Kylor Kelley Details Rapid Transition to Mavericks Amid Frontcourt Injuries: “Stay Ready”
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.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the team’s lack of options at the center position. In addition to relying heavily on Daniel Gafford, Kidd expects Kelley to play on his first full day with the organization.
“He’s a big. There’s not a lot to choose from,” Kidd said. “We believe he can play.”
For those unfamiliar with his game, Kelley explained what to expect, saying, “High motor, high energy guy. Seven-footer who runs the floor well, protects the rim, blocks shots, and sets good screens.”
Since going undrafted in 2020 after finishing his collegiate career at Oregon State, Kelley spent four players playing in the G League and overseas. He is confident that each of his experiences has prepared him for the opportunity he’s been working for.
“It’s been a long, long four years. A long journey, for sure. A couple of years overseas, I think it helped mature my body, my mental toughness,” Kelley explained. “And, I mean, the past couple of years in the G League, I think I’ve gotten better every single year. So I think it’s a testament to that.”
Since joining the Mavericks, Kelley has been swiftly integrated into the team’s systems, a process he described as rapid and supportive.
“Just learning all our offensive and defensive sets and everything like that. Just getting all the lingo down,” Kelley explained. “The staff and coaches have been really helpful, assembling me in as quickly as possible but as comfortably as possible. I feel ready. Coming in when a lot of our guys are hurt, you’ve got to be ready. I’ve always been told to stay ready.”
As Dallas prepares to face the Wizards, Kelley is expected to make his debut. His readiness to contribute was evident as he discussed his anticipated role.
“I’ve noticed that they like guys that roll well, set good screens, and catch lobs,” Kelley noted. “Just being that paint presence.”
With Kelley’s addition, the Mavericks aim to navigate a challenging season marked by injuries and provide stability in their lineup as they compete in a demanding Western Conference.
