‘My Confidence Is Through the Roof’: Miles Kelly Embracing Shooter’s Role with Dallas Mavericks in Summer League
After transferring to Auburn for his senior season, Miles Kelly made the most of his final collegiate year by helping lead the Tigers to the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four. Now, just months removed from that run, the 6-foot-6 guard is stepping into his next opportunity with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League—and embracing a role tailor-made for his skill set.
Kelly, who signed a two-way contract after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 38 games (36 starts) for Auburn. With the Mavericks, he’s being asked to do what he does best: space the floor, play with pace, and knock down shots.
“Playing with guys like Ryan Nembhard and Cooper Flagg makes it super easy for me—similar to my role at Auburn—just to knock down open shots and keep getting my looks,” Kelly said. “Especially with NBA spacing, it’s been super easy.”
“He’s Not Afraid of the Moment”
Kelly’s ability to shoot from deep is no secret, but Mavericks Summer League head coach Josh Broghamer has been encouraged by what Kelly is showing beyond the stat sheet.
“He can really shoot it. He plays with pace, and he’s not afraid of the moment,” Broghamer said. “You saw him step into some big shots today. He’s learning how to get to his spots more efficiently, but the confidence is there.”
That confidence hasn’t wavered with the NBA three-point line extended. Kelly welcomes the added space and freedom.
“I’m a shooter. My confidence is through the roof,” he said. “If I see the goal and it’s open, I’m shooting it. That’s never going to change.”
A Development Focus Rooted in Versatility
Broghamer noted that Kelly isn’t just focused on shooting. The two have discussed specific areas of growth that Kelly is targeting this summer, particularly as a decision-maker off the catch.
“Miles told me himself—he wants to get better at reading help and making the right play off the catch,” Broghamer said. “He’s been putting in the work. We’re working on footwork, attacking closeouts, and throwing more accurate lobs, too.”
Broghamer added that the Mavericks are emphasizing a read-and-react approach in Summer League, where players like Kelly can shine without needing a play drawn up.
“One thing he can do is shoot the ball,” he said. “Whether it’s in transition or off closeouts—reading those situations—that’s where he can help. We just want to see him in situations where we don’t have to call a play for him, and he’s still getting involved in the action.”
From Georgia Tech to Auburn to the NBA
Before his season at Auburn, Kelly played three years at Georgia Tech from 2021 to 2024, where he emerged as one of the ACC’s top perimeter scorers. The Stone Mountain, Georgia native attended Parkview High School before transferring to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia for his senior year—a key stop in his development.
Kelly’s move to Auburn gave him a more clearly defined role as a shot-maker, and his conversations with the Mavericks’ coaching staff since joining the team have echoed that same clarity.
“It’s similar to the role I had at Auburn—a shot hunter, especially from three, and someone who defends on the other end,” Kelly said. “Playing with guys like Cooper and Ryan, who draw a lot of attention, allows me to be an outlet and make open shots.”
Teaming Up with Ryan Nembhard
Kelly and fellow Mavericks two-way signee Ryan Nembhard built a relationship during the pre-draft process and now share the backcourt during Summer League. Their chemistry has been immediate.
“He’s the ultimate point guard—a floor general,” Kelly said. “Shooters love playing with guys like him. He gets everyone involved and makes the offense flow.”
Kelly also backed Nembhard’s scoring ability, which Nembhard said earlier in the week is often overlooked.
“He can score at will. If you need a bucket, he’ll go get one,” Kelly said. “And he’s been doing a great job knocking down that open three. That’s something point guards have to do in today’s game.”
Ready for the Moment, Grounded in Work
The Las Vegas Mavericks’ Summer League opener has drawn significant attention, with average ticket prices over $200. But for Kelly, who played in high-pressure moments during Auburn’s Final Four run, it’s just another game.
“It probably would’ve before Auburn, but now I’ve played in so many big games I’m used to it,” he said. “We’ve all been here the past two weeks working on our games and our camaraderie. This is what we’ve been preparing for.”
Since the end of the college season, Kelly has focused on his body, conditioning, and daily habits.
“The main thing has been my body—staying in the weight room, working with Coach B, making sure I’m eating right and getting the right nutrition,” he said. “But I’m working on all aspects of my game to keep improving.”
“In Due Time”
The moment still hasn’t fully hit Kelly. A line from a Future song recently stopped him in his tracks.
“He said, ‘I’m playing for the Dallas Mavericks,’ and that really hit home for me,” Kelly said. “It still hasn’t hit me yet. I’m just blessed to be in this position.”
Asked what he would title this new chapter in his life, Kelly didn’t hesitate.
“In Due Time.”
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