Dallas Mavericks forward Melvin Ajinça was sidelined for Thursday’s Summer League matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a groin injury, the team confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Ajinça, 21, is making his Summer League debut with Dallas after spending the 2024–25 season with ASVEL in France. The 6-foot-7 wing competed in the French Betclic Élite and the EuroLeague, gaining experience the Mavericks hoped would accelerate his development.
“A lot of progression,” Ajinça said earlier this month. “I had a great year. Playing in EuroLeague was a big experience for me. It helped a lot for my progression.”
The Mavericks selected Ajinça with the No. 51 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and stashed him overseas. Throughout his time in France, he maintained regular contact with Dallas staff. He focused on improving his shooting and defensive versatility, which had drawn praise from coaches during early Summer League practices.
“He’s a competitor,” Mavericks Summer League coach Josh Broghamer said. “He plays hard, defends multiple positions, and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. He’s been vocal too — not something you always expect early on from international guys.”
Ajinça went through shootaround before the game but was not dressed to play hours later. Whether he will be available for Friday’s contest against the San Antonio Spurs at Thomas & Mack Center remains unclear.
“I know what I have to work on,” Ajinça said. “It’s about the little things — effort, execution, being in the right spots. That’s how I’m trying to grow every day.”
This article will be updated after Friday’s practice in Las Vegas as more information becomes available.
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