Rookies with Receipts: Dallas Rookies That Mean Business

The new era in Dallas isn't just about Anthony Davis. It's about the kids, too. This year's rookie class has quietly become one of the most important in recent Mavs history. While the depth may be necessary, it's more about redefining the team's identity beyond its stars. 

With Kyrie Irving out until at least January, the Mavericks are looking to the future. Dallas' sole draft pick this offseason was the number one overall in Cooper Flagg. The organization has also signed four other rookies this cycle, including two two-way players. This rookie class is more than background noise; it's the heartbeat of a team building for the present and future.

Cooper Flagg

The spotlight is brightest on Flagg across the league as the number one pick. Despite his young age, his maturity has been noted as a strength, complementing his diverse skill set. His size and skill give Dallas a new dimension on both sides of the floor. The biggest question for rookies in general is whether they can adjust to the NBA competition and handle the minutes they are given. Flagg has practiced with Team USA Olympic in the past; hopefully, those experiences will aid him in his new role.

Matthew Cleveland

Matthew Cleveland was signed to the Mavs in July. The rookie guard started his college career at Florida State University, where he won ACC Sixth Man of the Year as a freshman in 2021-22. After two years there, he transferred to Miami University and averaged 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, earning an All-ACC Team Honorable Mention nod. He shot 38 percent from three in his final season, as well. His shooting ability should serve the Mavs well pending his acclimation to the league.

Moussa Cisse

The big man, Moussa Cisse, out of Conakry, Guinea, spent five years in college at the University of Mississippi, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Memphis. Cisse began his freshman year at Memphis and ended up there again in his fifth year. He averaged 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in those five years. In Stillwater, Cisse was named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year for OSU in 2022. At six foot ten, he has an intimidating presence in the paint, which can give Dallas depth behind their tenured big men.  

Miles Kelly

One of two two-way players, Miles Kelly, shows promising talent coming out of Auburn University. He spent three seasons with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and transferred to Auburn in his senior year. Last season, he averaged 11.3 points while shooting 38 percent from three. He was not drafted, but signed to the Mavs' summer league team and performed well, earning himself a two-way contract. He will likely spend most of his time in the G-League to start, but his ability to light up the scoreboard and hit big shots may earn him a permanent call-up. 

Ryan Nembhard

The Canadian guard, Ryan Nembhard, attended Montverde Academy and spent four years in college. He started at Creighton University, where he was Big East Freshman of the Year in 2021, and finished his collegiate career with the Gonzaga University Bulldogs. He went undrafted but performed well in the Las Vegas summer league, where he averaged 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 0.7 steals in three games. He has shown great promise on the pick-and-roll and in commanding a strong court presence. He signed his two-way contract the week after the draft.