Ricky

Ledo

Take it with a major grain of salt. Sleeper has an unclear definition and prospects are regularly overhyped at this time of year, so we’re not putting a ton of stock into it. That being said, Ledo could emerge as one of the better value picks in the draft, but teams are also reportedly scared of Ledo having “a number of things in this off-the-court life.”

He put up some red flags after sitting out last year at Providence for academic reasons and also went to four different high schools. However, he was one of the most creative players with the ball in Vegas and he can break down defenders off the dribble. If and when he gets minutes, he’ll be a fun player to watch.

Ledo was the 43rd overall pick in June’s draft. The former top high school prospect never played at Providence, making his game a bit of a mystery heading into the draft. He’ll likely spend this season working in the D-League.

He’s barely playing in garbage time with Dallas, but he’ll get far more opportunities as part of the Texas Legends’ roster.

The Mavericks have an extra roster spot for tonight with Shawn Marion (shoulder) out, but Ledo will just be an emergency guy. He is really fun to watch and likes to dominate the ball when he’s out there, but shooting just 39.8 percent in the D-League this season indicates he’s not ready for a regular role any time soon.

Ledo isn’t worth consideration in fantasy leagues until he cracks the Mavericks rotation. He has the skill set to contribute and could get a look if Shawn Marion misses time with his ankle injury. Ledo averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 29.8 minutes over 14 games for the Legends.

“You saw how he played the other night. It didn’t go well,” said Carlisle. “We just need Shane and Ricky [Ledo] and all our young guys to always have an edge and always be as competitive as possible.” Larkin has been recalled from the D-League but he’s fallen out of the rotation with Devin Harris healthy, and he’s obviously not in favor with Carlisle, so there’s no reason to touch him in any leagues.

Ledo is fighting for a roster spot in Sacramento, but even if he does make the team, he won’t have much value at all competing for reserve minutes with Ben McLemore, Omri Casspi and Garrett Temple.

He’s only 23 years old, so he still has plenty of time to work his way back to the NBA. Ledo averaged 21.1 points per game in the D-League last season before finishing the year in Puerto Rico.

He needs the playing time and is a bit of a raw talent. Ledo has a lot of flash to his game, so playing with the Texas Legends can help him develop into a more well-rounded guy. If he can develop a shot, the rookie could eventually crack the Mavs rotation.