Melvin

Ajinca

Ajinca was selected by the Knicks with the 51st overall pick in last month’s draft, with his draft rights being traded to the Mavericks. Dallas has one open two-way slot to work with, which could be what Ajinca is competing for this summer. He was solid against the Jazz, even if the shooting accuracy left something to be desired. He was active on both ends of the floor, and that effort stands to be Ajinca’s best path to an NBA contract.

Ajinca played one professional season for Saint-Quentin in the Betclic Elite league in France where he averaged 13.6 points, 4.9 boards, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.4 triples per-36-minutes. His shooting percentages of 37.5% from the field, 79.7% from the charity stripe and 30.9% from beyond the arc left a lot to be desired, but at 6’8, 218, he’s athletic and has the physical tools to succeed at the next level. Ajinca is a raw talent in need of development, but he’s got a high ceiling which is likely what made him attractive to the Mavericks. It is unclear what they had to give up to move up in the draft, but they have a high upside project to develop. He may not come over to play in the NBA immediately, but he does have some fun upside.