi Kleber fractured his right foot against the Boston Celtics during Friday’s 122-107 loss.

Kelley, who previously played for the South Bay Lakers in the G League, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 63.5% from the field, arrives in Dallas. Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Dwight Powell (right hip strain), and Kleber are each sidelined.

After arriving in Dallas on Sunday night, Kelley will suit up in his first career NBA game during Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. He packed up right after practice with the South Bay Lakers to head to North Texas.

“I was getting ready for practice yesterday, getting treatment, and my agent called me up and said, ‘You got a game.’ I asked, ‘When's the next game?’ thinking it would be Tuesday or Wednesday, and he said, ‘No, because you're getting picked up by the Dallas Mavericks,’” Kelley recounted. “It was mind-blowing. I was speechless for about two minutes. Then, I had to call everybody—family and friends. It's been a crazy 24 hours.”