Mavericks Training Camp Day 2: Luka Dončić Injury, Dereck Lively II Impresses, and Quentin Grimes Learning from Klay Thompson
The Dallas Mavericks continued their training camp at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV). The focus shifted to Luka Dončić’s left calf contusion, but the team is optimistic about his recovery. Klay Thompson’s presence is making a noticeable impact on younger players like Quentin Grimes, while second-year center Dereck Lively II is competing for the starting center position.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the second day of camp, with updates on player development, the starting center battle, and new additions to the roster.
Luka Dončić Injury Update
Luka Dončić missed practice due to a left calf contusion, which the team officially announced. Jason Kidd explained that Dončić took a hit recently and reported tightness. An MRI later confirmed the injury.
“Yeah, I think he got hit in the calf. He reported it felt tight yesterday,” Kidd said. “So they went and got an MRI and saw that it was a strain.”
Kidd reassured that there is no long-term concern, noting that Dončić will be re-evaluated in a week.
“No, no, we’ll reevaluate him in a week and see where he stands. There’s no concern at this point about his availability,” Kidd added. “We’ll just see how he feels in a week.”
Dončić was in great spirits after Tuesday’s practice, sitting on the bleachers with his father, Saša Dončić.
Though Dončić will miss the first preseason game, the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure he’s fully ready for the regular season.
Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards Sidelined
In addition to Dončić’s injury, Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards are recovering from sprained ankles. Neither participated in practice, and Kidd mentioned that they are still a bit away from returning.
“No, no. They’re a little ways away,” Kidd said. “Both have sprained ankles. Maxi sprained his ankle, and Kessler has a sprained ankle too. They’re both recovering.”
Dereck Lively II’s Growth and the Dallas Mavericks’ Starting Center Competition
Lively has continued to showcase the strides he’s made in his development. The second-year center has been working with the first unit during camp, displaying improved footwork in the post and finishing at the rim with both hands.
Kidd praised Lively’s progress on Day 1, noting his readiness and ability to contribute with the starters.
“He was great. He’s another one ready to go. He was there with the first group, in the post, there were a lot of post-ups. He displayed something he’s maybe added here,” Kidd said. “A lot of us were able to see that he finished with both his right and left [hands], and that’s something that hopefully can give us another weapon.”
On Day 2, Kidd emphasized Lively’s growth and the potential impact he can have on both ends of the floor.
“He’s worked on his game, especially in the post,” Kidd said. “He’s been really active, and his footwork and finishing have improved. We saw him finishing with both his right and left hand, and that’s something we’re excited about.”
Grimes has been left with the same impression about how Lively has looked in the post, saying, “We saw, probably yesterday, a couple of pin-ins, ducking into the post, a couple of right-handed hooks,” Grimes said. “You can tell he definitely worked on his game this summer for sure and he’s going to be a big help for us this season.”
However, the competition for the starting center role remains open. Kidd revealed that Daniel Gafford will run with the first unit during the team’s second practice on Wednesday as part of their two-a-day sessions.
“We’ll look at Gafford with that starting group tonight,” Kidd said, “just to see how that goes.”
Teammates, including Naji Marshall, have praised Lively’s defensive presence, particularly his shot-blocking ability.
“He clogs up the paint, and if a defender blows by, he’s right there to help clean it up,” Marshall said. “I’m really looking forward to playing with him.”
Klay Thompson’s Influence on Quentin Grimes
Thompson’s arrival has already made a strong impact on Grimes, who has often been paired with Thompson in shooting drills and pindown actions. Grimes has been eager to learn from Thompson, particularly about off-ball movement and shooting mechanics.
“I’ve been talking his ear off the whole time,” Grimes said. “I’m with him every day, shooting after practice. He’s been a really good mentor, giving me tips on how to get easier shots off pindowns. It’s called the ‘Klay action’ for a reason. Learning from him is only going to elevate my game.”
Thompson’s ability to set screens has also been a valuable lesson for Grimes, who highlighted how much Thompson’s gravity opens up opportunities for others on the floor.
“When Klay sets a screen for me, it opens up an opportunity for me to slip to the basket or get an easy shot. He draws so much attention, and I get better looks because of that,” Grimes said. “I’ve learned so much from him about the importance of making yourself a threat even without the ball.”
Kidd reinforced the value of Thompson’s presence, emphasizing how his ability to draw defenders benefits everyone on the team.
“Klay’s gravity is huge,” Kidd said. “He takes two defenders with him, and that’s going to open up a lot of space for Luka, Kyrie, and everyone else. Even the smaller players can benefit from setting screens for him.”
Frank Vogel Joins Dallas Mavericks as a Consultant
One notable addition to the Mavericks’ coaching staff is Frank Vogel, who has joined the team as a consultant. Vogel, a former NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, brings a wealth of experience to the Mavericks’ bench. Vogel was at Tuesday’s practice, along with other former NBA players Charlie Villanueva, Raymond Felton, and Devin Harris.
Kidd expressed excitement about working with Vogel again, emphasizing his high basketball IQ and the value he adds to the staff.
“He’s part of our coaching staff. He’s a consultant for us, so he’ll be in and out,” Kidd said. “He’s here until tomorrow, and then he’ll be back with us in Dallas. I asked him if he could come on board and help us, and it took a little convincing, but I’m happy he said yes.”
Kidd reflected on their previous experience winning a championship together with the Lakers, noting how much he learned from Vogel.
“Being able to work for Frank helped me with my coaching. Now to have him on board with us, hopefully, we can win another title together,” Kidd said.
Vogel most recently served as head coach of the Phoenix Suns last season, but was fired 11 days after the team was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Newcomers Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes are Adjusting
Beyond Thompson’s impact, newcomers Marshall and Grimes are making their mark in training camp. Both players are adjusting well, showcasing their versatility and energy in practice.
Marshall, in particular, has stood out, with Thompson singling him out as a standout performer on Day 1. Marshall’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has been a highlight, as he’s brought defense, offense, and energy to the team.
“Naji was incredible,” Thompson said. “The guy was making floaters, pull-ups, and just played really well. He even scored a couple of times on me. His jumper was fluid, and his mid-range game was nice. Naji really impressed me.”
Marshall acknowledged the positive start to camp, emphasizing how excited he is to fit into his role with the team.
“I’m here to do whatever the team needs—defense, offense, energy,” Marshall said. “It’s been great getting adjusted and setting the tone early.”
Last season, Marshall shot a career-best 38.7% from three-point range with the New Orleans Pelicans. He stuck with what worked routine-wise and aims to have an even more efficient season with the Mavericks.
“Just putting in the work. I did the same thing this summer and throughout the season,” Marshall said. “I’m hoping to be even better this year.”
Marshall added that his shooting improvement only helped to unlock his downhill strengths since the defense had to respect his shot more.
“That’s already a big part of my game—attacking closeouts and getting to the rim. Being able to knock down shots consistently lets me play my natural game,” Marshall explained. “Adding that three-point shot just made me more unstoppable.”
Playing next to Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson, Marshall knows he has to be ready to knock down open shots at a high rate, considering he will get them often.
“I’m going to get a lot of open looks. I’ll probably shoot more open shots than I’ve had before, so that’s always a plus,” Marshall said. “I shot pretty good from three last year, so I’m looking to shoot even better this year with more open threes. That would definitely be a plus.”
Grimes, meanwhile, is also settling in and learning quickly, with Kidd praising both players for their ability to fit into the team’s system.
“It’s always about teaching,” Kidd said. “For the new guys, it’s about learning the terminology. For the returning guys, it’s more of a refresher. Both Naji and Quentin have done a great job so far.”
Notable Names at Dallas Mavericks Practice
Wednesday’s practice drew several familiar faces, including former Mavericks players Charlie Villanueva and Raymond Felton. Team broadcaster Devin Harris, who also spent multiple seasons with the Mavericks, was also in attendance. Other former players who have attended training camp include Shawn Marion and Rolando Blackman.
What’s Next?
As the Mavericks continue their two-a-day practices, Thursday will serve as a rest day before they wrap up their Las Vegas stint with practice on Friday and return to Dallas.
The competition for the starting center role remains a key storyline, with Lively and Gafford both getting opportunities with the first group. The team will also monitor Dončić’s recovery from his left calf contusion as they prepare for the preseason.
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