In a bold move to reshape their roster around stars Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson while Kyrie Irving recovers from injury, the Dallas Mavericks have made waves this offseason with a series of strategic signings and a surprising demotion. The most eyebrow-raising decision? Waiving former Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Moi Hodge and reassigning him to their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, as reported by Spotrac’s Keith Smith. This move signals a clear shift in Dallas’ priorities, aiming to bolster their backcourt depth and redefine their season trajectory.
A Busy Offseason for Dallas
The Mavericks have been aggressive in fortifying their lineup. They signed D’Angelo Russell to add scoring punch, extended contracts for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford to solidify their frontcourt, and brought in Dennis Smith Jr. on an Exhibit 10 contract for additional backcourt flexibility. These moves reflect Dallas’ intent to build a versatile, competitive roster capable of contending in a stacked Western Conference.
However, to make room for these additions, tough decisions were necessary. Enter D’Moi Hodge, the undrafted guard out of Missouri who spent the 2023-24 season bouncing between the Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, and Greece’s Aris Thessaloniki. Despite showing flashes of defensive tenacity, Hodge was waived by Dallas and immediately signed to a G League deal, ensuring he’ll play stateside for the Texas Legends in Frisco this season.
Hodge’s Journey: From the NBA to the G League
Hodge’s path to the NBA has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2023, he signed a two-way contract with the Lakers, appearing in seven games during his rookie season. His standout moment came against the San Antonio Spurs, where he scored a career-high five points. However, his time in Los Angeles was short-lived, as the Lakers waived him before trading him to Portland’s G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix.
In the G League, Hodge leaned into his strength: perimeter defense. Averaging 1.4 steals per game while playing for the South Bay Lakers and Rip City Remix, he showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His shooting, however, remained a work in progress, with a 27.9% three-point percentage during his stint with Aris Thessaloniki in the Greek and Euro Leagues, where he averaged 6.6 points and 1.4 assists across 34 games.
Despite his defensive prowess, Hodge’s path back to the NBA with Dallas seems blocked for now. The Mavericks’ backcourt is crowded with established talent like Irving, Thompson, Russell, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and Brandon Williams. This depth makes it unlikely for Hodge to earn a main roster spot this season, relegating him to a developmental role with the Texas Legends.
The Texas Legends: A Chance for Redemption?
The Texas Legends are coming off a dismal 2023-24 campaign, winning just eight games and finishing second-to-last in the G League’s Western Conference. With only Jamarion Sharp, Jazian Gortman, Teafale Lenard, and Dakota Rivers returning from last season’s roster, the Legends are desperate for a turnaround. Hodge’s addition could provide a spark, particularly on the defensive end, where his knack for steals could disrupt opponents and create transition opportunities.
The Mavericks have a history of leveraging their G League affiliate effectively. Last season, injuries forced Dallas to elevate players like Brandon Williams and Kessler Edwards from the Legends to the main roster. While Hodge may not see NBA minutes soon, a strong G League performance could keep him on Dallas’ radar for future call-ups or even attract attention from other NBA teams.
What This Means for Dallas’ Season
The decision to demote Hodge underscores Dallas’ commitment to prioritizing proven talent and immediate impact players. With stars like Flagg, Davis, and Thompson leading the charge, and a deep backcourt featuring Russell and Irving (once healthy), the Mavericks are clearly aiming for a playoff push. Hodge’s demotion, while a tough break for the young guard, allows Dallas to streamline their roster and focus on chemistry and cohesion.
For Hodge, the move to the G League is both a challenge and an opportunity. His time with Aris Thessaloniki was not a resounding success, and his shooting struggles have followed him from the NBA to Greece. A strong season with the Legends could help him refine his offensive game while continuing to showcase his defensive skills, potentially earning him another shot at the NBA.
A Season-Defining Shakeup
The Mavericks’ offseason moves, capped by the surprising demotion of D’Moi Hodge, signal a team in transition. By prioritizing star power and depth, Dallas is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Western Conference. For Hodge, the road ahead lies in Frisco, where he’ll look to prove he belongs in the NBA. As the Texas Legends aim to rebound from a forgettable season, Hodge’s defensive tenacity could be a key piece in their puzzle.
Whether this roster shakeup truly redefines Dallas’ season remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Mavericks are all-in on building a championship-caliber team, and no stone—or player—will be left unturned in their pursuit of success.