The Dallas Mavericks are signing undrafted free agent Jamarion Sharp to a one-year contract, per Turner Sports insider Chris Haynes.
Undrafted free agent center Jamarion Sharp – tallest player in college at 7-5 – has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, his agent Scott Nichols of @Rize_Management tells @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/24TjZwNXTV
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 2, 2024
The tallest player in college last season at 7-foot-5, Sharp averaged 3.7 blocks per game in his collegiate career. He won back to back Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year awards after averaging 4.4 blocks per game with Western Kentucky. However, he didn’t get those blocks just because of his height. Sharp is also a fluid and coordinated athlete with great timing and defensive instincts.
At the other end, Sharp’s game is all but limited to making plays in the dunker’s spot. His ability to finish through contact and his soft touch could make him a bit more dynamic than the typical lob threat.
Mavs Sign Jamarion Sharp To One-Year Contract
The Mavs aren’t going into their deal with Sharp blind. The 22-year-old played for Dallas during the Summer League, averaging 2.6 blocks in 14.7 minutes per game. He also pulled down a respectable 16.8 percent of his rebounds, which could help him earn situational minutes.
7’5 Jamarion Sharp showed a lot of flashes for the Mavs in the summer league.
Sharp moves extremely well for his height and finished averaging 3 Blocks per game in only 15 Minutes per game. pic.twitter.com/wYXeTfa1Lf
— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) July 21, 2024
With that being said, barring an injury to Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II, Sharp’s services are unlikely to be needed. Last season, Gafford and Lively proved to be a terrific 1-2 punch at the pivot. Following the 2024 All-Star Break, the duo averaged a combined 11.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game.
At the offensive end, both are largely restricted to being lob finishers, like Sharp. Nonetheless, the attention that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving draw make them excellent release valves in the offense. Their hyper-efficiency only adds to their importance, as they’re not wasting their opportunities to cash in around the rim.
If he does hear his name called, Sharp will play within himself, focusing on his strengths. This is key to both his consistency and the team’s efficacy. Yet, that shouldn’t prevent the Mavs from seeing what might lie beneath the surface. Whether it’s in garbage time or in G League assignments, his nascent scoring skills could be honed.
