The Dallas Mavericks are shaking things up ahead of training camp, making a bold move by signing 7-foot-5 center Jamarion Sharp to an Exhibit 10 contract. This decision, announced earlier this week, has added an intriguing layer of competition to the Mavericks’ roster as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. With training camp looming at the end of the month, the race for Dallas’ final open roster spot—likely a two-way contract—has become one of the most compelling storylines of the preseason.
The Mavericks, under the leadership of General Manager Nico Harrison and Head Coach Jason Kidd, have a reputation for keeping a two-way contract spot open heading into training camp. This strategy allows players to prove themselves on the court, fostering a competitive environment where only the most deserving earn a place on the roster. With Sharp’s signing, Dallas now has 20 players on their training camp roster, including other Exhibit 10 signees Matthew Cleveland and Moussa Cisse. The competition is fierce, and one of these players is likely to join Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly as the team’s third two-way player.
Sharp, a towering figure with a 7-foot-9 wingspan, brings elite size and rim protection to the table. His physical attributes make him a unique prospect, but his journey to the NBA has not been without challenges. Despite his time with the Mavericks’ Summer League teams and last year’s training camp roster, Sharp has struggled to add muscle to his frame, a concern for a player of his stature. Meanwhile, Cisse, a 6-foot-11 center, offers a more filled-out physique and brings high energy and better floor-running ability. The third contender, Matthew Cleveland, a wing with promising shooting and size, could also steal the spot with his versatility.
The addition of Jamarion Sharp is a calculated gamble for Dallas. At 7-foot-5, Sharp’s height and length are unparalleled, offering a defensive presence that could anchor the paint in emergency situations. His potential to protect the rim is a valuable asset for a Mavericks frontcourt that has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Key big men like Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II have struggled to stay healthy, making depth at the center position a priority for Harrison and Kidd.
However, Sharp’s signing is not without risks. His inability to bulk up over the past year raises questions about his durability and ability to compete against the NBA’s physical bigs. In contrast, Cisse, who is six inches shorter but nearly matches Sharp’s weight, may offer a more NBA-ready frame. Cisse’s energy and developing physicality make him a compelling long-term project, though he lacks the same defensive upside as Sharp.
While Sharp and Cisse battle for the center spot, Matthew Cleveland presents an intriguing alternative. The wing showed flashes of brilliance during Summer League, notably dropping 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting against the Orlando Magic. His ability to stretch the floor and provide size on the perimeter could complement Dallas’ existing roster, which already includes promising rookies like Nembhard, Cooper Flagg, and Kelly. If the Mavericks prioritize versatility over size, Cleveland could emerge as the dark horse in this roster competition.
The Mavericks’ decision to sign Sharp to an Exhibit 10 contract signals their confidence in his potential, but it also reflects their broader strategy of fostering competition. Whether Sharp, Cisse, or Cleveland ultimately secures the final two-way spot, the player is likely to serve as emergency depth rather than a regular rotation piece. Dallas’ frontcourt injuries have exposed their need for reliable big men, and Sharp’s unique physical tools could provide a safety net if injuries strike again.
The choice between Sharp’s elite rim protection, Cisse’s energy and physicality, or Cleveland’s versatility will not be an easy one. Each player brings distinct strengths and weaknesses, and the Mavericks’ coaching staff will have to weigh these carefully during training camp and preseason games.
As the Mavericks gear up for training camp, all eyes will be on how Sharp, Cisse, and Cleveland perform. For Sharp, this could be the year he finally breaks through to earn his first NBA regular-season roster spot. His journey from Summer League standout to potential two-way player is a testament to Dallas’ willingness to take risks on high-upside prospects. Whether this daring play pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Mavericks are not afraid to think big—literally and figuratively—in their pursuit of a championship-caliber roster.